Cue the Sun!

The Invention of Reality TV

De: Emily Nussbaum

Narrado por: Gabra Zackman

The rollicking saga of reality television, a “sweeping” (The Washington Post) cultural history of America’s most influential, most divisive artistic phenomenon, from the Pulitzer Prize–winning New Yorker writer—“a must-read for anyone interested in television or popular culture” (NPR)

“Passionate, exquisitely told . . . With muscular prose and an exacting eye for detail . . . [Nussbaum] knits her talents for sharp analysis and telling reportage well.”—The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)

In development as a docuseries from the studio behind Spencer and Spotlight

ONE OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE AND THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Boston Globe

FINALIST FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION

Who invented reality television, the world’s most dangerous pop-culture genre? And why can’t we look away? In this revelatory, deeply reported account of the rise of “dirty documentary”—from its contentious roots in radio to the ascent of Donald Trump—Emily Nussbaum unearths the origin story of the genre that ate the world, as told through the lively voices of the people who built it. At once gimlet-eyed and empathetic, Cue the Sun! explores the morally charged, funny, and sometimes tragic consequences of the hunt for something real inside something fake.

In sharp, absorbing prose, Nussbaum traces the jagged fuses of experimentation that exploded with Survivor at the turn of the millennium. She introduces the genre’s trickster pioneers, from the icy Allen Funt to the shambolic Chuck Barris; Cops auteur John Langley; cynical Bachelor ringmaster Mike Fleiss; and Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim, the visionaries behind The Real World—along with dozens of stars from An American Family, The Real World, Big Brother, Survivor, and The Bachelor. We learn about the tools of the trade—like the Frankenbite, a deceptive editor’s best friend—and ugly tales of exploitation. But Cue the Sun! also celebrates reality’s peculiar power: a jolt of emotion that could never have come from a script.

What happened to the first reality stars, the Louds—and why won’t they speak to the couple who filmed them? Which serial killer won on The Dating Game? Nussbaum explores reality TV as a strike-breaker, the queer roots of Bravo, the dark truth behind The Apprentice, and more. A shrewd observer who adores television, Nussbaum is the ideal voice for the first substantive history of the genre that, for better or worse, made America what it is today.

©2024 Emily Nussbaum (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Nussbaum serves as a helpful guide to reality TV’s past and present, peppering Cue the Sun! with well-researched details, lively anecdotes, and primary-source accounts of the genre’s checkered development across decades. . . .”—Los Angeles Review of Books

“Sweeping . . . Nussbaum shines a light on the people who have made some of television’s most beloved and most controversial reality shows.”—The Washington Post

“Passionate, exquisitely told . . . with muscular prose and an exacting eye for detail . . . [Nussbaum] knits her talents for sharp analysis and telling reportage well.”—The New York Times

a good synopsis of the history of reality tv

very interesting to see how much reality tv has evolved for contestants and crew. it's true for to write that reality tv is kind of just a long commercial and the stars are spokespeople. looking forward to more analysis from others on this topic.

How Reality TV Shaped Present America

Wondering how we have the current presidential administration? This will help you understand while also exploring our voyeuristic obsession with reality TV.

A Fun Romp

I loved the way Nussbaum started with Candid Camera, Queen for a Day and other oldies and then moved all the way to the modern day self-aware jumble of today’s reality dregs. I could have asked for less in-depth study of some reality “stars” and producers. Also her empathy for non-union crew was completely mitigated by her addition to the genre. The narration was so-so. I recommend.

Detailed research

Well written detailed history shows how pop culture affects current events. Engaging reader st rapid pace.

Enjoyed Every Minute

Such a great combination of interesting and fun. A great read if you love learning about American History and culture.

Cue the sun

A real page, turner, or, in the case of audible, “ear candy“, extremely well researched, and informative.

Great review of reality tv and how it emerged

Thoughtful informative discussion of the evolution of reality tv. It provides great context to the subject of reality tv.

Solid reporting

A smart analysis of the most important and troubling program trend in TV. And as it turns out national politics

A reality TV lover’s dream

Fascinating eye opening stories behind reality TV. Would have liked to hear more about the more recent shows. I most enjoyed the real world stories. Amazing narrator and an overall well written informatuve listen

A must for reality tv junkies!

I really loved this book. Someone who is a pop culture obsessed as myself this was a must listen. I enjoyed hearing about how the early concept of reality tv can date back to the radio show days and enjoyed hearing the behind the scenes scoop.