Reiityssarjat

Reiityssarjat is a Finnish term commonly used to refer to reality television series—television programs that present unscripted, real-life situations featuring non-professional participants rather than trained actors. The genre encompasses formats in which the narrative is driven by everyday participants, often arranged around competition, dating, lifestyle, or survival elements. The editing process combines documentary-style footage with episodic structures, confessionals, and other storytelling devices to create story arcs that unfold across episodes.

Typical formats include competition-based shows, dating or relationship programs, general lifestyle or home-improvement series, and survival or travel formats. Although they are presented as real, producers and editors shape the narrative through selective filming, staging of challenges, and post-production decisions, raising questions about authenticity.

In Finland, as in many countries, reiityssarjat are produced for television channels and streaming services with local adaptations of international formats or original concepts. They often involve consent procedures, participant compensation, and considerations of privacy, representation, and labor conditions. Critics argue that such programs can exaggerate conflicts or reduce participants to stereotypes, while supporters point to entertainment value, audience engagement, and opportunities for participants beyond traditional employment.

Terminology: while reiityssarjat is used in everyday Finnish, the more common standard term in Finnish media is realiteettisarjat (realiteetti series). Reiityssarjat may reflect informal usage or typographical variation.

See also: reality television, media studies, Finnish broadcasting, documentary ethics.