@DrewDad,
These shows are cheap to produce and focus on the basest of human instincts, greed, lust, sloth, envy, despair (and most all of the other deadly sins).
I watched Survivor I and , after that, it was obvious that the shows were somewhat scripted and basically stupid. However, Im saying that expecting some content in tv is not gonna happen. Even the cable shows like "deadliest Catch " or "Ax Men" have grabbed the formula and Ill bet all we can expect is some guys following a bunch of people with a camera.
I dont know why they dont make a reality show out of "Fossil Hunters" Get some hotty paleo girl students and set out for the desrt and watch em hunt for dead lizards while gradually shucking clothing as the weather heats up.