TV

We know that there's a lot of fakery in so-called reality shows. But do you know all the tricks some producers will use to get the results they want?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Here's the math behind that stat, for all you cord cutters or would-be cord cutters.

By Jonathan Strickland

"Game of Thrones" fans, beware spoilers — a new computer program predicts the death of the show's characters.

By Jonathan Strickland

The TV itself isn't the only thing that's changed over the last 65-plus years in the industry. Many things—some good, some, well, not so good—have contributed to America's obsession with the boob tube.

By Susan Sherwood

Spin-offs can make it big (hello, "Frasier"). Sometimes they don't (we loved you on "Friends," "Joey"). These 10 were huge—sometimes bigger than the original show.

By Susan Sherwood

Cha-ching! Talk about cashing in. Most TV actors are well paid, and then there are these TV actors. Their comedies may have had us in stitches, but they were the ones laughing — all the way to the bank.

By Susan Sherwood

TV influences the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the cars we buy—even the way we choose to meet our future spouses. So it's not too much of a stretch to think that TV can change the way we eat.

By Susan Sherwood

Did you know the original "Star Trek" was canceled after just three seasons? In fact, there's no shortage of other popular TV shows that got similar treatment and were nixed by their networks, despite fan loyalty and sometimes super-high ratings.

By Susan Sherwood

Slowly put down the remote control, and back away from the TV. Walter White will still be there when you get back. If this sounds like you, don't worry: 91 percent of people binge-watch their favorite shows. And these are some of the best for it.

By Susan Sherwood

Ever wonder how those crazy folks you watch on reality TV land on those shows? Are they related to the show's director or something? Nope. Reality TV producers use several methods to cast their shows.

By Gerlinda Grimes

It always happens. You, your mom, your neighbor and everybody else you know gets wrapped up in a new TV show, only to have the TV network cancel it. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to which TV shows survive on air. Or is there?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Ever wondered how reality TV shows really film all of that unscripted insanity? No need to wonder any longer. One of the HowStuffWorks writers tells what happened when reality TV came knocking on her door.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Oh, reality TV: fights, scheming, double-crossing, tears and drama. All of this "unscripted" reality can't possibly be real. So what's real, and what's fake in reality TV?

By Gerlinda Grimes

"Gunsmoke." "Law & Order." "The Simpsons." All of them long-running TV classics, which makes you wonder: Which TV show had the longest run in television history? The answer may surprise you.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Sure, we all feel like stars singing in the shower or into a hairbrush in the bedroom. But most of us don't feel confident enough in our vocal abilities to pursue our musical dreams. Is that why we live vicariously through singing competitions?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Ah, the charmed life of a TV actor: have one big hit TV show and then live like a king for years once all of those royalty checks start rolling in. Is that how royalties really work?

By Gerlinda Grimes

The public's knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes of our favorite TV shows is usually pretty good. We often know who most of the writers, producers and executive producers are. Now we're learning a new term: showrunner.

By Gerlinda Grimes

You can hear an awful lot of foul language when watching your favorite movies or shows — as long as they air on cable or the Internet. Who decides which words are too hot for broadcast TV?

By Gerlinda Grimes

American television networks have adapted British shows left and right. But a number of original British programs – er, make that programmes – have become hits with U.S. audiences, no translation necessary.

By Susan Sherwood

What was once considered obscene and indecent on television is laughable by today's standards. But shows have pushed boundaries as long as there's been TV. Which have given the FCC and network censors the most stress?

By Susan Sherwood

Must be a lot of fun to be on a TV game show, getting all of that attention (and not to mention all of those cool prizes!). What really goes on behind the scenes of your favorite game shows?

By Laurie L. Dove

From highbrow content (politics, literature) to more unrefined fare (paternity tests, cheating spouses), talk shows have been on the tube for as long as there has been television.

By Laurie L. Dove

Cable TV is ubiquitous now, but a little more than 50 years ago it was the unique, exotic way to see your favorite TV programs. What made cable TV a staple?

By Laurie L. Dove

It's a sure sign of spring in New York. Flowers? No, TV's upfront presentations. TV networks use upfronts to show off their new shows, and rake in advertisers' money.

By Laurie L. Dove

Those cable access channels you flip through may sometimes be the butt of jokes, but public access TV serves an important function in many communities.

By Laurie L. Dove