privacy and in the 1980s as we're watching celebrities sort of play out onstage, "hey, i want to join, too." all the world becomes a stage and you start seeing shows like "real people" or "the people's court." announcer: the people's court -- where reality television is taken one step further. to see more tv, producers had to come up with new and different ways to give them television. don't. be. stupid. carl, get over here! [ screams ] i told you not to be stupid! bianculli: what "cops" did was it took away the script and just brought the camera people and the crews on location to try and catch actual things happening. cocaine... possession of a stolen firearm no less. what else are you gonna do? (vo) it's time to switch to verizon. sadie did. and now she has myplan. the first unlimited plan that lets her choose exactly what goes in it.