How Mark Burnett Created the Reality TV Universe
You’re hired. From Survivor to The Voice to Shark Tank, Burnett perfected the formula that has come to dominate the mass appeal reality genre, offering monetary prizes and wringing drama out of relationships — and making himself fabulously wealthy, with a hit show airing almost every night of the week. The former British army paratrooper has also shaped American culture. The Apprentice — and its real-reality spin-off, The President — gave Burnett the leverage to embark on a series of projects promoting Christianity and conservative ideals now finding their political moment.
