A still image from a reality show Dad, where are we going? [Photo/IC]

A TV host and deputy to the 12th National People's Congress has called for regulation of reality shows that have dominated Chinese TV in recent years, triggering a heated discussion online.

"It's time to guide and manage reality shows which have the same theme and are flooded with stunts and plots far from real life," Cao Kefan, a TV host with Shanghai Media Group, told The Paper.

Reality shows have enriched TV schedules and satisfied audiences, Cao admitted, but he questioned the seemingly limitless number of them. Last year nearly 200 were broadcast. This year the number may double, according to Cao.

The shows, mainly concentrating on singing, parent-child relations and challenges, caused audiences aesthetic fatigue and were replayed regularly due to their high production costs, said Cao.

The constantly broadcast shows squeeze the space for news, cultural and scientific programs, and shorten their own life cycles.

Far from real life, reality shows nowadays are filled with sensationalist plots and designed personalities, which make audiences continue watching actors' performances outside TV series or films.

To outshine rivals, some reality shows use stunts and vulgar performances to get a higher audience rating.

"These vulgar productions may have a negative influence on teenage audiences," said Cao.

Cao suggests that reality shows should seek approval before production begins and there should be guidance on production rules and ceilings placed on celebrities' sky-high salaries.

Some Internet users are supportive of Cao's proposal, with one saying: "It's really a bad experience for me to find reality shows bombarding a television channel. I feel bored if I cannot find any innovative and interesting TV productions."

However, some others have different opinions.

An Internet user named 0000 said: "Knowing reality shows are not that real, I just watch them for fun. It's unnecessary to guide or examine the shows. Let the audience decide which programs to watch".