When you look at the current state of reality TV, at least on the mainstream level, the shows that tend to be more successful have been around for a while. It's difficult today to show the audience something they haven't seen before, and I think that's what tends to be the secret to any great, big reality hit.

I think when you add a layer of competition, I think that adds something to it as well. It's also fun to see people who have talent given a platform and an opportunity to shine and an opportunity to become recognized for what they do.

When you look at the current state of reality TV, at least on the mainstream level, the shows that tend to be more successful have been around for a while. It's difficult today to show the audience something they haven't seen before, and I think that's what tends to be the secret to any great, big reality hit.

However, I think that sometimes when shows do, you know, have a good season or a bad season, it comes down to something as simple as the crop of contestants that year, and do they break through in a way that makes the audience excited. Those are the kinds of things that tend to make a difference, more so than tweaks to the format and that sort of stuff, as much as we, obviously, would all like to try to assume that it's in our power.

I think it's really hard to say now what makes a show kind of sink or swim, and what creates longevity. For instance, I think that Survivor is a very well produced show. It's very simple, it's very elemental, and I think it gets into big issues. I think American Idol has been an amazing show for many, many seasons.