n. A reality-based television show that contains footage of accidents and violence.
1998
A study begun three years ago in response to public anxiety about violence on television has found a steady decline in violent fare on the broadcast networks, one area excepted, according to the third and final annual report, released here today.
The exception is a proliferation of "reality specials" with titles like "When Animals Attack" and "World's Scariest Police Shootouts," programs that the study's authors derided as "shockumentaries."
The exception is a proliferation of "reality specials" with titles like "When Animals Attack" and "World's Scariest Police Shootouts," programs that the study's authors derided as "shockumentaries."
1997
They've been called everything from exploitive to thinly disguised snuff films.
They are animal "shockumentaries" — reality-based programs that show animals attacking people — and they are easily the most violent shows on television.
They are animal "shockumentaries" — reality-based programs that show animals attacking people — and they are easily the most violent shows on television.
1986 (earliest)
Tuesday: Three all-Canadian slice-and-dicers — Psycho Girls, Fear Stalker and the video "shockumentary" Splatter: Architects of Fear — are premiered, with the filmmakers in attendance.