Reality fans had a bit of a challenge on their hands trying to watch their favorite shows at the Emmys a couple decades ago. Though the reality-competition program and reality program categories were first introduced in 2000, only one was part of the live telecast. And in 2004, there was a notable contrast in the spectacle with which each award was handed out.
Reality-competition program got an extended bit onstage with host Garry Shandling and two nonindustry people to present the award, which was given out on Sept. 16, 2004. But plain old reality competition earned its award at the separate Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards a few days earlier, on Sept.
12. At least both ceremonies were held in the Shrine Auditorium. Keeping it really real Who better to present a reality TV show award .
.. on live television before millions .
.. than a couple of regular, totally real people? Well, that was the bit as Shandling helped usher two totally regular people — Bruce Milem and Amy Shoalson — onto the Shrine stage, blindfolded and wearing headphones, having no idea where they were going.
“We have flown people in from out of town,” Shandling told the audience. Shoalson and Milem stared at the audience before them, dumbfounded, then started recognizing some famous faces, calling out Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and others. “They don’t know where they are.
...
They were in a trailer in the back, blindfolded.” “I’m a fan of everybody out here,” said Milem. �.
