The First Reality Show: An American Family

Craig Gilbert Is The Man Who Ruined It All

Craig Gilbert was the creator of An American Family, and thereby the creator of the first reality television show ever. Not long after filming, Craig appeared alongside the Louds on the Dick Cavett show where he was accused of exploiting the family and betraying their trust.

Craig was played by James Gandolfini in the movie Cinema Verite. In 2011, Craig was still living in the same one bedroom apartment that he had for over twenty years. He said about the show, “An American Family changed the lives of the Louds, and it changed my life. It was pretty damn tumultuous, and I don’t want to go over it anymore.”