For the past decade, reality television has been plagued with a reputation of tactless, low-brow entertainment. Shows like “I Love New York” and “Rock of Love” hinged on ostentatious drama, rather than plot, and even the seemingly benign programs, such as ‘The Biggest Loser,” have relied on pettiness.

This season, however, it seems that networks are making an effort to increase the quality of reality television. NBC and ABC have launched ‘Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” respectively: two shows that inspire intellectual interest rather than showcase burnt-out fame-seekers.  

  “Who Do You Think You Are?” premiered on March 5, 2010, and is an adaptation of a British program of the same name. The show, created by Lisa Kudrow, follows celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, and Emmitt Smith as they trace their ancestry.

In the opening episode, Sarah Jessica Parker explores her heritage, which she thought was not deeply rooted in American history. Through the show, however, she learns of the surprising involvement of her ancestors in both the Gold Rush and the Salem Witch Trials. Similarly, Brooke Sheilds finds connections to history that neither she nor her family was aware of.

  Filled with suspense, “Who Do You Think You Are?,” which airs on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., is surprisingly satisfying. It reveals history in a personal way, inspiring students and adults alike to take an interest in their own genealogy.

Also stemming from the Britain “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” which premiered on March 21, 2010, is another attempt to raise the standard of reality television. Oliver, a celebrity chef, travels around the country, transforming unhealthful school cafeterias into nutritional centers, raising awareness of the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” which airs on Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m., is not only entertaining, but also provides viewers with insight on some of what burdens America.    

    While shoddy programs like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Jersey Shore” are still in existence, there are a growing number of intellectually driven shows that will at least provide a balance in the television spectrum.