Reality TV's big bottom line: Do these stars deserve such big paydays?

There's a little secret in the world of reality shows that may be undermining the very premise of the programs -- and it's not that the shows are as unscripted as their producers would like you to believe.

Once thought of as a cheap way to get programming on the air, reality shows like The Hills and The Real Housewives of New York City are facing increasing costs to meet the salary demands of their stars. In fact, some reality-show personalities are earning per-episode fees that approach or even exceed those of actors in scripted dramas or comedies.