Why is reality TV so popular for both programme makers and TV viewers?
I guess this is because for one part the creators can rely on the fact that they didn't need to hire actors, and originally didn't even need to write scripts, merely needing to supply the situation and film and go. This is an idea supported by Hills (2005) when describing original reality TV. But he does go on to mention that this is no longer the case and that they are now largely scripted and sometimes even have actors. Although I can offer no reference for as to why it is so popular to viewers, is because people like to watch other people and see their insecurites and flip outs in a way to make themselves feel better about themselves or relate to characters and take some kind of pride that a character that they believe is like them is on TV.
Reference
Hill, A. (2005) The reality genre. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. Oxon: Routledge.
What you have written is true, I suppose reality tv feeds on the idea that their audience is defined as being ordinary and attempt to display the life of an average joe as they try to do outrageous tasks or are put into an awkward environment, out of their comfort zone. Situations which the audience can generally relate to and can laugh about with out having to worry about embarrassing themselves. Although like you stated unscripted and no actors on set now have become a myth since these "randomly hand picked" individuals are trained before they actually attempt to do anything and told the lines they need to say. Good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Trevor,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with your point about reality TV shows having largely been scripted. This doesn’t make me feel like watching the show considered to be ‘reality show’ anymore. I am not a big fan of TV, but sometimes watch reality shows; And if I find they are scripted and practiced the plot a lot, then it is a bit disappointing.
For me, I watch the shows e.g. Project Runway, not because I want to watch people’s behavior, mainly because of the creative aspects in a show, and people who come up with innovative ideas. Not talking just pointless conversation even if they are ordinary people.
Hay Trevor, really interesting post! I’m not sure I agree with you on why reality TV is popular with viewers.. I agree that there is a sense of relatability between the contestants/actors on the shows and viewers but I don’t think it is has much to do with insecurities. Well I can’t say for everyone but I know for myself that it’s intriguing to watch human behaviour (I know that sometimes these shows are scripted). But sometimes it’s just funny to see how stupidly some people behave or shows such as Project Runway (as Kim mentioned) I watch because it’s awesome so see the talent of the designers on the show.
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