Reality T.V. is
made up of ‘unscripted’, humorous, dramatic or entertaining events featuring
real people in real situations. The genre exploded onto screens at the start of
the new millennium projecting money into producers’ pockets, instant fame for
contestants and top-notch guilty pleasures for viewers.
Give Them What They Want:
Big Brother, Britain’s Got Talent, I’m A
Celebrity…, The X Factor, The Voice, Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice; every UK-er’s heard of
them. And with an average of about 10 million viewers per show, most of us are
watching them too. Reality and talent based shows are the most popular form of
T.V. and have become a staple of pop culture.
The
phenomenon of this style of viewing has sparked questions as to whether the
content of the shows are actually interesting or simply addictive. As the shows
tend to be easy to get into, and to follow, they are easy viewing. In the same
way as soaps, many shun others for watching programmes that fail to challenge
the mind. But straightforward shows tend to spark relaxation in viewers, making them a ridiculously
popular form of escapism.
Fundamentally,
with the likes of The X Factor and The Voice at each other’s throats for
audience stats, the public has the power to choose what becomes fashionable.
Therefore, if reality T.V. was actually detested by the majority, no producer,
studio or host would be involved. And with spin-offs and merch galore, some
shows even become brands.
Winners (and
runners-up, who often tend to fair better) of the X Factor allow the public to share a slice of their life, and
experience their fame development too. Viewers are also in utter control of how
successful reality casts are in between series or storylines; if a contestant
is successful in the charts, it is down to audiences appreciating their music
or ‘talent.’
Social Stalking:
It all began
with Big Brother. In the summer of
2000, the show took to our screens and amused, delighted and fascinated
millions. In the early years of the decade, programmes such as Laguna Beach and The Hills formed a new sub-genre; location-based reality. Think, The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea.
Although many question
whether the programmes are actually authentic (‘some scenes may have been
created for entertainment purposes’ ring any bells?), these shows are becoming
as classic as ketchup. Although audiences got through phases concerning what
becomes most popular, this type of T.V. is exceedingly trendy.
Humans are
creeps. Anyone can deny it, but if you do so, you’re either a fool or a liar.
We enjoy watching other people, even more so when they can’t see us. Reality T.V. is a form of
socially-acceptable stalking allowing viewers to experience the emotional
outbursts of contestants on Big Brother,
singers on The X Factor or the
break-ups of the Made in Chelsea
cast.
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| Big Brother |
The fact is,
it is easier to watch someone else’s heartbreak, suffering or achievement than
experience our own. By watching someone’s relationship fall apart on T.V.,
audiences feel a direct part of the action, but are not physically involved.
Plus, we are creatures of emotion; many grow attached to shows’ elements or
contestants very quickly and relish in sharing someone’s rise to fame or fall
from grace.
Reality T.V.
also generates fantastic talking points. Think of all those awkward situations
you’ve saved yourself from by throwing in a mention of last night’s I’m A Celebrity… result or Wednesday’s Big Brother eviction. The genre is so
widespread that it has become a component of many social circles.
We live in a
world obsessed by celebrity. Celebrity culture is a massive part of
modern life, and the only thing more interesting than watching people’s lives
unfold is getting an insight into a well-known person’s life. Who would care if
I turned up to an event with lipstick on my dress and a chipped nail? No one.
But when it happens to Britney Spears
does it, its hot news.
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| Britney Spears |
Reality
T.V.
has become a huge part of television networks, and of our lives. It is driven
by a great financial market, human obsession and cheap production. But beyond anything, it’s addictive, easy watching
that’s endlessly lapped up by audiences the world over.
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