Why Do We Love Reality Shows?
So why has reality television become the bread and butter of many TV broadcasting stations? What is the fascination and why do they keep bringing in the ratings? What do we love about them?
I think it's down to the fact that these shows allow us as viewers to become more a part of the show and shape what we watch. We can all vote from home and choose who stays and who goes. Technology has played a part here as now you can vote via social networking sites as well as by phone or text. Years ago, you had the option to watch and that was it. Now you can interact.
My love for reality shows began when the first Big Bother was aired. The idea of putting 10 or 15 strangers into a house and film them may not sound appealing, but it makes for good viewing as everyone reacts to being locked up and filmed like that differently. I personally like the psychology of it all. I watch it the same way as the psychologist would watch the show even though I am not one. I find it very interesting watching people interacting and watching their behaviour. There is no place to hide and it's not long before you see people true self. It is easy to see when people are lying or being manipulative, and who is likely to do well. The nice guy always wins which is good. And the bullies or those with not so nice traits are shown for what they are. It makes you realise that there are many people out there far worse off than us.
Celebrity shows such as I'm a Celebrity Get me out of here are pure entertainment. Sadly we like to watch others suffer and this show does just that. Some of the trials the celebrities are put through just for food are most people's worst nightmares, but they make for brilliant TV.
Shows which are all about a particular celebrity or celebrity family are all the rage and proving popular. Celebrities going about their daily lives might not seem interesting to everyone but if you're a huge fan of say Katie Price you will want to watch a show with her in. Watching the Osborne's reality show was a great insight into how the family live and made for great TV.
Another reason why some of these shows are so popular is that are great for the whole family to watch. Talents shows have been around for a long time and growing up I remember my whole family sitting down to watch Opportunity Knocks and New Faces. Today I do the same with my kids and watch The Factor and Britain's got Talent. Sony Tv Serials