What is reality television? Ignoring the problem of what is real and what is a mere product of consciousness, I'm sure we could all name a number of television programs referred to as “Reality TV” – popular shows I'm told include Big Brother, Survivor, and The Biggest Loser.
These shows often take a formula that has been successful in one country and apply it back home in whatever country they’re in. They are something of an immersive game show. Another kind of reality television taps into domestic absurdity among the public, from Funniest Home Videos to Super Nanny and perhaps Dr. Phil.
In all cases they offer us an interesting insight into what people like to watch. We like watching ourselves. This is fundamental to being human; how many stories concern inanimate objects and their daily struggles to avoid breaking? Indeed, when you scan the art world, the majority of human culture is drenched in stories and pictures of humans (sans perhaps the Arabic regions in certain periods).
It's no wonder there is a cult of celebrity. Throughout their careers, Hollywood actors become icons that aid audiences in decoding the kind of film they are cuing up for. Their typecasting is driven by our attachment to the particular experience they represent.
And yet, reality TV does not embrace celebrity outside the cult of the expert. It zooms in on the ordinary experiences of ordinary people, especially the struggles, and each of these programs tends to glorify specific values. The Biggest Loser embraces a culture of self-improvement and Dr. Phil embraces “common sense” (though, I sense he has a heavy bias in what he considers right and wrong).
Big Brother appears to be the most hedonistic of programs. You have a collection of individuals who are forced to interact, given their collective situation, and people will do whatever it is that makes them happy. De-constructing the imagery and setting, the program seems to emphasize a culture of individualism and personal responsibility where attachment and collectivism carry the threat of loss.
Article comments
1 - Ty
"Dr. Phil embraces “common sense” (though, I sense he has a heavy bias in what he considers right and wrong)"
Dr. Phil's problem is that on show he asks too many leading questions. I understand he needs to use leading Q's at times to maintain control of the show, but basically every question he asks is leading and it ends up that people say what HE wants them to say. He forces people to make admissions that may not be true (We don't know because he forces them to respond how he wants).
"Reality TV tends to have a relatively short programming life. The ratings seem to peak for the original event and then decline with each consecutive season."
Very true. I watched the first season of The Apprentice, and found it mildly interesting, but when it came back I never tuned in. Only American Idol seems to captivate me to watch more and more of it.