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"Reality" TV (Read 2479 times)
Feb 22nd, 2003 at 10:03pm

WebbPA   Ex Member
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Most of us consider ourselves to be reasonable, intelligent people.  So maybe you can help me.

Why would anyone watch a "reality" tv show that in fact has nothing to do with reality.  People stuck on islands, marrying people they don't know, eating worms, etc.

I think the final nail in the coffin was "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" where none of the people are actual celebrities.

I've seen maybe an hour of various reality tv shows while channel surfing and they all bring up the same question - who would watch this drivel?

And don't tell me no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public - the XFL did.
 
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Reply #1 - Feb 22nd, 2003 at 11:47pm

denishc   Offline
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  For one thing, TV isn't about "reality".  Its about advertising!
  Programs that are entertaining attrack the most viewers, the more viewers the more exposure your product or service gets, the more valuable the ad time during these programs become, for both the network and advertiser.
  Unfortunatly some viewers belive watching people suffer is entertaining, or that "Marring a Millionaire" is romantic.  In some respects these programs pander to our darker sides.
  As for the networks, it saves on cost.  No sets, no scripts, no rehearsing, no "real" actors or "real" actor salaries.  The networks love it!!!
  "Reality" programming, like telephone solicitors, will never go away.  Not as long as there is someone willing to watch or listen.
 
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Reply #2 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 12:09am

Smoke2much   Offline
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I would agree with you except that here in the UK we have the good ole' BBC which has no advertising on it and that carries some "reality tv".

I think it comes down to the lowest common demnominator theory.  The vast majority of the general public are actualy quite stupid and require TV with no actual content to keep them happy.  Reality TV shows are cheap to make and contain confrontation and enough "hooks" to keep people interested in watching.

I personally exercise my right of choice and refuse to watch the darn things as I find them trite and a pointless waste of time.  There are some people who say the same about flight sims though......

Horses for courses I suppose.
 
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Reply #3 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 12:26am

WebbPA   Ex Member
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I agree with your theories about advertising, and these shows are doubltless cheap to make - but a "hook"?

These things couldn't hold my interest until I thought the commercial on the other station was over.  Who cares whether the guy can eat 10 or 20 worms before he pukes?  And I know the guy isn't going to marry the girl tonight - if I cared at all why not just wait until the last episode?
 
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Reply #4 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 4:09am

ozzy72   Offline
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We recently got these programs here. After successfully avoiding them in Britain they chased me here!
All I can say is thank God for CFS1 & 3, and FS2k2, I exercise my right to play these rather than watch drivel!

Ozzy Grin
 
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Reply #5 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 12:28pm

BFMF   Offline
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Reality shows are pointless. And there's so many of them! Angry
 
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Reply #6 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 12:49pm

Tequila Sunrise   Offline
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I agre totally with whats ben said, but I can't beleive noone has mentioned "Big Brother" yet. Theres another one just started over here, there were 20 odd people being taken through a jungle on a n SAS survival course, day 4 and 10 have quit  Grin.
 
If someone with multiple personality disorder threatens suicide, is it a hostage situation?

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Reply #7 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 1:04pm

Deputy   Offline
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Quote:

 Unfortunatly some viewers belive watching people suffer is entertaining. . . .



Thats what its all about. People like watching other people suffer. Its a sad fact of life. Who here watches "Jackass", "Real TV" or "America's Funniest Home Videos"? Its about people suffering. The producers dont mind people going through tremendous pain to get there money. They are selfish. And you dont mind watching the producer's show. If you watch a show, the producer did the job right. Don't ya'll agree?


-Brad
 
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Reply #8 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 1:11pm

Smoke2much   Offline
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By a "hook" I meant that they have things in them to encourage viewers to watch the next episode.

"Will Tony file his toenails, or has Sharon's ploy to hide the nail scissors been succesful...  Tune in next time etc"

This wouldn't work woth a reasonably intelligent person but as I stated these shows are aimed at the stupid.

Will Grin
 
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Reply #9 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 4:05pm

BFMF   Offline
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Has anyone heard of the reality shows "The Batchelor" or the "Batchlorette"?

Who in their right mind would want to do in a short amount of time just to get married ??? Roll Eyes
 
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Reply #10 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 8:30pm

OakRaiders   Offline
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Reality TV it's all nonsens the writters have gone over board with all these crazy ideas it's all crap if you ask me!
 
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Reply #11 - Feb 23rd, 2003 at 9:41pm

DanielF   Offline
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Well, I liked the first Surviver, but other than that, most "Reality" TV has been unrealistic.  It's just a reality that you have to eat 50 worms in two minutes...  Roll Eyes

Quote:
"Will Tony file his toenails, or has Sharon's ploy to hide the nail scissors been succesful...  Tune in next time etc"

lol, sounds interesting Cheesy
 
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Reply #12 - Feb 24th, 2003 at 12:18pm

WebbPA   Ex Member
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How about one where the guy picks the plain, flat chested girl because she's pleasant and they get along well?   NEVER HAPPEN.
 
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Reply #13 - Feb 24th, 2003 at 4:28pm

DanielF   Offline
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Quote:
How about one where the guy picks the plain, flat chested girl because she's pleasant and they get along well?   NEVER HAPPEN.


Well, I've seen that happen on Meet the Folks a few times
 
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Reply #14 - Feb 26th, 2003 at 3:24am

Redsunfox   Offline
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Grin

    Big Brother?  sounds just like Orwell  (George) we
  already have  Big Brother it's called Homeland Security!
 
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