Reality TV Reflection

Reality television plays a large role in popular culture. I would describe it as a continuation of the soap opera era, in which drama dominates the screen and captures the attention of its viewers. Although we learned that soap operas have been on the decline in both the United States and the United Kingdom, reality television is surely picking up some of its slack. Though I have never been a consumer of either genre, I know many people that truly are Keeping up with the Kardashians. Supposedly a large number of people in the UK watch The Only Way is Essex to catch their dose of entertainment. Although it is certainly not my cup of tea, I gave a couple shows a try.

Of course, to preface, when I mention reality television, I am solely referring to the more “messy'' series. I generally do not consider game shows or contests, like Family Feud or The Great British Bake Off, to be reality television. However, it is a loose title for a genre and some may place these shows in that category.

Instead of those shows, which I enjoy and occasionally watch, I tried to look for something dramatic. I began with the Geordie Shore, the UK version of Jersey Shore. Having never watched the latter, I was unsure of what to expect. However, twenty minutes in I was bored and disgusted. The people on the show were some of the most self-conceited people with very little personality, and I had to switch programmes. My next choice was Squad Dates, a show where three girls from Middlesbrough meet three “outsiders” (in that they were not from Middlesbrough) and go on dates as this group of six. The two separate groups are already mates, and they hope to get along with an individual of the opposite trio. On each date, there are 3 couples; the girls decide which boy they would like to take out. However, despite this focus, the group still goes out together. Once the three dates are done and the girls have gotten their fair share of each lad, the girls decide which couple they found to be the most compatible. This couple then gets to go on a date at a 5 star hotel, and the show lets you know how long the two stay together right before the end credits.

I found this show tolerable and only found myself wanting to throw my remote at the telly once or twice. It had elements of humor and I found the six people relatively relatable and likable. This specific episode had very little drama; I have a feeling that most episodes are less smooth than this one. Despite this tame episode, I had a feeling the theme of the show seems to revolve around romantic relationships coming between friendships. I doubt I would watch another episode, but I would not be terribly opposed either.

This specific show was on the BBC; I found other reality shows on Netflix and iTV as well. This was one of the most accessible shows to watch, which was how I decided on it, but I know there are many more options that were available. I tried Gogglebox, a show about people watching the telly, before switching after about two minutes. Many reality TV shows bore me, as I do not care to watch people’s lives; I witness this all day. We live reality TV each day in a much less entertaining way. However, the drama does not attract me and I prefer comedy or adventure shows. It was nice to experience British reality TV once, but that was all I needed.