- Week 12 -

- How have game shows influenced reality TV?

The number of elements shows that reality TV has influenced entertainment formats such as soup opera or game shows. The entertaining genres could one of the genres that contribute on the development of reality programming.

First of all, the several aspects of game show transported to popular factual programming. In fact, the different television quiz is fully formatted by the combination of luck, knowledge and skill that normally people facing life-transforming decisions in life (Hill, 2005). Every day I face decision-making although it is simple or complex. A series like Survivor which is the famous reality TV also includes the competitors facing life-transforming decisions for survive through the game (Hill, 2005). During the reality programming, it could approach to the particular character’s personalities and actions.

The emphasis part of the programme is ‘the reveal’ (Hill, 2005). In Hill’s reading, the meaning of reveal is the emotional reaction of the contestants’ family like in American Idol and Project Runway. It also could be a physical difference which is covered in The Biggest Loser.

Moreover, “popular entertainment shows such as talk shows or game shows include interaction between non-professional actors and celebrities” (Hill, 2005, p.21). For example, Project Runway which is hosted by the model Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks is the host in America’s Next Top Model. The competitors of both two programmes are the normal people who want to be famous designer and model. I think it is a good idea to set the host with professional people in the reality TV. The participants might get a strong motivation from their admire experts when they want to abandon during the challenge. Also professional celebrities could give some advices or telling their experiences to encourage.

- How ‘real’ is reality TV?

As I answered the first question, reality TV is composed of various other genres’ formats such as documentary, talk shows or game shows. The notion of realism is centrally located in these genres. A number of television documentaries differently relied on the realism. “In terms of reality programming, the extent to which programmes such as Cops or Survivor address issues of realism, accuracy and truth is significant precisely” (Hill, 2005, p.20).

However, it might be hard to define that reality TV is fully formatted ‘real’. Although it is reality TV, may be some parts could delete or edit to make it in limited time. Throughout this work, sometimes, the fact incorrectly portrayed and misrepresented to audience. Therefore, I believe reality TV could not say it is fully show truly the real happens and events.

Reference:

Hill, A. (2005). The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15 – 40). Oxon: Routledge.