By Clare Roche
The Real Housewives of Melbourne, the Bachelor, Big Brother and Love Island… What do all these shows have in common? No, not bad spray tans and champagne. They are part of Australia’s guiltiest pleasure – reality TV!
I’ll be the first to admit I have a bit of a problem. I can’t help but glue my eyes to the screen, watching hours of undeniably dumb but deliciously over the top drama. With reality TV shows dominating network and cable TV it seems I’m not alone. But what is it about cheating scandals, toddler pageants and Abby Lee Miller yelling at children that captivates a lounge room?
Reality TV is much like a soap opera only in disguise. The drama we have all come to know and love, is more often than not somewhat scripted. Producers package it in a little box with editing, slap a pretty bow in the guise of reality on top and BAM, suddenly it’s Christmas because we think we are watching something raw and different.
We set it apart from acclaimed series like Game of Thrones because the main characters aren’t Vikings fighting the undead, they’re ‘normal people’ given a shot at stardom, or a glimpse at the glamorous lives you could lead if you achieved it.
Unlike Game of Thrones, this form of content is also comparatively cheaper to produce. No big expensive writing teams or set designers are required, only alcohol and mini dresses. Sure, they won’t be nominated for an oscar or golden globe, but they will be able to get away with an overbearing and obnoxious amount of product placements.
We let them get away with that, all because watching other people’s problems play out in front of countless millions has a very cathartic effect. It’s not only an entertaining escape from our own problems, but it puts it in perspective.
The naughties gave birth to this noisy TV revolution, and since then the trend has been ruling the mainstream entertainment industry like a trashy Queen Elizabeth II. Despite this century dubbed “the platinum age of television,” it will continue to rule.
– So grab a chardonnay and get comfy!