Reality TV

Name a reality TV show that you either love or love to hate. Why?

Reality TV is a media genre which blurs fact, fiction and realism.

It is hard to define as it’s a HYBRID genre that is continually shifting and developing.

It was initially understood to present everyday life as entertainment; however most shows place participants in highly constructed situations.

Does reality TV really represent reality?

Reality TV now involves presenting a range of very structured scenarios, heavily edited to provide audience entertainment.

Can you name the genres that reality TV calls upon?

Hybrid Genres

• Documentary
• Soap Opera
• Game Show
• Talent Shows (Voting)

Recurring Events on Reality TV

• Transformation
• Symbloic Violence
• Humiliation

What are the conventions of reality TV?

How important is reality TV to audiences?

How frequently does it appear on the UK’s most popular TV channels?

Is reality TV more important to some channels?

Why?

Ru Paul's Drag Race

Codes and Conventions?
Audience?
Representation?

Benefits Street

Codes and Conventions?
Audience?
Representation?

Practical Task

Create a treatment for a new mainstream reality TV show for a set channel.

Follow reality TV conventions but also offer audiences something new.
Write a paragraph defining your target audience.
Write a 50 word pitch for your idea.
How will you represent people and places?

PITCH YOUR IDEAS

Ask questions!

Questions about the course.