Television and Popular Culture, Pt. 2

Icons

• What is an iconic title for a television show?
• Why/how is it iconic?

Icons

• Who is an iconic character from a television show?
• Why/how are they iconic?

Reality Television

• Supposedly shows real people in real situations
• However, most episodes are scripted and often feature amateur actors

So why are reality shows so popular?

Reality Television

• We desire to get behind a favorite character or person

Reality Television

• We have a natural sense of voyeurism; we like to know about or get into someone else's business

Reality Television

• For a contest show--we simply want to know who wins
• ("Signs of Life in the U.S.A.", 2019)

Sports and television

• Sports broadcasts have increased tremendously in the last ten years
• There is now big money in sports broadcasting

Critical Thinking Question

• Is it better to watch sports on television or in person?
• Why/why not?

Critical Thinking Question

• Any last words about television and popular culture?

Questions? Television and Popular Culture, Pt. 2