Reality TV Stimulates Me
August 8, 2009 by Barbara Jacoby
Filed under Creating Happiness
Let’s qualify that title a bit. I am not referring to those “reality” programs that have contestants eating bugs or doing stupid tricks and I am not naïve enough to believe that editing is not the single biggest component in the final product that we see in each weekly episode. But, I have a genuine fascination with the working of people’s minds as they try to maneuver and manipulate others to do/view things in the same way as they do.
These programs break down into two categories. The first is the talent competitions that include participants who are being judged. My particular interest is in those judges and the commentary that they direct not only to the performers but to the other judges and most importantly, what they throw out to the audience who will be those who will ultimately cast their votes.
I have kept a little mental log regarding the judges’ comments which are skewed toward their favorites and the ultimate viewer voting. It is absolutely unbelievable how the audience vote is almost always the same as the judges except for one show, which I will discuss in a minute. For me, a perfect example of that was the recent finale of “So You Think You Can Dance”. The season leaders and consistently best performers were thrown under the bus in the last show and the resulting outcome was exactly the performer to whom the two main judges had thrown their support in that final performance show. I must say that if it weren’t for my love of the wonderfully choreographed routines being performed by such incredibly talented dancers, I really would never watch the show again.
The only show that I have seen where the voters’ voting does not normally follow the judges’ commentary is “American Idol” and I really do find that rather refreshing. The part that I haven’t figured out yet regarding that show is whether the viewers purposely vote against Simon Cowell because of his abrasive remarks or whether they are truly voting based upon their own favorites. Since I have not really followed this show, I will have to do some future analysis in order to make a better determination.
The second type of shows that intrigues me is the type like “Big Brother”. Now in its 11th season, I have been a fan since the beginning. In this show, they put together a group of approximately 12 individuals from various backgrounds to live together in a secluded house for 3 months. Each week, the houseguests vote out one of the remaining group until the final two appear before a jury of the voted out houseguests who have been kept in a second secluded location after having been voted out of the main house. The voted out houseguests determine the winner.
This is the most interesting competition to me. I am so intrigued by the different ways in which the players choose to play the game, how and when they make alliances, how they change their approaches when certain tactics don’t work, how they backstab each other and so forth. I have actually subscribed to the 24-hour internet feed from the house so that I can see so much more than what the edited version can ever show in 3 episodes a week. And when that final vote comes from the previously evicted houseguests, I feel as though the winner is truly the one who should be winning the prize.
I don’t know whether others perceive reality shows in any particular way like I do or whether they just watch for the sheer entertainment value that they provide but if you do have a certain fascination with a show or a group of shows, I would really like for you to share them.
I would love your comments.
I don’t watch most “reality” shows. But I do love American Idol. I feel sad for those who think they have great singing talent, yet are awful at it. I heard Kelly Pickler’s take on this, “Everyone’s talented. They just have to find out what it is!” She seems to have such a sweet heart.
My favorite “reality” show is America’s Funniest Videos. I know some are set up, but most are REAL reality.
Kelly Pickler is my favorite of all of the Idol participants. She is so sweet and down to earth and has such a lovely voice. That certainly sounds like a comment that she would make. I like America’s Funniest Videos. I just need more videos maybe and less talk to keep me interested but they sure do get a lot of really funny stuff to air.
Well, as I found out by writing here, the cosmo (sandwich) is pretty much in the Williamsport, PA area where I was born and raised. We were definitely raised on meat and potatoes, too. With regard to your combinations, I am definitely going to have to try these out as well. And since they both include chocolate, I’ll bet that we can get Mandi, our resident chocoholic, to join in. Thanks for the suggestions. Should be fun testing.
I love reality shows. Unfortunately at this time we don’t have cable so I have missed my favorites (The Real World, The Bad Girls Club) but I have watched some shows that I have never watched before. Currently I have been watching Big Brother, and I love it! For me, I watch these strictly for entertainment purposes. It’s nice to know that my life isn’t all that bad. Whenever I’m feeling down, I jsut think of all the drama in these peoples tv lives and I am happy again.
I completely related to your post. I love the same shows you do. People watching is kind of a hobby of mine. I enjoy looking at other people to find out how they do things, what they’re wearing and why they seem to do what they do. When people put themselves out there ~ like on Big Brother ~ they are giving me a free ticket to watch.
I agree with you 100% about the judges comments on So You Think You Can Dance. They did favor the top two dancers and the audience did vote the way the judges did. However, my top two favorites just happened to be the judges top two dancers. I voted for both Jeanine and Brandon. I do think Brandon was brilliant. If the judges favored Evan and Kayla, I would have still voted for Jeanine and Brandon. The judges comments don’t sway me in the least. I think we all have our favorites and I would like to think that people vote for who they love vs. what the judges say. I did like Kayla a lot ~ she was amazing. I have only watched SYTYCD for the past 3 seasons. So I’m not as aware of how the voters are swayed by the judges.
I have watched American Idol since the beginning. And I do believe that the votes work both ways. Some people will vote for somebody just because Simon slams them. It’s a sympathy vote for sure. Some people vote on their favorites. I know that I do. The judges are only there to give their professional opinion. It’s up to us to choose who we really love. The voting has never really been consistant. Rarely has my favorite won the competition. With the exception of Kelly Clarkson and David Cook. The biggest let down on that show was when Daughtry didn’t win. And out of the top three for that season, he is the only real star. Everybody just has different tastes and that’s what I love about people. We are all different and we all like different things. Last season I loved Adam Lambert from the beginning. Kris Allen is pretty good as well. But Adam just nailed it every time for me. I think some people voted for the “good guy”. Even though it seems that Adam is also very caring and nice. I think for the most part, Idol judges don’t sway the voters unless Simon is really mean to a contestant.
Big Brother is very interesting because of all the different personalities. It’s fun to see how people do things. I have only watched 4 seasons. But I’m hooked. I secretly want to be on the show. I think I’m too sensitive and I would hate for people to be mean to me. And they can be brutal at times. Even though I didn’t like Ronnie from this season, I hated it when Russell was tormenting him. I loved the winner from last season. He played it perfectly and was nice to everybody.
The reality show that kills me and makes me want to SCREAM is Toddlers and Tiaras. I have only seen it a couple of times. I think I watch it because I can’t believe how some of these moms behave. These little girls get spray tans, flippers (fake teeth to hide their baby teeth), hair extensions, full make up and their mom will spend up to $2,000 on a dress. For one pageant. One mom even mentioned implants to fill out a dress. SERIOUSLY?!!! I’m amazed. The moms put a lot of time, money and energy into training the girls (and boys) to be perfect for the pageant. I will say that I did the pageant scene with my own daughter for a total of 3 pageants. Everybody thinks their own kids are beautiful and smart. My daughter had a great personality and really good hair for her age. But I didn’t spend all the money that goes into the pageant. And I found out quickly that these things were out of control and not for us. Even though she won a crown and trophy or two. I could see how it would be addicting if your child won. But I don’t see these things as a good thing. It puts too much stress on beauty. AND too much stress to be perfect.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on reality shows Barbara. “Are you a carpenter because you nailed it!!” ~ Quote from Ellen DeGeneres who was a guest judge. I can understand your frustration with the judges on SYTYCD. You are right.
Very well written. I sure do agree with you about the show titled “Toddlers and Tiaras”. I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch a full show as the bits and pieces that I have seen were so disgusting. You are so right about the money and the extremes to which these mothers go to have their daughters compete. While those that consistently win may, and I emphasize may, develop a positive self-image, for those who lose, it has to be devastating because in addition to the loss of their self-image, they have disappointed their mothers by not being good enough. That is a huge blow to any young girl.
Also must say you cracked me up with the use of the Ellen DeGeneres quote. I sure hope that she guest-stars again next season.