Popularity of Reality TV Shows.

 

Popularity of Reality TV shows:

Around 70% of UK TV audiences watch reality shows on a regular basis. In 2017, 18% of the 250 most popular shows was made up by reality shows. The most popular reality TV show in the UK is ‘Survivor’, or Love Island.

I’m a Celebrity is also one of the most popular reality shows in the UK, as it is interactive with the audience. Every night, the public get to vote to keep someone in the jungle, which gives them almost a sense of belonging, when they have someone to root for, this can make the series more exciting. The show also gains popularity by sending celebrities into the jungle, making them face their fears such as bugs, snakes, confined spaces etc. and if new fans of the show want to start watching, they don’t have to catch up as it is different every season. This show is appealing to fans because it is exciting to watch people face their fears, especially if they are celebrities because they seem out of their depth and comfort zone, and they are used to a lavish lifestyle.

Another popular show in the UK is Love Island, a reality series where people look for a relationship. This is popular amongst a younger audience, as it is a very dramatic show, and there is often conflict between the contestants. The contestants are also quite attractive, which intrigues the audience as they root for their favourite couple. This show is not appropriate for younger audiences, however, their adverts and posters are suitable for all ages to witness, as they might be presented publicly, where young children would be able to witness them. The show appeals to the audience, as it follows young people finding love, and they face a lot of drama along the way.

Keeping up with the Kardashians is also very popular amongst a younger audience, they have gained a following through their mother Kris Jenner, by making a reality Tv show which follows both the Kardashians and the Jenners around their day to day lives. The show is quite dramatized, as they focus in on arguments between the sisters, and drama that’s has been taken out of proportion. This makes the show popular because young people like a show that is enticing and dramatic. The public cannot interact with them, as the show is pre filmed, however the young audience might feel connected as they speak about issues and feelings that they have, which might be relatable to the fans. The fans might also feel connected due to the lavish lifestyle they live, which is attractive to a young audience as they might aspire to live like this when they are that age.