Why do we like reality shows so much?
Reality is popular ... and a lot ... Why? Let's try to understand the reasons for this success.
The concept is simple
Launched for the first time in Italy in 2000 with Big Brother, reality shows consist of observing a group of people chosen through a casting, and placed in a particular situation. Whether they are "closed" or filmed in their personal environment, whether it is a competition (Friends, X Factor ...), a personal challenge (The island of the famous ...), to find a partner / to (The perfect bride ...), to learn good manners and take back the reins of their life (SOS nanny, Change wife ...), or even to share their experience (The Simple Life ...) the aim is always the same: to observe the reactions of the candidates live. And the more excessive, intense, or trashy, the better!
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They are fun
This is their purpose! Reality shows were designed to make us relax after a long day of work. That's why the television networks broadcast them at strategic times: just after returning from work or immediately after dinner. The only watchword is to propose a program that involves us without making us think too much, sometimes a bit heavy but never indigestible ... in short, a program that can be watched even without wanting to. And it works. The proof? keep looking at it also the following days ...
They are captivating
One of the secrets of reality TV is that it makes us want to know what's going to happen next. But nothing is left to chance. Contrary to popular belief, in these real programs there is only what you want to show. What is at the basis of reality shows, in reality, is a well-studied concept. Friendship, rivalry, secrets, revelations, sex, twists ... everything is the result of a well-studied and decided script from the start, in order to keep the viewer in suspense.
You enter people's lives
Voyeur me? No! Simply curious ... Regardless of the reality mode (experiences, life scenes, or even seduction), we are in the front row to see what happens to the candidates, sometimes even in their deepest intimacy. We see them laughing, crying, suffering, sometimes we recognize ourselves in some characteristics of their personalities, and we imagine that we are in their place. Reality shows also succeed in this: to make us believe that our life can change too, that it is enough just to want it.
You decide who to delete
If you like reality TV, it's also because in your little one you can participate in their evolution, and even take power! This is, moreover, one of the reasons for the success of these programs: interactivity with the viewer is a bit like the icing on the cake that allows us to maintain suspense. To make us dependent, nothing is more effective than entrusting us with a mission. Save your favorite candidate, or delete the one you hate: you too can influence the course of events.
Witness cult moments
As the houses - and also the deserted islands! - are chock full of cameras, you don't miss a thing. The best, but not the worst either. Some episodes are already part of the cult moments of television. Who hasn't heard of the effusions of Pietro Tarricone and Cristina Pievani in the first Big Brother? Regardless of their talent, the candidates all have one thing in common: they are ready for anything to win and love to show off. The result? It is a continuous show. If you love reality TV, that's also why.
In the face of good taste
After all, if candidates have signed up to perform 24/7, it's for everyone to take advantage of, right? Here's what, then, the viewers sunk into the sofa at home do. Sometimes we are moved by the misadventures of the protagonists, we often find ourselves criticizing them, saying that we must be smart and that in their place we would have said or done different things.
But unfounded, none of us would really want to be in their place, because "we" are not people "like that"! In any case, we may find them funny or pathetic, but the gaffs of the participants at least have the merit of fueling our interminable conversations between friends. It is also only for this reason that we do not miss a single episode!
