Term Paper #3 - Reality TV

 

    For as long as I can remember reality TV has always been a large part of not just the United States pop culture but in cultures around the world. From a young age I can remember nights spent watching shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" ,"Big Brother" , "America's Got Talent", the "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette" , and so much more. Why would we want to worry about our own problems when we can worry about the problems of the rich and famous. Or root on the underdog that has grabbed hold of our heart strings. People also live for the drama that comes with reality TV and thrive off of it because it gives them an escape from the drama going on in their own lives. 

   One show in particular that I can remember from a very early age is "The Bachelor".  I can remember chats after Sunday dinner where my mom, aunt, and Nana would sit around and gossip about what had happened on the Bachelor that week like it was our small towns latest drama. They would make speculations of what would happen the next night on the Bachelor and discuss on who they would like to see go home next. 

    In the "The Bachelor"  "a single bachelor dates multiple women over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find his true love." The show has aired 29 seasons starting in 2002. However, out of the 29 seasons and several other spinoffs including 'the Bachelorette', "The Golden Bachelor", and "The Bachelor in Paradise" there have only been 34 couples  that are still together. So, if the show really doesn't have that good of a success rate why do people still watch it? And why are there spinoffs in other countries? One word DRAMA! Fans live for the drama that unfolds throughout the season. And also, the hope that they have that the Bachelor or Bachelorette will find true love and happiness. 

    One show that is very similar to "The Bachelor" but just a tad bit different is "Farmer Wants A Wife". "City meets farm in the search for true romance. Farmers from across the country embark on an adventure of a lifetime in hopes of finding their future spouse. Women leave behind their dating apps and their pursuit of love in "the big city" in favor of classic American courtship. The farmers take their group of daters to their farm and show them what it is really like to live as ranchers do-- from tending to the homestead to feeding cattle and baling hay. For the daters, the realities of this lifestyle have them questioning how much they are willing to change for love" 

    The show "Farmer wants a Wife" seems to hold just a little bit more authenticity than "The Bachelor" franchise does. There seems to be less people coming on the show looking for fame versus the real reason they are there to find love. I am sure shoveling manure and doing other chores around the farm are a good deterrent for those just seeking fame. With host Kimberly Williams- Paisely, who starred in  Father of the Bride and is married to country singer Brad Paisley, guiding the farmers and the ladies on their own individual journey. 

    The show began in the U.K.  in 2001 and has sense spread to over 30 countries . The show tried to debut in the United States in 2008 but as canceled and relaunched in 2022. As of February 2024, there have been 200 marriages. The franchise has been most successful with their Australia version with over 14 seasons. 

    So, if "The Bachelor" and "Farmers wants a wife" are set up very similarly then why does one have a greater success rate than the other? I believe it has to do with authenticity from both the Farmers and the dating candidates. And those found to not be truthful in their reasons for being on the show do not seem to last long before they are sent home. In "Farmer wants a wife" the audience get to see the ladies try their hand at life on the farm which provides a good bit of entertainment. However, this is more important to the girls and leads to the success of the relationships that bloom from the show. The ladies get to see what their daily lives could look like. They do not have to fantasize what life on the farm would be like they can actually live it. 

    One way that "Farmer wants a wife" advertises its upcoming season is by posting previews on TikTok. And during the show cast member also make Tik Toks showing behind the scenes content on life on the farm. With this past season however came more drama on the casts Tik Toks account following the jaw dropping finale. The show is also advertised on Disney plus and Hulu, where it is streamed, as well as some commercials on TV. 

    I feel like it is hard to have an original idea for a reality TV show today. There is already a lot of different shows out there that appeal to just about everyone. Whether it is show about surviving the harsh environments of Alaska, going on once in a lifetime hunting trip, the life and drama of a celebrity, or even a show about finding love. If you cannot find a reality show to enjoy then you simply are not trying hard enough.  I enjoy watching, and let's be honest judging, reality shows of people trying to find love like on the "Bachelor" or "Farmer wants a Wife". But I also enjoy watching baking competition shows. If I were to make my own show, I would make one that would pin professional bakers against each other and compete to create bakery masterpieces. The cast will remain the same throughout the season, however there will be some eliminations following challenges. Some of the challenges would include things like making realistic looking cakes, different themed cakes, as well as working in teams to create an entire dessert menu for an event. 

    When it comes to advertising for the show, I would run commercials on channels like  HGTV. HGTV has a lot of shows about baking and cooking as well as home improvements. If I were to run commercials on these channels, then I can appeal to the older generations and trigger their interest in my show. To reach the younger generations I would create content for a TikTok account as well as an Instagram account. By posting teasers and other behind the scenes on a social media account it will help the younger generations to realize that it is not just your typical baking show and that while the older generation might like the show too, the show is more directed at the younger generation.  

    In conclusion, reality TV is a big part of not only our American culture but other cultures around the world. People love reality TV. We see it everywhere from on TV to social media posts and more. I have said it once and I will say it again; people live for the drama that comes from these shows. Even if it is not completely seen in the show there is always articles or someone on TikTok or other social media platforms talking about some kind of drama that has went on. Reality is truly an escape and distraction from our own drama and challenges in our lives. They beckon us into their worlds and the challenges they face.