In chapters 1 and 2 of Convergence Culture, Jenkins uses the TV shows Survivor and American Idol as examples. These "reality" shows have very strong followings and millions of fans worldwide. American Idol even has different sister shows from numerous countries from around the world. And Survivor has "Collective Intelligence" and "Knowledge Communities" that basically sit around and try and figure out who will win the ultimate prize.
I don't know about you, but I personally feel these types of shows are not as "reality" as they claim to be. I know that the producers have to keep you interested in these shows to keep you watching. Which in turn keeps their ratings up. But, I feel these same producers could be affecting the outcomes of these shows too. I recall the last season of Dancing With The Stars I watched on TV which included Bristol Palin, Brandy, and Jennifer Grey in the cast. I was totally shocked and insulted when Bristol Palin, who was very uncoordinated and basically danced the same way she did from day 1 up until the end, was voted up to the top 3. Knocking Brandy off the show. Now, I'm not saying this was a ploy of show producers to boost ratings or whatnot. But, I do feel this "reality" show may not be as real as it claims to be.
See, this is why I don't watch these shows.
I completely agree! it really isn't reality, its just the thought that this is suppose to be real life that intrigues us and why its mainstreamed so quickly.
ReplyDeleteBacking up your opinion on how the producers affect an outcome (or cast) of a show is 100% REALITY! I auditioned for Fox's 'So You Think You Can Dance' when it came to Memphis and it is NOTHING like you see on TV. I had to audition three times in front of producers before i was even seen by the judges of the show! And there were cuts during those rounds. And i was told that these same auditions/cuts occur during American Idol as well. Producers most definitely dictate the 'reality' of these shows