Reality television is built to grab attention fast and can induce binge watching. It uses consistency, hooks, emotion and attention-grabbing personalities. Its popularity offers accessible escapism, relatable human connection and intense drama. Acting as a mirror to society, viewers are drawn to the perceived authenticity and satisfaction of seeing conflict amplified or resolved.
Whilst providing you realistic insight into “real lives”, viewers are emotionally invested into ordinary people rather than scripted actors. People are fascinated by love and the pursuit of love, be it good, bad or ugly. Love and work are the foundation of life, so when the world around us seems bleak, most people want to see a happy ending.
Since the late 19th century, our world has become increasingly commercialised. Technological advances have made products available to the masses and they are purchasable. People have begun to feel that the world around them has become artificial. In response to this, a greater desire has manifested for genuine ( or authentic) experiences. In 1992, the start of reality television premiered, with ‘The Real World’. There were radio specials, game shows etc but The Real World created a whole new genre of reality entertainment. Since then, countless shows have proven popular such as The Amazing Race, Survivor, Love is Blind, The Bachelor to name a few.
These programmes share a common theme which is real people experiencing and reacting to conflict. These “everyday protagonists” on our television screens make reality television psychologically engrossing. If you watch a fiction programme (Game of Thrones), you know that it is fake, whereas real life television is real. When watching reality television, the viewer gets to determine the difference between real and fake and is able to create and experience authentic moments. To decide what is real in a show, viewers constantly compare themselves to the protagonists on screen. Reality television is full of drama and conflict. This is the hallmark of good entertainment.
In addition, it allows viewers to take sides. Reality television understands attention, consistency, audience interest and drama. Businesses can apply the same thinking in their marketing campaigns without being gimmicky. Choose your marketing company wisely. It’s not just about being “professional” – it’s about being memorable.
