Week 12

How have game shows influenced reality TV?

According to Hill (2005, p. 102), the reality gameshow has been an international bestseller, since its arrival in 2000. The Birth of reality gameshows could be related back to british producer Charlie Parson, who created the idea for the programme survivor in 1990. Edemole who was a Swedish company worked on the programme called Big Brother which became a Hit.

Hill (2005), states that although there are similarities between gameshows and reality TV shows, such as observational documentary but formats differ in terms of tone and style. According to Hill (2005), there is a strong competition between reality gameshows and production of reality TV shows like the American Idol which are increasing day by day in their costs, which places pressure on gameshows. However, reality TV has been influenced by gameshows like reality programming such as cops or Survivor, though they deal with realism they are unable to stick with the convention due to their strong reliance on entertainment such as soap opera or gameshows (Hill, 2005)

Furthermore, there are documentary in reality gameshows such as Big Brother claims and shows that it deals with real life situations but it heavily includes or is highly influenced by gameshows formats. Hill (2005, p. 97), states that different types of documentary have influenced reality programming such as reflexive/performative documentaries, docu- drama and mock documentaries. I think Reality TV has been influenced by gameshows and not only by gameshows but other formats of entertainments as well, due to its popularity among its audience and high in entertainment. Therefore, the reality TV shows have produced and developed reality gameshows.

Reference:

Hill, A. (2005) The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15 – 40). Oxon: Routledge