Ordinary People On Television

By Wayne Torres

Television networks are producing more factual and realistic shows to attract general viewing public. The masses seem to have more interests in watching ordinary people doing exuberant stuff.

For the past few years, reality shows has been a hit among viewers around the world. Reality shows are these one hour long programs wherein one can watch several contestants in an unscripted situation battling for something, or showing actual events featuring ordinary people as the cast.

There are several classifications under reality shows. TV networks came up with documentary style programs, elimination or game shows, makeovers or self-improvement, renovation, hoaxes, hidden cameras, talk shows, and dating shows.

General public remains tireless watching these reality shows. The people participating in the reality shows with new faces are unfamiliar to the camera. Contestants aren't too comfortable with the camera on them.

But anxiety can be seen in the contestants when they struggle for the prize. Viewers get to see the nervousness amongst the participants. For example, the contestants will travel around the world to find and beat clues to get the monetary prize in The Amazing Race.

When the participants hurry through the airports, do not understand local language, getting flights in schedule and the competition in the participants increases the anxiety which can be easily seen on television by the public.

This kind of scenario makes the show more realistic, since showing anxiety is not a common thing for actors, and that this somehow connects us to being somewhat real.

Another example is the famous show Fear Factor, where we find contestants doing hazardous things to compete against each other. These activities are horrible and scary for some people.

Jumping off from a helicopter roving from 300 feet above the ground, eating live insects and to be in a coffin with just snakes become the scariest activities of the show. Participants face the fear and anxiety that no one can imagine.

It's the fear and anxiety of contestants that can hype up the viewers. This reality is the enjoyment for public and people are coming closer to know what's real and what's not on the television. Entertainment is evolving to get a different outlook leaving behind the old fictions. - 30291

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