Written Analysis 4-Formulas

Reality TV shows do have a predictable narrative structure.  Formulas in pop culture are referred to as plots that have been used so much that they are predictable in nature.  Each type of Reality TV show has its own special “formula”.

Shows like “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette”, and “Sweet Home Alabama” are shows that have a romantic formula.  These shows are almost identical.  They have a number of contestants that come on the show trying to win the one person’s heart.  That one person takes all of the contestants on group dates and also one-on-one dates.  Each week there is someone voted off.  Each show always has some sort of drama and at least one person that is out of control.  After the seasons end on these types of shows we can always expect a show with the people that did not find love in a house together in “Bachelor Pad” and “Southern Nights”.

Shows like “Jersey Shore” and “The Real World” have the same types of contestants that end up drinking and partying the entire season.  This show seems to be to be an interactive formula.  There are relationships built on the show and also relationships broken.  This show brings a group of people together for a season and then sends them back home.  There is not a competition, no voting off, just watching their reactions to different situations and different people.

Competitive shows like “Celebrity Apprentice” brings on actual celebrities to compete with each other to end up being hired by Donald Trump as his personal apprentice.  This show brings out a competitive formula.  As the weeks go on, they are raising money for their choice of charities.  This show originated by normal people being chosen to compete on “The Apprentice”.

Formulas are definitely seen in all Reality television shows.  The plots are predictable and very similar to the shows they are following.  I enjoy the romantic formulas and the competitive formulas most. 

                                                                     References

Brown, R.B.(2005).  Profiles of Popular Culture.  Madison, Wisconsin:  Popular Press