Reality Bites

I believe we’re all pretty aware how reality shows conquer the television scene. Probably you won’t be surprised with the amounts playing on these television shows and how these fetch profit and popularity to the giant networks.

Are you wondering why Filipinos react and get affected so badly with reality shows? Why are we hooked on those so called 5-month famers and instant celebrities?

Studies say that the more status-oriented people are, the more likely they are to view reality television and report pleasure and enjoyment. People who are motivated by status have an above-average need to feel self-important. Reality television may gratify this psychological need in two ways. One possibility is that viewers feel they are more important (have higher status) than the ordinary people portrayed on reality television shows.

The idea that these are “real” people gives psychological significance to the viewers’ perceptions of superiority—it may not matter much if the storyline is realistic, so long as the characters are ordinary people. Further, the message of reality television – that millions of people are interested in watching real life experiences of ordinary people—implies that ordinary people are important. Ordinary people can watch the shows, see people like themselves, and fantasize that they could gain celebrity status by being on television.

For better understanding, I’ll give 5 reality shows in the Philippines. Well, to be really honest I’m captivated by two of the shows below.

1. Pinoy Big Brother.

“Hello Philippines! Hello World!” I bet only few Filipinos don’t know the welcoming line of Toni Gonzaga every time PBB is on live airing. Together with Mariel Rodriguez and Bianca Gonzalez, the show always has exceptionally high ratings. The uniqueness of the personalities of every housemate affects a lot of viewers. I guess the audience see themselves on one of the housemate or a combination of two or more. I remember the time when PBB Season 2 was aired, an elder in our community died of heart attack because of the show. Whew. Knowing how Filipinos really love entertainment, reality TV tops the industry. It gives no surprise after all.

2. Starstruck.

StarStruck is a contest for teens that has the most number of fans and X-factor. If I’m not mistaken, StarStruck is the first “artista search”.  The talent search put lots of ordinary teenagers to stardom with the theme: “Dream. Believe. Survive.”.

3. Pinoy Fear Factor.

“Tres. Dos. Uno. Vamos!” is the famous line of Ryan Agoncillo as the first Pinoy Fear Factor host signaling the players to start the game. The final match was a battle between Janna Dominguez and Jommy Teotico and the latter won.

4. Talentadong Pinoy.

For those who are not familiar with this one, this reality show is about looking for a unique talent whether in the form of acting, singing, dancing, juggling, yoyo tricks, puppet plays and contortionism. Talentadong Pinoy is also hosted by Ryan Agoncillo. The show won several awards like Best Talent Show from the 1st MTRCB Awards for TV and Best Talent Search Program for Philippine Movie Press Club.

5. Survivor Philippines.

The show is a battle among the 12 castaways isolated in a private island and the toughest one will win. Survivor Philippines was hosted by Paolo Bediones who’s also known for hosting Extra Challenge which lasted for 7 years. “PAUTAKAN! PAGALINGAN! PATATAGAN!” is the tagline of the show.

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6. Others. Yeah, right. I said a while ago I’m going to give you 5 but as of now a lot of reality shows are coming soon on your television screens. Pilipinas Got Talent which is originally from America’s Got Talent and Biggest Loser in Asia are just plain examples. Plus, if you’re one of the fans out there, certainly you can’t wait for the next seasons of the 5 mentioned above.

Reality (shows’ effect really) bites.

Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.

– Frank Visco

Reference: http://nisonger.osu.edu/papers/Reisswiltz_2004.pdf