How Real Is Reality TV?

Essays on Representation and Truth

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Television, Performing Arts, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book How Real Is Reality TV? by , McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781476602288
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Publication: December 3, 2014
Imprint: Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781476602288
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication: December 3, 2014
Imprint:
Language: English

American viewers are attracted to what they see as the non-scripted, unpredictable freshness of reality television. But although the episodes may not be scripted, the shows are constructed within a deliberately designed framework, reflecting societal values. The political, economic and personal issues of reality TV are in many ways simply an exaggerated version of everyday life, allowing us to identify (perhaps more closely than we care to admit) with the characters onscreen. With 16 essays from scholars around the world, this volume discusses the notion of representation in reality television. It explores how both audiences and producers negotiate the gulf between representations and truth in reality shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, Big Brother, The Nanny, American Idol, Extreme Makeover, Joe Millionaire and The Amazing Race. Various identity categories and character types found in these shows are discussed and the accuracy of their television portrayal examined. Dealing with the concept of reality, audience reception, gender roles, minority portrayal and power issues, the book provides an in-depth look at what we see, or think we see, in “reality” TV. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

American viewers are attracted to what they see as the non-scripted, unpredictable freshness of reality television. But although the episodes may not be scripted, the shows are constructed within a deliberately designed framework, reflecting societal values. The political, economic and personal issues of reality TV are in many ways simply an exaggerated version of everyday life, allowing us to identify (perhaps more closely than we care to admit) with the characters onscreen. With 16 essays from scholars around the world, this volume discusses the notion of representation in reality television. It explores how both audiences and producers negotiate the gulf between representations and truth in reality shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, Big Brother, The Nanny, American Idol, Extreme Makeover, Joe Millionaire and The Amazing Race. Various identity categories and character types found in these shows are discussed and the accuracy of their television portrayal examined. Dealing with the concept of reality, audience reception, gender roles, minority portrayal and power issues, the book provides an in-depth look at what we see, or think we see, in “reality” TV. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

More books from McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Cover of the book Reclaiming the Feminist Vision by
Cover of the book The German Cabaret Legacy in American Popular Music by
Cover of the book Lynching and Mob Violence in Ohio, 1772-1938 by
Cover of the book Another Me by
Cover of the book Flying Flak Alley by
Cover of the book McClellan and the Union High Command, 1861-1863 by
Cover of the book Finnish Video Games by
Cover of the book The Culture Series of Iain M. Banks by
Cover of the book Hero or Villain? by
Cover of the book Climate Change and American Policy by
Cover of the book The Batman Filmography, 2d ed. by
Cover of the book Up from the Vault by
Cover of the book Pioneers of Cable Television by
Cover of the book Devil's Music, Holy Rollers and Hillbillies by
Cover of the book In Search of Elena Ferrante by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy