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I was looking around for news about an upcoming BBC tele series tentatively titled 'Ashes to Ashes'. It stars the bloke in my avatar, Philip Glenister, aka Genie Gene, The Gov, DCI Hunt from 'Life on Mars'.

As I was googling around, I found several articles about Philip Glenister attacking the screwed up state of television. In particular, he calls reality shows sadistic. He says that reality shows have 'so much cheapness' and it's about fame rather than talent and creativity. The full article is below.
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He also refers to old Japanese game show hysterics. Bug eating was actually not pioneered by 'Survivor' or 'Fear Factor', as much as the Yanks would like to believe. What does everyone think? Is reality TV overrun by sadistic, talent-shy, pasty-faced twonks?

Disclaimer: Glenister is one of my favourite actors even before his rant. Also, his recent rant is something is character on 'LoM' would say. I happen to agree with him because I have never ever watched an entire episode of any reality show. However, this is coming from the same guy (me) that has never seen 'Titanic'. I have, incidentally, seen ever Chuck Norris movie ever made.

Osnabrueck

I think it's overrun by us, the witless viewers who love consuming this stuff. And it's also boosted by the fact that producers can make one of these shows for a fraction of the normal production costs associated with a sitcom or dramatic series. If your reality show bombs, well, no matter - it was produced on a hairstring anyways.

So I think there were two things at work here. The need for something new, and the shinkage of the TV audience.

I admit to watching I Love New York on a regular basis. I get a kick out of it, although I realize that just about everything on that show is scripted to some degree.

So I guess, no. Reality TV isn't sadistic, we're sadistic. Sadistic shows get the eyeballs.

siko

Don't know about sadistic... but I totally agree 100% that they are "about fame rather than talent".

BMW Power

I would definitely agree that they are sadistic.... they also promote a lack of self esteem.

Bruce

Sadistic?

I don't know, but I think it's new-age horse shit.

I admit, I used to be a frequent watcher of The Apprentice, but that's the only one (and hell, I don't even watch it anymore)

You know, Survivor has been on T.V. for what, like 6 years? I've never seen an episode.

NarutoRamen

Reality TV is for losers. I mean seriously, who really gives a crap about who is going to get "voted off" the island? What happened to living your own life? People are stupid. They neglect their own lives so they can watch some one elses on tv...just plain dumb

Osnabrueck

I'm a loser.

I thought the yesterday's finale of VH1's "I Love New York" was great!

NarutoRamen

I don't even know what show you're talking about...LOL

Bruce

Me either. Lol!

Osnabrueck

"I Love New York" was is the bastard child spin-off of "Flavor of Love," which was a seismically awful show featuring hip-hop legend/burnout Flavor Flav.