Why is the reality genre so popular?

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews195612.html

These are peoples reviews of Come Dine With Me. This will give some feedback on what makes a reality programme successful...

NEWREVIEWQUEEN's review (8th Mar 2010, 5 stars)

Come dine with me is true entertainment for the real life food critic. The show focuses on creating a three course meal to satisfy guests which are all unknown to the host of the night but the twists and turns along the way are classic comedy moments. The narrator is a genius of whit. All round great show.


Taylott's review ()

Come Dine With Me is brilliant. Great Sunday evening viewing! Basically, you have a handful of people; get them to cook for each other during the course of a week, and each contestant gets to score each contestant at the end of each meal! The winner gets £1000!

Obviously the contestants aren't experienced chefs; they're just like you and me, which makes it great. Some can cook, others really can't... but it's the gossiping and scheming that makes this programme. The narrator is absolutely brilliant. Sometimes I watch it just to hear his quick sarcastic quips.

I suppose to a certain extent it's real life telly. You get to see other people's homes, the way they cook, and ultimately how they interact with complete strangers. Some get on, but some do not. Good light hearted entertainment.

What makes Come Dine With Me successful?

Comedy moments- created by twists and turns (narrative shifs)

Narrator- entertaining comical- says what we really thing (reflects british society- we don't say how we feel- contrast in openess of narrator and reserved ideologies of a dinner party)

Scheeduling- Sunday night (family audience- widens audiences)

Winning prize £1000- triggers competition and entertainment for audiences.

Competitors- ordinary people

Gossip and schemening- structure of the show- contestants have the chance to privatly say how they feel- creates gossip and scheming

The element of voyerism-contestants and audience get to pry into other people's lives (again reflecting british society- wanting to know about others lives- celebrity culture)