Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV

The dumbest genre in entertainment, or the one that tells us the most about ourselves? Since its conception, reality TV has divided its viewers. Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV is a 10-part audio documentary written and presented by journalists Pandora Sykes and Sirin Kale. They've been fans of reality TV since they first watched Big Brother as pre-teens and they've spent a fair amount of time defending reality TV when people are snobby about it, or dismiss its importance in our wider culture. But they've also been troubled by what they've seen in the genre: the exploitation; the lack of aftercare; the impacts of sudden fame. Using interviews with the creators, producers and stars of some of the most iconic reality shows of the last two decades, and leading cultural critics of today, Unreal explores how reality TV has shaped entertainment, fashion, beauty, celebrity and even politics - and some of the ethical issues raised by the format. Producer: Hannah Hufford Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes Executive Editor: James Cook Content Producer: Hannah Robins Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Episodes
- 11 Episodes
Hosts & Guests
Excellent stuff
11/08/2022
Really enjoyed this. Found it insightful and intelligent while also revelling in nostalgia for some do they shows. Definitely a worthwhile listen.
Surprised
06/11/2023
In 1993 I took part in The Living Soap which was the first reality TV show (as we know the format) We had the first diary room with pieces to camera. Admittedly it wasn’t the best show but a lot was learnt about how not to do a reality TV show and it had a cult following. I was surprised that it didn’t get a mention as it preceded Big Brother by quite a few years. I met Pandora Sykes at an event soon after this podcast aired and mentioned The Living Soap. She couldn’t have been less interested!
Excellent Podcast
04/09/2023
I worried this would just be a walk through the history of reality TV but it was so much more than this. Forensic, challenging and not afraid to face into the issues we have seen from this genre. Presented by two outstanding journalists. Excellent listen. Highly recommended.
Good idea but…
04/06/2023
Their guests are retarded which brings the hosts down to retardation levels. Not for anyone with an IQ over 30. Perhaps you should have studied medicine?
About
Information
- CreatorBBC Radio 4
- Years Active2K
- Episodes11
- RatingExplicit
- Copyright© (C) BBC 2022
- Show Website
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