More than 20 years after the sensational arrival of Loft Story in France, reality TV is omnipresent on our screens. Surgery, relationships, social networks, politics: Point J questions the influence of these programs on our society, with the insight of Maureen Lepers, doctor in cinema studies.
In 2001, Loft Story caused a scandal in France. “In particular, the show was accused of voyeurism and lying by editing the images, while we promised raw reality,” explains Maureen Lepers, doctor in cinema studies. Despite the criticism, reality TV has spread to many channels.
“It imposed editorialization strategies, such as narrative interviews or bringing candidates back from episode to episode,” explains the researcher. So reality TV has influenced the way television shows are made, which can make it seem like it’s everywhere now.
To say that reality TV has taught us about patriarchy and heterosexuality would be abusive. On the other hand, it is the soil on which she grows, in the same way as cinema.
Concerning the influence on bodies and cosmetic surgery, the expert qualifies: “Reality TV does not invent the transformation of bodies. The first visual media to do that is the Hollywood star system.”
Did you know that there are also many Swiss reality TV shows? In this episode, you will hear from Miriam Martino, director of TV production for CH Media, which produces several German-speaking shows.
>> Listen to the Point J episode::
Joëlle Cachin with the Point J team.
