Why are 2.8 Million People Watching?
(Myself included)
I awoke this AM to a steady stream of social media posts about last night’s Golden Bachelorette episode.
I saw more commentary on the show than on Kamala’s Town Hall, the upcoming election, or world events.
The reality is that reality TV is here to stay. And millions are watching it every week. (This rundown of ABC’s top-rated shows gives you a glimpse into the interests of today’s consumers. At least sports and news made the top 10 list!)
Reality TV is like a modern-day soap opera, with “regular” people as the stars.
I’m still processing how to react to an entire family agreeing that the memorial service for their recently deceased matriarch should take place on national TV, with a total stranger participating. But, as we age, perhaps funerals and celebrations of life as dating options will become a “thing.”
The conclusions I have drawn so far, being one of those 2.8 million, are:
Reality TV appearances are now probably a legit career path for many. The 15 minutes of fame (or even more, including influencer deals) gives otherwise “normal” people a chance to be in the media.
Women (especially older ones) are often portrayed by the media as being lost without a man. Joan’s ruminations and whining are starting to irk me. She talks as if “ending up alone” or “being rejected” are as bad as “contracting a fatal disease.” I have also written about body image previously, and I would have loved to have seen at least a little body fat on Joan’s frame. TV’s beauty standards create a trickle-down impact and a FOBF (fear of being fat).
Despite reality TV's fakery, the message of finding romance at any age resonates with viewers. I will soon have a guest on my podcast who talks about the ongoing popularity of Hallmark movies and rom-coms.
Thankfully, ABC has cut the show to 90 minutes, and when I watch live, I can do other things (knitting, laundry, even a little work) during commercial breaks. When I record the show, I can limit the time I spend glued to the screen. Plus, I have something to write about every Thursday AM. (I occasionally get fan mail, which proves point #1 above.)
I’m not quite sure how many episodes are left.
I know we have the chaste Fantasy Suites. (Joan supposedly had the bed removed from the room. Where are they going to sleep? If the men thought bunk beds were uncomfortable, they might not love the couch or the floor.)
Then, we customarily have the “men tell all” and the grand finale/engagement episode.
Then, I’ll get my Wednesday nights back and can return to the REAL world, which doesn’t involve evening gowns, dashing men who love to have wild adventures and giant Neil Lane diamonds.
But perhaps I’ll grow back a few of the brain cells I lost while viewing (although I WILL have completed my knitted gifts before the holiday season).