I know you saw the title, and I know what you’re thinking about this post. But hear me out! I can completely understand that the entire genre of reality television is not well done, nor is it cinematic. However, reality TV is a genre which has exploded in popularity throughout the past decades in American media, therefore, I feel it is necessary to entertain its concept. Also, reality shows are very popular amongst college students, so I think it’s interesting to focus on what our peers watch. Finally, judge all you want, but sometimes I really enjoy watching reality TV, especially when I need a break from the business of college life and don’t want to have to pay attention to a complex film or television show.
As for the smash-hit Netflix series Love is Blind–which, by the way is the #1 show on Netflix at the moment–the show’s concept is kind of crazy. There are two stages to the series: time in the “pods” and time spent together by each designated couple. But how are the couples decided? Basically, there are male and female contestants who go on fully blind dates in “pods” separated by a wall with the goal of finding love.
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In this short period, some contestants believe they found true love without ever seeing their match, and to continue to the next stage of the show, they must get blindly engaged. After the engagement, there is a dramatic reveal in which the couples see one another for the first time.
The Reveal; image source
If this doesn’t sound crazy enough, the pairs then go on a romantic honeymoon, and after that, they must spend 3 weeks living together imitating a marriage together. The finale of the show covers a wedding for each of the couples. Keep in mind, this entire process spans over a very short period of time (barely a few months), which is something I would never participate in, but it is definitely entertaining to watch. The show encompasses high highs and low lows, from rejected engagements and complex love triangles to contestants running away from the altar and couples divorcing just months after filming is finished.
But how much of this content is real? Of course, we all know much of reality TV is fake, even though directors attempt to promote a realistic rhetoric. But there are two layers to the fabrication of reality TV; one would be directors telling contestants to act a certain way or do a certain thing, but another would be manipulating certain film clips to portray a contestant a certain way. The ethics of these tactics are interesting, because although contestants sign a contract when they agree to be on these shows, it feels unethical to portray them in an unrealistic, often negative way.
Overall, I think the way the Love is Blind is set up does not lend towards contestants finding true love. This is because of the rushed nature of the program, but I do think that love could be “blind” in a more relaxed environment. Furthermore, this show is comically bad, but I think that it can suffice as entertainment in the right setting.
I haven’t watched it, but I think the fact that the show is “comically bad” as you say makes it more appealing to people – they like the ridiculousness of it. I agree that the ethics of unrealistic portrayals on reality TV are questionable, and I would have to imagine these portrayals have a very negative impact on contestants mental health. The balance between harming someones reputation for our own entertainment is an interesting dilemna.
I totally agree with your take about “comical badness” and camp!
I am a sucker for reality TV. I think it’s because it is easy to watch while still being very entertaining, and it is a sharp contrast from my very boring life. While I agree Love is Blind is set up for failure, there is something so intriguing about watching a dumpster fire happen right in front of your eyes. I had no idea a new season came out until a few days ago, but knowing me, I will most likely binge it this weekend!
You’ve pinpointed with incisive precision and accuracy exactly why we watch these shows. Because we love drama and a good dumpster fire that we can’t look away from because it’s a more interesting and glamorous fantasy than our own lives, and it makes us feel better about ourselves at the same time. This is especially true where dating is concerned.
“Love is Blind” was one of the shows I watched in quarantine when the first wave of the pandemic hit. Although the ethics of the show might not be all there, I think people find the shows appealing because it allows them feel like their life is more interesting with the drama of it all. A reality TV show character does not disappear after the series ends and we can follow up with them throughout a longer period of time. Do I think the concept in “Love is Blind” works? Probably not. However, I think the show allows distraction from their own life and that’s why our generation loves reality TV. I really like your topic and I think it is really interesting to explore because so many of us love reality TV. Your blog looks very visually appealing and its written very well!
I love your blog because I agree, reality TV is so terrible but in a way so addicting as well. I haven’t watched much of “Love is Blind,” but I think the concept is wild. It’s not really something I would ever consider participating in, but it’s hilarious to watch on TV. The front page of your blog looks great, and I’d love to see what else you’ve written!