Can reality tv still be thought of as a genre given the high level of hybridity that exists?
The beginnings of reality TV were rooted in a desire to convey real, ordinary life and eventually over time, developed to include a myriad of sub-categories within (Wood, 2004). Tv shows typically included in this category are the likes of news and public affairs programmes, talk shows, entertainment, documentaries, real world events, police or emergency worker drama, and quiz shows. Smith mentions that this development is what we can understand as reality TV cannibalising itself in order to survive (Smith, 2020). This means that reality tv is in a constant space of being reproduced, recreated and reimagined. It also hones in on the dilution of the genres authenticity as more remaking occurs. Because people can easily change the channel or switch off the TV, the entertainment factor of reality TV is a pillar to its success in longevity. So it is no wonder that new reality tv concepts are constantly being thrown at us. Wood points out that despite the ongoing reformation and reversioning of reality tv, that many people view reality tv as a genre in itself (2004). As a viewer, I don’t think we consider shows in regards to their sub-genres when picking a programme to watch. We see reality tv as an umbrella term, and associate it with the presence of ‘real people’ or ‘real life’, as opposed to the type of entertainment the show is providing (dance or singing competitions, house makeovers, cooking shows, dating shows, etc). Entertainment and what people are interested is constantly fluctuating, so to understand reality tv as an umbrella genre, leaves a space open for it to continue changing.
References
Smith, P. (2020). Reality TV (part one) Recorded lecture.
Smith, P. (2020). Reality TV (part two) Recorded lecture.
Wood, B. (2004). A world in retreat: the reconfiguration of hybridity in 20th-century New Zealand television. Media, Culture & Society.
Pop Genres 2020 