Style Network's "Ruby," NBC's "The Biggest Loser," Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" and Fox's forthcoming dating show "More to Love" all center on the overweight and are tapping into an audience that can relate to the desire to shed a few pounds.
Obesity has risen dramatically in the United States during the past 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And this year television has seen an increase in shows featuring participants and stars who look more like the viewing public.
Oxygen Channel's "Dance Your Ass Off" combines elements of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" and NBC's "The Biggest Loser." Contestants learn dance routines for which they are judged before weighing in to determine how much they have lost.
Reality television has become so popular because viewers are attracted to watching real people, and there is a craving for viewers to see folks like themselves -- but this leaves us to ask "Should we be endorsing such unhealthy lifestyles by way of reality television or should we be sending another message?"
No comments:
Post a Comment