 INTERNATIONAL | TRENDS |
|
|
| An Analysis of the Latest Programming Trends |
|
Médiametrie just published its latest report on worldwide programming trends, in which reality shows, talent competitions and an increasing trend for docu-realities are the main highlights.
|
This year has witnessed an increase in reality shows with focus on positive values, collective experiences and team effort by experts from different fields. This, at least, according to Médiametrie's latest report, published by its NOTA (New On The Air) division.
COMMUNITY COACHING
Australia's Agony Aunts/Uncles (ABC1) presents different celebrities who help couples resolve their issues. Meanwhile, in Israel, the search for true love scores excellent ratings with Dear Neighbor Help Our Daughter Find Love (Channel 2), a format in which the entire neighborhood collaborates in the search for the ideal man.
In Denmark, a renowned chef helps criminals become a useful part of society on Restaurant Bag Tremmer (DR1).
|
|
|
|
The Audience, a format which follows someone willing to make a radical change in his life, will premiere soon in England and France (TF1). In order to help them make the decision, 50 complete strangers will follow them in their daily life and help them choose the right path. "Does free will still exist on TV?" is what Le Figaro newspaper asks in regard to this particular premiere.
On par with this trend, there are several new shows which focus on problems which affect society. For instance, in Japan, the show Bari Bara (NHK2) showcases the life of handicapped people and how they try to fit in with society, from their relationships, to their careers and hobbies.
In Denmark and the UK, the focus is on kids and teens: Gok's Teens: The Naked Truth (Channel 4) gives them advise and helps them overcome their insecurities.
TALENT SEARCH
Talent competitions are still a guarantee of success. The US version of Q Viva!, The Chosen (Fox and Univision), which searches for talented artists in Latin America, is currently scoring excellent ratings. Meanwhile, Quiero Ser Torero (TVM) is also doing well, as a format which searches for the best bullfighter in Spain, while Ink Master (Spike TV) seeks for the best tatoo artist in the US.
Following the success of The Voice, The Voice Kids (RTL4) is scoring excellent ratings in the Netherlands, while Pauly D Project -which revolves around Jersey Shore's Pauly D- is having an excellent performance on MTV.
PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Meeting physical and intellectual goals is the premise to several formats, such as The Exit List (ITV1), in which contestants must memorize 24 clues to escape from a maze. In Brazil, Record is broadcasting its eco-reality, Amazonia, in which 12 people battle it out for a million-dollar price. The contestants are judged based on their team spirit and their respect for the environment.
FICTION
As far as fiction series go, the trend is still supernatural, extraordinary stories. Among supernatural thrillers and stories set in future times, this year's new telenovelas take the viewer outside their comfort zone.
In the US, Touch (Fox) follows a group of people with no apparent connection, who have a strong influence on each others' lives. With a 9.2 rating, Touch is the highest-rated fiction series of the year. Meanwhile, in Sweeden, Akta Manniskor (SVT1) showcases robots which resemble real human beings.
In addition, stories set in the 60s are also a big trend, as series such as Mad Men, Panam or Alcatraz, gave way to new shows such as Magic City, broadcast in the US through Starz, and White Heat (BBC2) which showcases the UK's history from 1965 to today.
|
|
 |
|
Where Everything Grows
