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Thesis
How real is reality television: the villainization of reality show participants
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jan 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010863
Abstract
The phenomenon of reality television has captivated audiences worldwide with a mix of apparent reality and fabricated narratives. This thesis plans to answer the question, "how real is reality television?" with a closer focus on the portrayal of reality television show participants as villains. This study will examine the practices used by reality show producers in crafting antagonistic personas among some of their participants. The first subtopic delves into the producers' editing strategies along with whether participants are aware of how they will be portrayed on the show. The research will also investigate the preferences of the viewers, questioning whether audiences gravitate towards the antagonists rather than the protagonists. Finally, the research explores the ways in which these "villains" leave an unforgettable mark on the audience's memory. By dissecting the interaction between production strategies, audience reception, and participant awareness, this thesis will shed light on the complexity of reality television's portrayal of villainous characters and its impact on viewers' perceptions of reality.
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Details
- Title
- How real is reality television
- Creators
- Jillian Wright
- Contributors
- Michelle McHugh (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iii, 30 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022025538304721