10/10/2005

Reality TV, Not So Exciting Anymore?

Reality Television is experiencing the reality of the product life-cycle. Analysts say that the boom is reaching maturity and many of the most popular shows just one year ago are now losing ground. Even "Survivor," the hit show that started the reality craze is declining in popularity. But one reality show is feeling the heat more than all the rest... "The Apprentice." Analysts believe that "The Apprentice" is sliding south due to its competition which happens to be the most-watched show on television, "C.S.I." Both shows are broadcasted at the same time. I don't know about the rest of you business majors, but I watch the apprentice and I really like it. For those of you who don't, each week the two teams (the women's team and the men's team) compete at a certain task. For instance, this season the teams competed in such tasks as creating an add campaign for lamborghini, creating and promoting a work-out class at "Bally Total Fitness," and teaching the elderly about modern technological conveniences. The losing team meets Mr. Trump in the board room where one member of the team members is then fired. I think it would make quite a show if Mr. Trump and the folks at N.B.C. had the two teams try and design an add campaign for "The Apprentice." The campaign would have to be so dynamic and enticing as to pull viewers away from "C.S.I." What do you think?

1 comment:

Dr. Tufte said...

-2 on Logan's post for multiple spelling errors.

Anyone up for "Three Wishes", since Cedar is going to be on national TV on the 4th?

I think the analysis of this as a product cycle that has peaked is good.

One thing to keep in mind about reality TV though is that part of the reason that the networks ran with it was that it was so much cheaper than producing other kinds of shows. That may give this fad some legs.