A Response to 'Cheaters' by Mel Kheir

This is a response to 'Cheaters' by Mel Kheir:
http://melcrim2027blog.blogspot.com/2011/05/cheaters.html


I am ever thankful to Mel for blogging on the show 'Cheaters' which ranks undoubtedly as one of the most mind-numbingly tasteless, nonsensical and yet entertaining shows of all time. Much of its late-night popularity and longevity is drawn from it's ability to engage it's audience  subliminally on a moral and emotional level. I agree with Mel's statement that 'Cheaters' symbolises an evolving nature of the media's portrayal of crime; from facts, statistics and information to purely it's entertainment value.  


In my response i want to expand upon the reasons for this shift as well as why i believe shows like "Cheaters" enjoys such popularity.


The entertainment value of reality TV has led to an surge in the exploration of real-life crimes. From shoes concerning organised crime and homicide such as '48 Hours' and 'Crime Investigation Australia' to trivial traffic offences on 'RBT' we are drawn into the voyeuristic pleasures of watching the 'deviant' actions of others. In past this shift is due to a changing social context whereby technology has allowed for crime and its punishment to be made a public spectacle (Fishman & Cavender 1998). In the case of 'Cheaters' this is clearly evident.   


However, one of the primary reason for the popularity of 'crime' shows such as 'Cheaters' is their ability to sensationalise everyday occurrences such as infidelity and incorporate conflict and secrecy. In 'Cheaters' the host Joey Greco assumes the role of the detective and as spectators to the crime we come along for the journey.  


However, shows like 'Cheaters' are less about reality or even infotainment than entertainment, "Perhaps the most defining feature of reality television is that these programs claim to present reality...In this, they are a hybrid form of programming: they resemble aspects of news, but, like entertainment programs often air in prime-time." (Fishman & Cavender, 1998 p. 3.). In fact,  many of these shows have faced much criticism for their exaggerated or staged nature:    

However, for many of the producers, 'crime' shows are often less about informing society and portraying reality than ratings, "If it was all poppycock it sure did well in the ratings".

When reality crime TV goes wrong...