An Analysis of Trash TV in New Zealand: Critiques and Perceptions
TV shows in New Zealand often get a bad rap for their over-the-top drama, questionable content quality, and commercialized nature. Among the most criticized are reality competition shows that tend to prioritize entertainment value over substance. Let's delve into some of these shows and the critiques that surround them.
The Block NZ - A Reality Renovation Competition
The Block NZ is a reality renovation competition where couples compete to renovate homes for a cash prize. Despite its popularity, it has faced criticism for its melodramatic and scripted elements. Many viewers find it to be more about drama and underhanded tactics than genuine home renovation.
Married at First Sight NZ - A Controversial Dating Show
Married at First Sight NZ is a dating reality show where strangers marry each other at first sight. The show is often criticized for its dramatic and controversial situations. While some may enjoy the excitement, others find it to be crass and lacking in substance.
Celebrity Treasure Island - A Reality Competition Show
Celebrity Treasure Island is a reality competition featuring celebrities competing in challenges for charity. The show is known for its over-the-top drama and antics, often leaving audiences torn between entertainment and the poor quality of its content.
The Real Housewives of Auckland - Surface-Level Gossip
The Real Housewives of Auckland is a reality series focusing on the lives of wealthy women in Auckland. While these women's lifestyles are indeed luxurious, the show is criticized for its surface-level gossip and family drama, which some find to be glaringly shallow.
Keeping Up with the Kaimanawas - Sensationalized Documentaries
Keeping Up with the Kaimanawas is a documentary-style series about a group of people involved in the horse-taming industry. Some viewers find the show to be sensationalized and lacking in genuine insight into the industry.
Comedian's Critique: The Bitter Reality of TV Shows
Not everyone is delighted with what's on television. In a candid and biting commentary, one comedian expresses frustration with shows like Married at First Sight, referring to it as a move akin to reality TV contestants seeking 5 minutes of fame via Instagram influencers. The show's name, in his opinion, should reflect this reality-driven, superficial entertainment.
Personal TV Binge or Lack Thereof
With just two available TV channels and a general apathy towards watching broadcasts, many New Zealanders either do not or rarely turn on their TVs, finding them a waste of time in an era of streaming services and social media.
The Controversial Nature of Local Television
Several local shows and channels are heavily criticized, ranging from reality TV like Shortland Street to documentaries like Wentworth. The entertainment industry in New Zealand is often viewed with cultural cringe, continuously under scrutiny for its over-commercialization and questionable content.
The evolution of television in New Zealand mirrors broader cultural and economic changes, notably deregulation in the 1980s under the Fourth Labour Government. This deregulation, influenced by neoliberalism and Rogernomics, has certainly played a role in shaping the current television landscape, often criticized for its commercialization and superficial content.
Despite these criticisms, everyone has their own preferences. While some may find these shows entertaining, others simply don't turn the channel due to the poor quality of content.
Conclusive Thoughts
Trash TV in New Zealand reflects a broader critique of entertainment in the country. These shows, while entertaining to some, are often seen as lacking in substance and overly commercialized. As viewers continue to navigate through these options, the debate over the quality of entertainment remains a key topic of discussion.