Let’s take a look at “Reality TV Is An Attractive UK Market” In September, the BBC made a few announcements that reality television fans welcomed with open arms. First, the network said it is bringing back the Osbourne family for a new reality show documenting their return home to the United Kingdom. And the second announcement was that the hit show Survivor UK is also returning and will be available on BBC One. This news came one month after the BBC said it will bring back Gladiators, an exciting sports entertainment game show.
It’s clear the BBC is investing time and resources into creating high-profile reboots for the network, but why? Are reality entertainment shows popular enough in the United Kingdom for these reboots to achieve mainstream success? It turns out that the answer is yes.
Reality TV Is An Attractive UK Market
The United Kingdom has one of the largest TV markets in Europe. Reports state that 70% of the UK population in 2000 said they watched reality television regularly or daily; this number has only increased thanks to modern releases such as Love Island. The culture around reality television in the UK isn’t just passive either. One example of this is the online betting culture surrounding reality television in the country.
For instance, viewers take active roles in reality TV by placing special bets odds on shows like I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! They can bet on who they think will be the outright winner of the show. Strictly Come Dancing is another example of a popular show that viewers enjoy interacting with. The UK-based show is a dance competition where celebrities pair up with professional dancers, much like Dancing With The Stars in the United States. The odds are more specific to gender and the elimination round in Strictly Come Dancing betting, providing more options for fans to bet.
Consumers today want added value, and the reality television market in the UK provides that. Even UK shows with a global appeal like Love Island allow for this level of viewership participation. Viewers vote through the Love Island app for their favorite couples, and the process is free and available via the App Store or Google Play. When you participate in something, you become more attached to it. Social media has also helped with this, as the audience can share their thoughts and opinions using hashtags, making them feel seen and heard.
Dates To Write Down
After nearly 20 years, the Osbourne family will be back on our screens, and the show is set to air in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2023. Both Survivor UK and Gladiators have the same debut timeframe of 2023, and the two shows will also be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Contenders ready….
Iconic 90’s TV show ‘Gladiators’ is coming back – but this time on the BBC.
It will return for an 11 episode series on Saturday night’s in 2023. pic.twitter.com/04eOa3zSwt
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 25, 2022
It’s been years since these three shows have been on our television screens, and the BBC’s decision to reboot them is another example of how nostalgia can help generate revenue in the entertainment industry. For example, nostalgia culture is why we’ve seen reboots and reunions from everything from IT to Gilmore Girls and The X-Files.
While the United Kingdom gears up for the start of the World Cup, the entertainment industry is working swiftly behind closed doors to give TV audiences something else to look forward to after the World Cup is over. That includes high-profile reboots of some of the most beloved reality television shows, such as Survivor and Gladiators.
