The resurgence of reality shows has become a global trend, and Mexico is no exception. Programs like “La Casa de los Famosos”, “Exatlón” and “MasterChef” have captured the public’s attention and have become true television phenomena. The audience is immersed in a parallel world where they can follow the lives and relationships of the participants, form emotional bonds with them and witness their triumphs and failures.
But what is the key to this resurgence? Claudia Benassini, a specialist in restricted television and digital platforms and a researcher at La Salle University, points out, first of all, that reality shows have adapted to the new times. They have known how to take advantage of social networks and digital platforms to keep the audience hooked during and after the broadcast of the program. Fans can comment, share and discuss what happens in each episode, creating a true online community.
On the other hand, reality shows have been able to reinvent themselves. The producers have introduced new dynamics, challenges and tests that maintain the interest of the public and avoid the feeling of repetition or monotony. They have opted for more emotional stories and human dramas that generate empathy in the audience, making them feel connected to the participants and their experiences.
Another important factor in this resurgence is the need for light entertainment that people have experienced in recent years. In an increasingly complex and stressful world, these programs are presented as an avenue of light and addictive entertainment.
“Although it may seem that audiences are becoming more sophisticated and demanding, the reality is that a large number of people continue to watch, follow and comment on these programs. This shows that, although the format may be considered old, it is still successful and represents a opportunity for broadcast television to continue exploring these formats,” says Benassini.
Also, reality shows are a profitable option for television networks. Their relatively inexpensive format and ability to build an audience make them a safe bet for programmers. Advertisers also find in these programs an effective platform to promote their products and reach a mass audience.
The House of the Famous, the new 24/7
TelevisaUnivision, hand in hand with the production company EndemolShine Boomdog, who was behind Big Brother, has launched “La casa de los famosos”, a new reality show that follows the successful formula of the original program. In this version, 13 celebrities will be isolated from the world in a house watched over by cameras and viewers 24 hours a day.
The specialist from La Salle University points out that the return of Big Brother, now under a new name, is a great bet by Televisa to strengthen both its broadcast television and its streaming platform. The nominations and expulsions can be seen on the Las Estrellas channel, while the daily life of the participants is available in a pay-per-view mode.
With the goal of achieving the same impact as two decades ago, the company has updated the program. According to the specialist, “The house of celebrities” has decided to incorporate characters that can generate more controversy and rating, from politicians to influencers like Wendy Guevara, who has become the participant who has attracted the most attention in the program. The inclusion of varied and controversial personalities seeks to attract younger audiences and capture their interest in the reality show.
Social networks have played a fundamental role in the media coverage of this reality show. Videos and comments related to the show circulate widely on social media, allowing people to stay informed and involved in conversations about the show, even if they haven’t seen it.
The House of Celebrities has managed to become a media phenomenon almost instantly, something that has not been seen for some time, despite the presence of programs such as MasterChef or Survivor on TV Azteca.
According to the specialist, the problem with MasterChef is that, after watching a few chapters, the formula becomes predictable: watching someone cook. “In a chapter you already saw everyone because the formula is the same, added to the constant changes of presenters,” she says.
On the other hand, in the case of La Casa de los Famosos, the possibility of observing a person 24 hours a day is engaging and intriguing, since it is not known what will happen or how the participants will behave. This uncertainty and constant dynamism of the program is one of the factors that make it attractive to the audience.
According to data provided by TelevisaUnivision, on the day of the launch of La Casa de los Famosos, on June 4, the program achieved an audience of 12.7 million viewers. In addition, on the Sunday of expulsion, June 25, it reached an audience of 13 million. These numbers are almost double what the Big Brother finale used to record, which at the time reported 6.5 million viewers.
Privacy public?
The right to privacy has become a highly relevant issue in the digital age, in which the mass of content and technological tools can be used to monitor or hack accounts and phones. However, The House of Celebrities is based on the premise of allowing viewers to watch or spy on the participants, which raises a debate around this lack of privacy.
Jorge Alberto Calles Santillana, an academic from the BUAP sociology program specializing in media culture, audience analysis and social networks, points out that society has always felt a fascination for spying on or watching others, and this factor has been part of the success of shows like Big Brother and now The House of Famous.
However, it is also important to note that audiences are drawn to these kinds of shows because they manage to identify with some of the characters. For many viewers, the reality show becomes personal or an extension of themselves. Calles affirms that many people find in these programs a way to get to know themselves better, by observing a character and recognizing aspects of her own personality. Identification with participants can be especially relevant for those who are in the process of resolving their sexual identity, and in the case of Wendy Guevara, it is likely that many people see themselves reflected in it.
“There are many people who see this type of program as a way to get to know each other, to see a character and say: that’s how I am or I think that’s how I am,” says Calles.
The return of 24/7 reality shows by Televisa could mark a turning point not only in open television, but also in the field of streaming. The format has been well received and adopted by consumers, giving TelevisaUnivision the opportunity to strengthen and differentiate its streaming products from the competition.