It was June 30, 2002 when the television screens in Mexico presented the first formula of Rreality show that caused great morbidity and that was the subject of conversation in all social circles, regardless of socioeconomic level or specific interests.
From the least literate to the most recognized intellectual, everyone spoke from their trenches about the media phenomenon that meant seeing a group of strangers locked up in a house and their daily coexistence (with many of the spectators, even the daily sleeplessness).
An entertainment based on seeing how they ate their cereal, how they slept, how they fought or even how some of them did the “Cuchicuchi”.
It was us, the ones who were glued to the TVthat prying eye that had been allowed to get into the private lives of those people without feeling like a gossipy neighbor.
In addition, they gave us the power to decide, as in the Colosseum in Rome, whether or not to spare the life of that gladiator who fought and lost against another or to shout cheers while a condemned man was devoured by a beast.
That reality show It lasted a few years with different groups of “inhabitants”, both unknown and famous, to later no longer appear on the screens, giving way to other reality shows based on dance contests, extreme tests, sports activities, chefs and many other different topics, which They have even allowed the creation of channels with unique and specific content with this model.
Now, in this 2023, the formula returns, adapted in its advertising spaces and complemented with streaming and, it seems, with commercial success.
“La Casa de los Famosos”, a program that has captured the attention of the public and has generated great expectations regarding its impact on the ratingits adaptation to streaming platforms and its influence on the competition between television stations in Mexico.
The success of “La Casa de los Famosos” has been impressive and the mix of recycled celebrities, influencers, actors and presenters has been positive.
According to data from Nielsen IBOPE Mexico the show’s premiere outscored the competition (the showdown with Master Chef Celebrity was obvious) by more than 138 percent, registering an audience of 5.2 million people.
According to this information, 2.6 million turned-on devices were identified and adding television, platforms and VIX, up to a reach of 12.7 million people. While, MasterChef Celebrity had a million 96 thousand ignitions.
Who said that open TV was dead?
Still in this 2023, with new generations on the market (since that 2002 that I mentioned to you) the public feels attracted by the possibility of spying on the private lives of celebrities. Hence also the success of the “pink” or sensationalist press or of the reply and the censoring and “cancelling” judgment of the digital user.
But not only the rating has been affected by the return of these programs of reality shows. There has also been a notable adaptation towards the platforms of streaming, like VIX. The competition that exists on the platforms had to enter the game as well.
This has opened up new opportunities to reach a broader and more diverse audience, attracting those who prefer to view content on demand and on their own schedule. The possibility of accessing these programs through a variety of screens has generated an increase in their visibility and has allowed them to remain current even after their original broadcast on television.
Competition between television stations in Mexico and their free-to-air offers will increase due to this phenomenon. Each chain will now seek to have its own program of reality show successful, and probably more morbid, once that door was opened again, to attract the audience and stay in the public’s preference. The rivalry in the open format / streaming will be fiercer and less “strawberry”, and it seems to me that the television stations will be willing to invest large amounts of money in high-quality productions in order to win the battle for the ratings and for a better flirtation with brands.
Some critics argue that these shows promote superficiality and banality, focusing on spectacle and sensationalism rather than quality and relevance.
The media does not seem to care about the position of these critics while seeking to please advertisers. Faced with this search for or recovery of the traditional audience in the mass media, it is clear that Televisa is seeking to revive past successful formulas to win the favor of people and brands, who had focused their attention on digital options and international platforms. .
Expect a greater production of recycled soap operas (with “series” costumes) and reality of momentary scandal in the fierce battle between television stations.
Could it be that the “Back to basics” will work? We’ll see.