This is a guest post by TampaBayScene’s Elizabeth Murray
Television has officially jumped the shark. Or, at least reality television.
After 15 years, reality TV has gotten desperate. The entertainment world is now full of video streaming and online programming by the likes of Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Although traditional TV is still on top, the numbers are slipping, especially with young viewers. The latest (completely uncreative) gimmick to steal back their viewers? Featuring the human body in ALL of its glory. The cable climate is warming as birthday suits become this season’s trend.
If you’re one of the young renegades who are TV-less, here’s a look at what you’re missing:
“Naked and Afraid” began the trend last summer on Discovery with a new twist on an old favorite: Throw people in the wild and see who “survives.” Each episode features one man and one woman. They haven’t met before, but they need to survive on their own for three weeks.
On “Dating Naked,” VH1 strips down dating and sets it in paradise, but with the traditional style of going on three dates and picking your favorite. The host introduces the concept as “the most honest way to date.”
TLC’s “Buying Naked” is a real-estate show shot in neighboring Pasco County, Florida. While it takes comical lengths of prop placement, the aim of this show is honorable: to provide a way for viewers to see (and maybe understand and accept) the lifestyles of nudists.
So why all the nudity?
TV execs say it’s not about the nudity, but about the story and the people (and people who are willing to be nude are typically more interesting people). As for the contestants, one claimed self-discovery was her motivation, while contests on “Dating Naked” just say nothing else has worked to find love. “Buying Naked,” with perhaps the most respectful presentation, wants to shed light on an alternative lifestyle. According to the Executive Producer, Mike Kane, the show has the approval of the nudist community it portrays.
The rise of overly sexualized imagery has been news for decades, but has only gotten worse since second-wave feminism. This new trend is titillating for both sexes, but “Dating Naked” is still (so far) markedly heteronormative, meaning we still have a far way to go for true equality, and no doubt viewers of “Naked and Afraid” expect a rendezvous eventually.
So when you’re queuing up your Hulu or programming your DVR, are these on your must-watch for summer? Are you appalled, addicted or disgusted but can’t look away?
Featured photo courtesy of: VH1
