Reality-Based Television: Makeover Shows

Reality-based television (often called simply “reality television”) has become one of the most influential genres in television programming. The popularity of the genre is reflected in the ratings of these shows and in the great advertising revenues they generate. As evidence of the popularity of reality television, the Website Reality TV World shows a list of more than 400 shows in this category produced in the United States. The success of reality television cannot be limited to its popularity among audiences; the genre provides a cheap production alternative to dramas. That is precisely why many scholars have abandoned the question of how factual reality television is. Instead, in recent years it has become clear that reality television shows are often scripted; thus, many argue the genre should be seen simply as a mode of production. Others argue that the key to reality television resides in the pleasure it brings to audiences. The viewers of the genre get their pleasure from the assumption that the characters are real people, just like them, which allows viewers to live vicariously through the characters.

The criticism from media scholars and many others has not stopped the rapid growth of the genre; in fact, the popularity of the genre has resulted in the formation of several subcategories within the format and a network. Some of the categories that make the genre are game, life, docu-soap, dating, drama, talk, hidden camera, law enforcement, and makeover shows. The Swan (FOX, 2004), Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (Bravo, 2003–07), and What Not to Wear (TLC, 2003–10) are examples of reality makeover shows.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy aired between 2003 and 2007. The program made over mostly straight men in order to increase their appeal to their female partners. The recipient of the makeover sold access to his lifestyle and was taught new patterns of consumption to make him more desirable. The program incorporated product placements and countless endorsements that would fit into the new lifestyle of the participant.

Extreme Makeover was aired by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) between 2002 and 2007. In this program, individuals, mostly women, volunteered to receive an extensive makeover that included plastic surgery, exercise for body toning and weight reduction, hair styling, and wardrobe changes. At the end of each episode the participants would reveal their new look to family and friends.

The Swan aired in 2004, on FOX. The concept of the show was similar to that of Extreme Makeover. This program, however, made reference to the story of the ugly duckling and offered several forms of surgery and access to a staff of professionals who included a coach, a therapist, a trainer, cosmetic surgeons, and a dentist. The show transformed “ugly” women during a period of three months and would conclude with a big reveal of the transformation.

The concept for What Not to Wear originated in the United Kingdom and has been adapted for audiences in several countries. In the United States its adaptation aired on The Learning Channel (TLC) starting in 2003. The show's participants are chosen for their bad fashion sense. They are flown to New York City, where they “learn” the secrets of dress for their body type and get a budget to buy new clothing. The show ends with a big event during which the participant appears in the new clothing and hairstyle before friends and family members. Although early episodes featured both men and women, eventually most episodes featured women.

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