John Winkler
Reality TV
12/15/11
Compare an International Reality TV episode to its USA version.
1.) Be very specific, and use descriptive examples to explain similarities and differences in cast, host, production values, audience, etc.
The Reality TV programs that I chose to review are “America’s Most Wanted” and “Australia’s Most Wanted.” The two programs both have been made for the same intentions, to help warn the specific countries people about criminals on the loose so that they can be captured. America’s version focuses on criminals in America, while Australia’s version focuses on criminals in Australia. Both programs have a similar style of presenting the show. The shows generally consist of a host who tells the audience about the criminal and the crime; a re-enactment of the crime; interviews with people involved with the crime (witnesses, police officers, etc.) and a request to please help capture these criminals with information as to where they may be found.
The difference between these shows has everything to do with variations to the format. America’s version uses a younger host and uses Americans in the show. And Australia’s version uses an older host and Australians in the show for obvious reasons. Also unlike Australia’s version, which consists of short re-enactments and long face to face interviews, America’s version consisted of mainly re-enactments of the every single aspect of the crime and small interviews sprinkled in. The set also differed, America’s seemed to be in a closed of area where only the host was present, while Australia’s appeared to be in an office full of people working with telephones.
2.) Provide a hypothesis about why you believe each similarity or difference exists. Note: YouTube has US and international episodes of varied programs, including The Apprentice, Survivor, etc. See if you can find a program you are interested in for this essay question. INCLUDE: The web addresses for each episode.
I believe each of these programs differ because they are taking separate paths to accomplish the same goal. Australia’s version which has an elderly host, takes place in an office, and uses mostly face to face interviews for it’s story is going for a much more serious look. This version has made it clear that it means business and that this is no laughing matter. However, America’s version takes a completely different approach. America’s version focuses a much younger host who seems more personable. Also, the whole show seems to be revolved around its long in-depth reenactments and short interviews. This version does this to give the show a more personable feel, watching these reenactments gets the audience to feel in touch with the victims and desire to get the criminal behind bars. This approach keeps the audiences attention while making them passionate about the subject matter. Obviously both programs will what t maintain format that involves their specific country/audience, so it makes sense to use stories and personnel form that country. However, it’s interesting to see how two shows with exactly the same motif can take two different approaches to deliver their program to the viewer.
Australia’s Most Wanted:
America’s Most Wanted:
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