Week 5: Global TV formats
17:00
Sunday 6th October
Britain's Got Talent is one example of a global TV format.
Often referred to as 'BGT', the premise of the reality show is to put forward
British contestants as they battle to wow the celebrity judges and the British
audiences at home with their particular talent, with a large cash sum prize. Having
broadcasted from 2007 too present (2016), with ten series, anyone of any age
can apply to be on the show, which enhances its popularity compared to other
reality shows such as the X-Factor, which have an over sixteen age restriction.
The audience at home are able to participate as the format of Britain’s Got
Talent, like many other talent shows, sees a week by week elimination based on
the publics vote.
Since its success, the show has since created a vast numbers
of spin-offs from its original founder, musical entrepreneur Simon Cowell. The
first spin off, merely named ‘Got Talent’ fell flat in Britain due to the
already efficacious BGT. It later spawned popularity within America; and thus
America’s Got Talent was formed with an identical series structure to the
British original. Since April 2014, over 58 countries have formed follow-up ‘Got
Talent’ shows, spanning from Afghanistan, Australia, India and Canada. By
looking at the array of countries that broadcast the talent shows named after
their particular country, it is evident just how much of a global influence the
‘Got Talent’ organisation has built around the world.
One major factor to its global successful is how universal
its premise is. As its built and aimed at a specific country, there are no
barriers that come with any of the contestant’s acts. It’s also a reality show
that doesn’t need to take itself seriously in order to be successful and gain view
ship, as many contestants are familial relationships that bring the audience
together in awe or laughter (for example, Stravos Flatly a father and son
dancing trio). The show’s title immediately brings said particular nation
together, as it is explicit in showcasing the performances and abilities of
those from your country, which bring a huge sense of unity. Another aspect to its success are its celebrity judging panel. Each of its sequel shows provide well known celebrity judges to represent the particular country, which ultimately makes it an appealing programme to its countries audience. For example, Americas Got Talent, however much its panel changes year by year, always features celebrities that are current within popular media culture, which keeps its fresh and relevant. Their panel has seen many popular stars such as David Hasselhoff, Jerry Springer and Heidi Klum, all extremely likeable representatives for America, appealing to its audience at home.
Britain’s Got
Talent is a great example of a Global TV format, displaying that easy-going,
easily watched shows make for the most successful around the globe.
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