Uses & Gratifications

Text One- The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is best described as a sitcom in that it follows a half hour formula which centres on the doings of the daily lives of reoccurring characters. Set in Pasadena California the show follows the lives for 5 fictional characters in common environmental settings.
 
Personal Identification is relatable to many audiences of the show. The show mainly centres round the lives of stereotypical geeks with some characters who can be seen in some aspects as normal. Even though the characters of Sheldon and Howard are extreme stereotypes of geeks however in some ways these characters could be often relatable to the audience. This is done by the show tackling possibly hardships that ‘geeks’ may go through. This is a very clever technique as this is not just a way in which the audience can relate however it is only makes aware to the audience that there is more to geeks than there stereotypical glasses and brainy state of mind.
The fact that the characters of the Big Bang Theory are re recurring suggests that the creators of the show want to establish a relationship between with the characters and the audience. This gives the audience I chance to find specific ways in which they can relate to a character. 




Escapism/Entertainment can be seen as the sole objective for the Big Bang Theory contributing to a huge factor of the show. Previewing a new episode every week, many families would enjoy watching together. The show sets aside the difficulties and despairs of everyday life as many of the topic featured on the show are not of a huge impact and often do not focus on serious topics. The show fulfils many of the needs of the audience as that is the reason upon how the show has grown so popular. The witty, sarcastic dialogue from all characters surpasses many other sitcom shows of today giving it an entertainment value.
The escapism value comes from the fact the show covers many humorous topics and situations which brings the audience to rest upon someone else’s life instead of their own.


Text Two- America’s Next Top Model
 

Personal Identification is defiantly a key part of America’ Next Top Model. We are given an insight into many of the contestant lives and the struggles they many have surpassed in order to gain a place in the competition. This creates the essence of a reality TV program in which people could possibly relate to each wannabe model. As anyone I entitled to compete in the show this often opens up doors for people with stories and struggling background as the show is their only hope to make a way and difference. As a result of this the show then generates and encourages girls from different walks of life to enter.
The format of the show also features what can be known as a ‘confession box’ in which we see the true emotions and feeling of each contestant. Even though these segments of the show may be short this however leaves a propounding effect upon the audience as they get an insight on what every individual girl is feeling throughout the competition. This is very clever technique done by the show as people may not only feel sorry for the contestant, but as each model is sent home they can witness the hardship upon how the model is feeling as these ‘confession box’ show how much the show means to each contestant.
 
Escapism and Entertainment plays a huge part in the making of the show. The television show is shown every week at the same time which creates consistency and allows many families to enjoy the show together. The show can also be a point of interest and topics within many friendship groups as you often find yourself discussing the latest happenings evictions. Although modelling may not be seen a point of entertainment the way in which the show is editing and formatted can be considered as much more than an original reality television show in which every contestant battles it out for the ultimate prize; a modelling contract as well as bonus prizes ranging endorsement deals.
 
Interaction is a new edition to the show. Until very recently contestants were eliminated upon the bases and attitudes of the judges which ultimately was the deciding factor. However in the newest season the format of the show has changed which allows the contestants to be judged no longer upon the judge’s point of view but on the publics. This is done by collecting the opinions of the public through social networking sites such as Facebook in which photos will be uploaded of the contestants where the opinions of the public will be taken in which will base to which whether the contestant will go forward in the competition. The public can discuss their views with each other and with millions of fans alike. This will give the competition and especially the audience a sense of gratification as it is them ultimately deciding the fates of each contestants.