Research and Analyse a specific Genre of TV Show

Shows that are typical of the genre:

• The X-Factor
• Britain's Got Talent
• The Voice
• Great British Bake Off
• Come Dine With Me
• Strictly Come Dancing
• So You Think You Can Dance
• Search For a Star
• Rising Star
• Idol
• RuPaul's Drag Race

The X-Factor Opening Sequence:

 Scene from The Voice UK:

Scene from Strictly Come Dancing:

Format:

These shows typically run in a series; the regular broadcasting of this genre is Saturday evenings at early peak time, and sometimes Sunday evenings or evenings through the week, too. The shows are more often than not a knock-out competition, running for 12 weeks in the lead up to Christmas, the usual format consisting of; auditions, judges choices, semi-finals and then the finals. In the first few weeks, auditions will be held, then the judges will pick who they believe is best suited for the competition. The selected competitors will then take part in a series of rounds, in which the audience usually has some say by contacting the show and voting for their favoured competitor to advance to the next round. Ultimately  - in the final - there will be two competitors and then one will win. 

Appeals:

Continuity is an appeal of the genre due to the fact the show will air at the same time and same day each week. This provides the audience with stability due to the fact they are aware of when the show will be on TV, and it can act as an event for that day. Entertainment is an appeal from the Uses and Gratifications model which is present in this genre. The use of elite people is also a common appeal within the genre; the hosts and judges of the show are typically elite people within the industry of talent being assessed within the show. As an example; Nicole Scherzinger is a jude on the X-Factor, which is fitting as she is successful and famous within the signing industry. 

Target audience:

Knowing the typical air time of the shows within the genre, the typical target audience will be individuals aged 16-40. In particular, group E from the income status model - unemployed, students, etc.. This is due to the fact they are the most likely group within society to stay in on weekends as a result of little to no income. Parents are also included within the target audience as it is unlikely that they will be going out and, therefore, these shows are able to act as a source of entertainment from home. This genre of TV very much targets the mainstream audience, the continuity appeals to them as they value routine, as well as this, the genre is rather basic - as in there are no sophisticated or challenging elements to it - which will appeal to the mainstream. Furthermore, due to the popularity of the genre, trendies will be included in the target audience; talent shows can be a topic of conversation amongst people and, in the strive to fit in, individuals will watch the show in order to be included in and contribute to the conversation.

Opening sequence:

Reality television shows will typically open their show with an upbeat song; this sets the tone of the show, it is a light-hearted and enjoyable genre focused on entertaining, which is represented with the upbeat music. It is more than likely that solely bright colours will be used within the opening sequence, this is also due to the fact the tone of the show is enjoyable and exciting, which the use of bright colours will reflect. Often, contestants of the show are also featured within the opening sequence, displaying their talent. If this is not the case, snippets that represent the show will be displayed instead. Finally, the title of the show will appear on the screen.

Within the opening sequence of RuPaul's Drag Race, there is upbeat music which is typical of the genre and sets the tone for the entirety of the show; that it will be upbeat and enjoyable. Typical of the genre, contestants of the show are then displayed, with their name appearing in a bright colour. The use of bright colours - which is also typical of the genre - assists in setting the tone of the show, the hot-pink colour implies that the show will be exciting and enjoyable. Challenging the expectations of the genre, the host and head-judge of the show is also featured in the opening sequence. This is not a common feature within reality talent show opening sequences but, in this case, it is acceptable and enjoyable due to the host being an elite person. This helps to attract attention to the show. Alongside this, it seems normal for the host to be included in the opening sequence as the show is named after them. 

The opening sequence of Britain's Got Talent differs from that of RuPaul's Drag Race, whilst remaining typical of the genre. Within the BGT opening sequence, an upbeat song is used. As previously stated, this will set the fun tone of the show. Moreover, bright colours are used within the opening sequence, not only does this assist in setting the tone of enjoyment and excitement, but it also presents the show as being patriotic as the colours used are red, white and blue - which are used to represent Britain. Although contestants are not shown in the opening sequence, short scenes are used to display the theme of the show. Silhouettes of possible past or current contestants are shown, which implies the theme of the show to the audience; they are seeing people conduct activities that are linked to being talented and expect similar activities to be present within the show. The use of iconography is also present within this opening sequence, which is not typical of the genre but is acceptable for this particular show as - as the title reveals - it revolves around Britishness, which the iconography helps to support and reinforce. 

Setting:

The typical setting of this genre is a room, studio or theatre. This is due to the fact that these are the typical performance areas; and reality talent shows are often based on a persons ability to perform. We usually see the contestants interact with the judges from the stage - the judges will sit behind a desk facing the stage, with the audience behind them.

The Voice UK is set in a theater, which is typical of the genre. This will appeal to the audience as it is familiar and fitting with the genre. 

                                       

The Great British Bake Off is set in a kitchen, although this is not typical of the genre, it is fitting with the show and if the setting did change to a theater, it would not match the show and would appear strange to the audience. Therefore, the setting of this particular show will remain appealing to the audience, despite differing from the expectations of the genre. 

Technical codes:

Certain shots are used often. 

Characters and representations:

Narrative: