to think that the X factor is for the vacuous and banal?

[FunnysInTheGarden]

It manipulates and exploits both its audience and its contestants. So why on earth does anyone watch such tripe?

I wish I knew, I can't understand how it is so popular.

Because sometimes people want to watch stuff that is vacuous and banal. 'Tis a fact.

Much of what is on the tele is vacuous and banal actually.

I watched it at the gym today and was really quite disturbed by the number of folk who were clearly mentally ill, but were paraded on stage for the audience to snigger at. I had to change channel.

Mentally ill? Who is?

Nobody I know who watches actually approves of parading the vulnerable. And the X Factor ladies on the MN thread are among the sharpest and funniest in mumsnet, so I'd have to say YABU.

there were a couple on last weeks show who were deffo not the full ticket.

In that case LeBOF there are a subset of non thicko's who watch it, but on the whole it's audience sob along with the best of them. Year in year out.

I read that X Faxtor thread once, it was one of the bitchiest things I have ever read, not sure about the sharp and funny angle....

We save it for the compos mentis though- there is a difference.

This year's does seem to me to be especially sick, with the "girl" judges making a play of going all gaga over a male contestant's bottom, pecs, or other body part. I'm half expecting them to go and lick the contestants.

Plus it takes formulaic to a whole new level.

I'm still watching it, though. With my disapproving glasses on.

Really, I will tune in on Saturday to read your incisive and witty comments, can't wait .

YANBU - That's why we love it. 'Tis chewing gum for the eyes.

YABU to accuse everyone who enjoys it of being vacuous and banal. The show itself may be, but it's a bit of escapism, just light entertainment really, which we all need from time to time.

It's good TV and the audience & contestants know what to expect. .

I can't stand it and never watch but YABU to tar all who do with the same brush - suspect you know that though

Vacuous and banal I have no problem with - it's the formulaic and manipulative nature of the programme I have a problem with.

Can't stand any of these sorts of programmes, nor soaps, quiz shows, or big brother type shite, I am very boring when it comes to tv, give me a good documentary or comedy anyday

All Saturday night TV is vacuous and banal, always has been ..... it's the law. You think X Factor is bad. Did you ever see 'Opportunity Knocks' with the pre phone-in-vote clapometer to decide the winner, or 'New Faces' with nasty old Tony Hatch who Cowell has totally ripped off?

Can't get excited about it.

I only ever watch vacuous and banal things on the telly. I don't watch much telly, but when I do I want to be entertained, and my favourites include: X Factor,re-runs of Judge Judgy and Coronation Street. I also went through a stage of watching that one with that annoying Noel Edmonds and all the red boxes.

I agree about the people with obvious mental health problems and the X Factor auditions though. Apart from the woman they got all the flack for last week, they are also always parading people who are obviously on the autism spectrum who can't understand why they haven't made it through.

Obviously, everyone is entitled to audition, but, unless I'm very wrong, I was under the impression that people were invited along to auditions after submitting tapes, so they make sure that they get those people to attend so that the audience have someone to laugh at.

I don;t really watch the audition stage much, because if of that very reason. Luckily its boot camp now, so I shall be parking my brain at the door and settling down in comfort with a glass of next week as usual.

i'm with midlandsmumof4

whats wrong with banal?

bbc4 and victoria during the week and banal on a saturday night - 'tis perfect

watch those pants of yours don't give you a wedgie OP

YABU mainly for making such a sweeping presumptuous statement.
I consider myself to be far from vacuous, but I sit and watch x factor with my DC as it is easy watching after a busy week with 3 DCs, work and studying!
If you don't like it don't watch it!

It's good TV and the audience & contestants know what to expect
O>M>F>G.
Some people are very easily pleased.

X factor is the very opposite of 'good' tv.

A tv show that perpetuates the myth that anyone can make it in the music industry and that everyone aspires to be Cheryl Cole.

I don't watch it. I detest it and everything associated with it.

I watch it. I agree that it is vacuous and banal, but don't think you necessarily have to be vacuous and banal to watch it.

But then I use Facebook too, so I'm probably beyond help.

And I'm assuming all the "oh no, I couldn't possibly watch anything so AWFUL" brigade have no TV guilty secrets and only ever watch improving documentaries on BBC 4?