AIBU to think that programmes like these are fake?

[FollyTrolly]

Just started watching this www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04fd8ns/britains-compulsive-shoppers and it just seems unplausible. Are they actors there?

It reminds me of a similar one on Channel4 I think where an earth mother type lady claimed that she drinks her own urine. That was just jokes.

But BBC?

[SinglePringle]

Storage Hunters is a different sort of programme (factual entertainment, whilst the other programme you mention sounds like a docu-drama) and thus the regulations that cover it are different. That's what stops SH using actors (in the UK. As previously mentioned, I'm not across US regulations). Judge Judy is also American, obviously.

[honestpointofview]

Hi Single

I am not sure there is much difference between Storage Hunters and Worlds worst tenants. They are billed as same type of programme and are both American.
Just seen some lovely quotes on IMDB re Storage Hunters

"Every storage bin in America is required by law to contain a load of seemingly worthless junk, with one piece of incredibly valuable loot hidden somewhere at the back."

Winning auctions in America makes people angry

"Whenever anyone stops bidding, someone else wins. The losers then get angry at the winners even though they could have kept bidding and won themselves. I don't understand why they feel the need to do this, but at least I now feel suitably prepared for an auction situation in the future."

" In America, no matter where you are in the Country, it is possible to somehow instantaneously summon up an expert in anything you can find in a random box-full of crap."

"Hey, look! I've bought an old propeller! I know a guy who can tell me everything there is to know about this. I'll call him now, and he'll be here immediately. Even though I'm from Boston and am currently in Palm Springs". That kind of thing.

[honestpointofview]

Just found an interview with two of the main people in Storage Hunters. They say they are real buyers but then go on to say that a number of the others are not!

www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/interviews/a571899/storage-hunters-stars-brandon-and-lori-tell-all-we-are-real.html#~oNMIXobOaOCNLI

[SinglePringle]

Didn't realise SH was American - thought it was British (there's one in the pipeline).

I say again - these shows are not regulated in the same was as British AFAIK. Can't comment on whether actors are used (or not).

[Peekingduck]

Graham Winston Peters and his wife were on Coach Trip, and 4 Weddings (where they had a nudist wedding). They are very recognisable.
A friend of mine went on Blind Date years back and my illusions were completely shattered when he told me that he'd been instructed on what his answers would be. One of them was so dire he obviously didn't get picked.

[TheCuriousOwl]

I know people who've been auditioned for Coach Trip and people who've auditioned and got through/not got through for Come Dine With Me. They weren't fakes.

I know people who've been on more than one of these programmes. If you are the sort of person who might like to do it, quiz shows or challenge shows and the like, you might well do Coach Trip AND 4 Weddings quite legitimately!

[Peekingduck]

Yes Curious, but in this case, if you look at his bio as copied and pasted by gentlehoney, Graham Winston-Peters is in fact a very busy working actor!

[ProfYaffle]

Thanks for that honest! It was one of those crappy programmes dd1 managed to find. I sat through a couple of episodes with her and was rather about the whole thing.

We went to see an episode of Trisha being filmed years ago. The guests on it were genuine but there was an awful lot of manipulation from production going on. A 'warm up' guy came before filming he went through the story of each contestant but in the manner of 'what about this girl? What a bitch! Who does that to their kid!' kind of way accompanied with lots of whooping and yelling and whipping the audience up to do the same.

Then member of the production team were mixed in with the audience, some asked questions (goady ones) and other lead the clapping/whooping/yelling so that the rest of the audience followed suit. It was like panto!

[daisychain01]

folly I saw the programme this week about the addictive shoppers and I don't think it was fake. One of the people was the lead singer of Black Lace 1970s band (Aggado fame) who is addicted to eBay. I felt really sad at how he is onto his 4th marriage, its definitely a MH problem, but the internet makes it easy to do. Like Gazza, you look at that person in their heyday and wonder how their life can spiral out of control.

It is only light entertainment
I personally don't consider these programmes can be described as "light entertainment" - at best they are voyeuristic, maybe creates awareness, I wasnt entertained. I find them disturbing and very sad. Maybe we should put a camera into some AA meetings and get some fun out that too
I watched Jeremy Kyle once and decided it wasn't for me, it makes a circus act out of people on the fringes, who have lots of social problems some of their own making, often victims of deprivation.

Maybe some are actors, but the programme I saw was convincing, based on where the people live and the lives they depict, there must be a big gap they are trying to fill....

[Hurr1cane]

Actually a lot of the American programmes are made up, but they tell you that at the start

"Some scenes are made up for entertainment purposes"

[Mrsjayy]

I was just coming on to say that couple have been on coach trip and had a nuddy wedding and she has been on something else there is another woman who has been on come dine and 4 in a bed (I watch far to much reality telly)