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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To say if you don't like reality TV you don't GET it

138 replies

MissBax · 05/06/2018 16:16

Obviously lighthearted, and just for the record - I used to think things like TOWIE / Love Island / MIC etc were utter drivel and would have been disgusted by them.

However, I have realised that I was always going at them from the wrong angle. Now, I don't love them despite the trashiness, I love them because of the trashiness.

Once I let go of my snobby pants I was able to fully get stuck in and now think they are actually genius television. It is people watching in its absolute glory!

Can you tell I'm ecstatic that Love Island is back?? 😂

OP posts:
RoseanneBarred · 05/06/2018 16:19

In that case, I am glad I don't GET it Wink

Katinkka · 05/06/2018 16:20

I watch a right load of guff. Not everything has to be high brow. I love not having to think or concentrate. I like the real housewives, love island and survival reality shows.

userabcname · 05/06/2018 16:21

Yanbu. People always say "but it's so trashy" when I say I watch Love Island, to which I reply "exactly!!!" I love trash telly. Give me the Kardashians, Love Island etc. any day.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 05/06/2018 16:21

I am happy not to get it

Ginger1982 · 05/06/2018 16:22

I've always liked things like Kardashians etc but I draw the line at Love Island 🙄

londonrach · 05/06/2018 16:22

Dont get it then. It just seems a nasty way of taking advantage of vuluable people

FlyingElbows · 05/06/2018 16:23

Oh I get it alright but I still have absolutely zero desire to engage with it. It's "people watching" for all the wrong reasons. There's nothing "genius" about exploiting people.

AmazingPostVoices · 05/06/2018 16:24

I “get” it, I just don’t think it’s particularly healthy for either the participants or the viewer.

Reality TV often tends to appeal
to our basest instincts, the worst versions of ourselves.

badtime · 05/06/2018 16:24

You do know that some people 'get' perfectly well that you are supposed to embrace the trashiness and still think it's shit , don't you?

SilkyBlack · 05/06/2018 16:24

I figure I have a finite amount of free time and on balance would rather use it for something else than watching reality tv.

Nothing to do with it being trashy

MrsJayy · 05/06/2018 16:25

It is total drivel though these reality stars think it is a real job that is going to last forever it is total tripe

Etino · 05/06/2018 16:25

Do you have limitless time on your hands. Are you going to live to be 800?

There's always something better to watch or do.

Original poster
MissBax · 05/06/2018 16:26

How is it taking advantage of exploiting?!
Just because these people don't act in the ways you would doesn't make them vulnerable.

OP posts:
corcaithecat · 05/06/2018 16:26

Nope, it's just crap tv. If you like it, that's fine but you don't have to justify it to anyone else.

MrsJayy · 05/06/2018 16:27

I don't mind some of it but when you see the likes of Joey Essex and Gemma collins cling onto fame it is bloody depressing

Shaboohshoobah1 · 05/06/2018 16:27

I GET it. But it’s still fucking shit.

redexpat · 05/06/2018 16:28

When I was studying, and before I had children, I wanted drama, excitement, good documentaries. Now I have a demanding job and 2 dc and I just want to be entertained because I dont have the headspace for anytjing more.

Floofsnootborkandboop · 05/06/2018 16:29

There's always something better to watch or do.
You can say that about literally everything though, just let people enjoy things.

cariadlet · 05/06/2018 16:29

I tried watching Love Island last night with my teenage dd. I only lasted 15 minutes. It was such dross that I ended up leaving the room.

I don't think it's snobbery. I watch plenty of more highbrow BBC4 programmes and well written dramas like Line of Duty, but I also enjoy undemanding programmes like comedies, Strictly and Bake Off.

But I couldn't stand Love Island. From the (admittedly very little) I saw the programme and contestants seemed so bland and superficial. They aren't the sort of people that I'd want to hang around with in real life so why would I want to watch them on my tv? Judging by the trailers I'd feel the same about Towie, Made in Chelsea and all the similar crap.

PinkHeart5914 · 05/06/2018 16:30

I love, love island 😍 I know it’s pure trash I should know better but I bloody love it and I am not ashamed!

I also think fair play to the people on it that milk it for as long as they can after and make money while they can

redexpat · 05/06/2018 16:30

Posted too soon.

But I hate the drama of reality tv. I had to stop watching real housewives of bh because i felt really anxious.

MrsJayy · 05/06/2018 16:31

An 18year old going on love island is exploitation imo these kids want fame for being famous. Vicky Pattison tried to shake her Geordie shore image off but she can't catch a break because she shagged on tv.

UrsulaPandress · 05/06/2018 16:31

It's like society eating itself.

Although I have never watched Love Island so could be wrong.

pinkbraces · 05/06/2018 16:31

I am incredibly happy “I don’t get it” it makes me incredulous at the crap people watch and how low someone can act for their 5 minutes of fame. If more people didn’t get it none of this shit would be made.

JellyBears · 05/06/2018 16:31

Sounds like utter drivel to me...I prefer I’m a celebrity for my reality tv fix.