There is more than a hint of classism in an approach that says stop making a programme that is aimed at the working class but let's ignore the programmes made about the working class when the latter are just as exploitative; and let's also ignore the middle class, high gloss 'reality' programmes that equally prey on the vulnerable
^This with bells on. Nobody cares about the dear 'underclass' (as a pp put it, which is a horrible term), when it paints them as undeserving lowlifes without a clue in all the Benefit shaming programs. There's been a vertiable sea of them, all produced, commissioned and edited by middle class media professionals.
JK distasteful or otherwise, was actually liked by many working class people. People had their children on the show, they had specials dedicated to people who would had no hope of getting their issues aired elsewhere. And yes actually there were people struggling with addictions or physical illnesses helped on the show. It apparently had a loyal audience and high ratings year after year.
Its longevity is a reflection on the dismantling of social bonds in society, and the gulf between the classes.
I phoned up when it had been on roughly a year to complain that some of the sexual references and situations on the show were not appropriate for daytime television, when some children would still be home. Was told in a tone dripping with polite condescension 'children do not watch the show' and made to feel stupid for complaining. Then years later children started appearing on the show as guests so
. But I noted in the follow up letter they sent back to my complaint, they explicitly stated: You are the only person (at the time) to formally complain about this issue.
So we get the television we all agree with. None of these programs are successful because they don't have an avid audience. Complaints aren't piling in. Even I'm a celeb is horribly exploitative in my opinion.