Having dead parents is not a personality trait….

[aperolspritzbasicbitch]

So why do reality tv producers seem to think it is?

this is nothing new, the likes of X Factor were using it as a good old sob story years ago, but I’m currently trying to watch Below Deck Australia, and every second staff member has shared their story of loss at least once an episode.

Married at first sight is just as bad.

it’s bloody boring, and literally nothing to do with the ‘storyline’

AIBU, or has anyone else noticed a real influx in the constant mentions of loss for entertainment purposes?

Edit to add - Both my parents had died by the time I turned 32.

And I'm not talking about the genuinely impactful dances, like Rose Ayling Ellis's dance where the music goes silent partway through.

We always used to discuss what elaborate story we'd make up to get something repaired on the repair shop. It didn't seem like "it's spent 50 years in the loft and we have no idea where it originally came from" would cut it

Whenever I watch any reality show, DH and I always place bets about how long it will take someone to play the dead nan card 😂

I always tell my kids they are screwed if they go on any of these shows.

Like what is your sob story? A healthy, happy home. Two parents who adore you, your brother, and each other. Warm house, good food in your tummy, quality shoes on feet, good schooling and support, nice leafy neighbourhood, and lots of fun times?

I mean we did once run out of persian feta for avocado toast, so they could lead with that I guess.

But otherwise they got nuffin...

Of course I can understand why it’s awful to lose your mum at 2. But being in absolute bits 40 years later when asked about it during filming for a show you’ve chosen to go on, nah. It’s because the producers want a story, performative

When I was at uni I made friends with 3 other girls and we had all lost a parent. We wittily called ourselves the dead parents society and are still good mates 25 years later. Not connected to your thread sorry but it just reminded me.

You never know why he's feeling more fragile at that moment. I think that just because some people are uncomfortable with emotions and grief, especially from men unfortunately, doesn't mean everyone else has to hide it.

Yes, you’re right. I imagine the production team poking and prodding the issue will have made that happen.

It isn’t the contestants in these shows performing most of the time, they’re told to do it.

My mum died when I was very small, it massively impacted my life but it’s not something I would use as a TV show sob story. Also - I don’t remember her, I can’t claim she gave me a love of cooking or whatever. It’s ghoulish using people like this imo.