Publicized Intimacies on Reality Television: An Analysis of Voyeuristic Content and Its Contribution to the Appeal of Reality Programming

Abstract

Given that reality television is not a cohesive genre a better understanding of the frequently noted voyeuristic appeal of reality programs would require an analysis of content features that may contribute to their voyeuristic appeal. A survey administered to television viewers and a content analysis of reality programs support hypotheses regarding the voyeuristic appeal of reality programs in general and suggest that scenes which adopt a fly on the wall perspective take place in private settings contain nudity and/or include gossip contribute to the voyeuristic appeal of reality programs.