Western Europe - Prime Time Trends

Idol / Fremantle

Networks being faced with increasing reality TV costs, game shows are the flavour of the moment, as they are seen as the cheapest route to success: with modest costs, they appeal to a broad family audience.

General knowledge quiz favors academic subjects such as history and geography in "Le Grand tournoi de l'histoire" ( France 3). This French game show features 56 contestants who represent various regions of France. They compete in three rounds, with 56 questions on 5 subjects. The winner becomes the "History Champion".

Some of the most fundamental values have already been expressed in various reality TV programs in the past few years. Now, all genres aim at extolling the virtues of multiculturalism, tolerance, generosity or solidarity. Programs such as "The Retreat "(BBC2) directly target racism and xenophobia. In this reality show, six British volunteers embark on a journey of self-discovery when they leave their everyday lives behind to join an Islamic retreat in Spain for four weeks of prayer, daily work and contemplation.

Keeping storylines and themes basic is also a good way to promote positive values: when a topic is familiar to viewers, it is easier for them to grasp the conveyed message. Classic tales are more than trendy in France, where "Chez Maupassant" (France 2), the television adaptation of a classic author reaches record audiences, with more than classic (not to say moralistic) themes, which are still very contemporary.

Sources: Eurodata TV / NOTA - International TV Trends Season 2006/2007 Volume 3 - Copyright Mediametrie & IMCA