Why everyone is so into Jon and Kate Plus 8. What is it about this couple that is so interesting? I am not into reality shows at all (I know I am in the minority), so I don’t get the whole thing at all. It seems that the reason show took off was because Jon was seen with another woman. Why are we so into Kate (her outfits and sunglasses are highlighted in features), while we vilify the Octomom, Nadya Suleman. Is it a race issue?
I think we have the Osbournes to blame for these intrusive family shows. I remember that one. It was a spectacular disaster.
Is it the whole train wreck possibility?
Please explain it to me.
Thanks
I’ve never even heard of those two losers until the scandal made front page tabloids last month and I thought, “who cares?”
I still don’t care. and I’m with you on reality TV. I used to find it exciting and unique when it first appeared in the early 2000s (or late 90s), but now I’m just jaded by reality shows.
Well I must correct one thing, the show has been hugely popular for years now, it didn’t just take off after Jon’s alleged affair. But yes, it has become even more popular post tabloid scandal.
The difference between Jon and Kate, and Octomom, is that one, Jon and Kate are a couple whereas Nadya is a single mom living with her parents, and two, that Nadya already had several children she could barely take care of before becoming pregnant with 8 more (though Jon and Kate did already have twins as well–but they were able to care for them).
As for the reason the show is popular, it’s the same reason as The Osbournes. People are curious to see how a family of 8 children operates (and to be honest it is quite fascinating). Part of it for a lot of moms is that I think it makes them feel better about their own lives, knowing they don’t have to deal with the chaos of 8 kids that Jon and Kate have.
I think that this signifies the demise of culture as we’ve known it. Truly tragic television.
Melissa, you probably already saw this over on TheWrap.com — this week they did an investigative report on the mental health of people who participate in reality shows and it was very disturbing. For any of your readers who didn’t see it, it was in 2 parts, with a 3rd/separate interview with a therapist who has treated 800 reality show participants over the last several years. (Sorry, I don’t know how to imbed links.)
TheWrap Investigates: 11 Players Have Committed Suicide:
http://www.thewrap.com/article/thewrap-investigates-11-reality-show-players-have-committed-suicide_3409?page=2
Reality TV Stars Often Suffer Enduring Trauma:
http://www.thewrap.com/article/people-underestimate-how-much-stress-they-can-deal_3432
A Reality-Show Therapist Grilled: http://www.thewrap.com/article/reality-show-therapist-grilled_3438