Reality TV Scrutiny
New Films and Documentaries Spark Renewed Scrutiny Over Reality TV Exploitation
Anonymous
Reviews of Lance Oppenheim’s film *Primetime*, starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, differ: one critic says it reduces the *To Catch a Predator* host to a cruel caricature, while another praises its exploration of Hansen’s ambition, morality and the exploitation behind the show. Hulu’s documentary *The Swan: Behind the Mirror* revisits the 2000s reality series, whose contestants underwent extensive cosmetic procedures and dieting before competing in a beauty pageant; it examines how the production targeted vulnerable women. A student opinion article argues that contemporary reality TV can turn abusive relationships into entertainment, citing *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* and the continued on-screen presence of Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen after a leaked video of their altercation, which showed chair-throwing with children present.
Key Points
1
Before its release, *Primetime* drew attention after Chris Hansen expressed disapproval of the film’s trailer; the movie follows the rise of *To Catch a Predator* and the events leading to its cancellation.
2
The original *The Swan* drew about 9 million viewers in its first season, but its ratings fell in the second season amid backlash, and the show was canceled. Writer Gillian Flynn described it as “a foul blend of condescension and self-obsession.”
3
Director Erin Lee Carr’s documentary includes interviews with a dozen former contestants, as well as producers, trainers, cultural commentators and a plastic surgeon.
4
*The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*’ first season logged more than 2.14 billion streaming minutes in its first four months, according to the student opinion article.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
17
Articles
31
Reach
48
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