Why reality TV is turning viewers off during the pandemic

The Block premiered to lower than expected ratings last week while The Bachelor is also down this year and one media expert says reality TV has simply lost its appeal during the pandemic.

However, it’s not all bad news for Seven News and Nine News, which have both had viewers exceeding the one million mark this week.

One media expert told Confidential that the contrived drama often seen on reality TV has far less appeal during a crisis.

“While digital and TV consumption has skyrocketed (as more people remain in the home with time spent on news digital sites and apps up 29 per cent), reality TV numbers are dwindling,” said Nicole Reaney of InsideOut PR.

“There is a sense of viewer fatigue from staged drama to series repetition.

“The public are consumed by news and social media as the pandemic evolves, while also seeking escapism through any new and lighthearted series.

For the full article head to The Daily Telegraph

Nicole Reaney, Director of InsideOut PR and founder of influencer agency, #AsSeenOn . Nicole has extensive experience in corporate and consumer PR and Communications and is available to comment on topics.