Research Of Modal Characteristics And Communication Value Of Observational Reality Shows

With fierce competition in the variety show market and an increasingly vertical demand from the audience for TV programs,the reality show programs in China have drawn upon successful experience of foreign countries and got continuously enriched and extended in terms of their types and modalities.A large number of observational reality show programs,which carry with them attributes of societal research,have emerged from the variety show market since 2018.Based on their in-depth explorations of societal topics,these programs ingeniously integrate the "observational" perspective with reality shows,attaining widespread popularity among the audience,as well as prominent success in the market.What do the observational reality shows "observe"?What are the unique elements that differentiate these programs from their counterparts?What values do these reality show programs that carry with them societal attributes create in the process of communication?As of now,there haven't been consistent answers to these questions.Based on the thoughts about the above-stated questions,the origin,categorization and development of observational reality shows are sorted out and presented in this paper.By looking at My Little One,a representative case of observational reality shows,this paper further identifies and summarizes the modal characteristics of these shows,followed by an in-depth exploration of the underlying values of them using an outside-in approach.This paper argues that observational reality shows are a nonfictions documentary that mirrors the society as a whole with their program content closely related to real life.The combination of the documentary style and unique observational perspective utilized in these shows allows the audience to have a Lacan's mirror experience,enabling self-positioning,-reflection and attainment of enlightenment among the audience viewing how stories of others unfold.As such,this paper asserts that the emergence of observational reality shows is not only a productive attempt in terms of the modality of variety shows,but they have been documenting the changes of times and witnessing the evolution in people's values.More importantly,the views and opinions conveyed by these programs are also influencing the audience's behavioral patterns,attitudes towards life and even their spiritual world.Thus,observational reality shows are of noteworthy societal significances and communication values.In the meantime,however,problems like excessively narrow observational horizons and converged program genres also need to be tackled as a large multitude of observational reality shows are being intensively produced and aired.Derivability is a necessity for a program modality capable of amplifying its advantages.Thus,further improvements should be built upon the existing advantages and extension of program values should be fulfilled in order to guarantee present success and future sustainability.