'The Undateables' - UK TV series

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well apart from the fact that I don't (won't) have a licence I hate these reality type programs, I always wonder how much is put on for the audiences entertainment and how much "just happens".

I agree with you that a lot is put on for the audience's benefit

I think they find what I term 'TV Friendly' people for these programmes and the fact they are TV Friendly means they are often not like the average person with these conditions at all. They are usually more aesthetically pleasing/televisual than the average person (unless of course their condition is some kind of disfigurement) and also have extrovert, larger than life type characters ie they like talking and talk in a coherent way, using the type of phrases and vernacular that people are used to.
They are more charismatic and 'entertaining' than the average person, so there's more likelihood of them holding the audiences' interest. Then the programme makers will also edit the footage they've filmed to make the subjects come across in a particular way as well. So it is all very contrived, yes.

I still find it interesting though, for the very reason that I don't mix with other people very often at all so these programmes are like a sort of window on life and other people and I am safe at home as I don't have to interact with them, so it's the best of both worlds! I like being able to observe other people living their lives without having to take part myself.

Of course, the ultimate reality programme would be one where the camera was hidden - this would be the Holy Grail of reality TV as the people would be acting totally naturally, without knowing they were being watched! (And I have no interest in watching people going to the toilet, getting washed and dressed or having sex - that would not be included)

quite, that is why I refuse to beleive it is "reality", how can you act as you would knowing a camera is there, it will affect what you do.

Totally

The people who take part are usually natural born show-offs and attention-seekers as well usually so they are actively playing to the camera/audience too.

It's people who like the sound of their own voice and who think the whole world would be interested in anything they had to say who go on these programmes.

well unless they have something to say that will enrich humanity which they don't usually i have no interest. The only TV I watch is iPlayer catchup as i prefer documentaries and the like as well as well done commedy. I tend to listen to the radio more than anything though. My dad refused to have a TV when we were kids and i never really missed it (I was bullied at school anyhow so never had any friends to talk to about the crap on TV)

Join the club

I listen to the radio a lot too

I think reality TV programmes can be seen as a way of 'knowing your enemy' ie I see them as a way of sussing out NTs so that I know how they interact and think. It's a bit like watching dangerous animals in the zoo, knowing they can't hurt you!
(I don't agree with zoos for animals but ones for NTs would be good! lol)

ooh an extrimest well reality TV won't teach me much.

That first quote was not by me and secondly you're entitled to your opinion but the wider notice out there is that people with any condition or learning disability need programes like 'the undateables' to further their outlook on life, whatever their living circumstances are.
i happen not to mind the term that much. i find it is applicable to me in any case.
what does anyone else think on this catchphrase or rather the programme. it is not meant to be offensive, but who you contact as a result is the readers bearing, no one else.

wish tequila would upload the 2 new episodes..or someone found a working proxy.

well, seeing as i can never find these threads, heres one i thought would illustrate the day to day realities of changing Britiain.. past ,presentand uh, ..possibly future?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdwho_2y ... detailpage[/youtube]

by uk proxy, meant a site that hides my ip..im not sure if you quoted me by mistake or misunderstood my post lol.

the bachelor uk 2011, Gavin Henson, he is a shy guy and not good at dealing with groups of people.... it was odd watching this supposedly super knock them over guy, be so... not like the stereotypical type person. I thought he could feature on undatables

Lol 'The Batchelor' is so trashy

Gavin Henson evidently had all the personality of a plank of wood!

Charlotte Church had a lucky escape!

It's the kind of programme that's so bad it's good!

All i know is i can only agree to disagree on this im afraid. my views on this topic are being expressed now as they were before and to me are pretty much self explanatory.
theres been alot of debates and critiscisms over the programme. but i think that this year the people really stepped up their game, their wasn't a show host by which their would be a constant narrative on who said what and to whom but was more direct and less combative in my viewing opinion.
what i am saying is if people want to stand up for themselves on a programme like 'the undateables' then they should . who would not be in their right mind anyway, to go looking out for someone there when they know that in every other real sense there is probably no one to share a toastie with.
if there were other ways of making things happen, then one should not compare fights with bachelors or otherwise be at fault of losing a win-win situation.
i wish some of these views had been posted on the womens thread as i would have stood up for my beliefs in every sense. and whats wrong with michael anyway? he might be high functioning but so what? he isnt stupid. just defenceless. good for him if he wants to go out and date, that takes courage anyway.

I don't think people on this thread are in disagreement with you anyway - most people think the programmes are good.