Food reality television
Food reality television is a genre of reality television programming that considers the production, consumption and/or sociocultural impact of food.
| Food reality television | |
|---|---|
An adult and child watching television | |
| Stylistic origins | Food reality television evolved from domestic advice programmes and cooking segments heard on radio, live demonstrations performed in supermarkets and column's of domestic advice in women's magazines. |
| Cultural origins | The United States |
| Features | Food reality television deals exclusively with food. Programming considers the production, consumption and sociocultural impact of food. |
| Popularity | Broadcast television offers viewers a minimum of 12 hours of designated food programming each week |
| Subgenres | |
| Documentary-style, Adventure-travel, Game show and Cooking-as-lifestyle | |
| Related genres | |
| Drama, Documentary, Comedy, Game show, Reality television | |
| Related topics | |
| Sociology, Psychology, Television Studies | |
Reality food television emerged as a recognisable sub-genre in the 1940s. Historically, food reality television sought to educate viewers on matters of food. Early programmes such as Elsie Presents, The Diane Lucas Show and Cook's Night Out imparted 'specific, practical skills' on the viewer, and provided ad-lib commentary on matters of homemaking, home entertaining and motherhood. As the genre evolved, and the Food Network channel launched, food reality television sought also to entertain. Programmes such as Great Chefs, Boiling Point and A Cook's Tour combined the factual information of their ancestors with the personal and confessional nature of unscripted television. 'Delia's "how to cook" gave way to Nigella and Jamie's "how to live" This 'factual entertainment' function has persisted and unifies food reality television's contemporary subgenres. These subgenres include documentary-style, adventure-travel, game show and cooking-as-lifestyle.
According to critics, food reality television has had a significant impact on food production and consumption behaviours. Food reality television has been linked to a decline in culinary practice in the home, the development of culinary taste and the transition of food from 'necessity' to 'hobby'.
Food reality television has been praised by critics for creating opportunities for 'real people' and removing barriers to healthy eating. Food reality television has been criticised for its inescapability, and promotion of overconsumption.