Is 2023 the Bad Year For Reality TV? Survivor 44 Leaves Fans Outraged
Survivor's current season seems to be following in the footsteps of 2023's other disappointing reality shows.
Although reality shows continue to be among the most-watched genres on network television this year, they appear to be gradually losing their stronghold on ratings as fans are increasingly criticising networks for producing bland and uninteresting content.
Even the long-standing reality competition Survivor, which has aired for over two decades and continues to draw millions of viewers each week, faces accusations of lacklustre production this season.
Season 44 initially attracted fans with its intriguing setting and engaging group of contestants. However, enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment a few episodes in, as numerous aspects of the show fell short of expectations. Viewers criticised the editing, which seemed reminiscent of early 2000s techniques, negatively impacting the viewing experience.
Moreover, this season's challenges have been deemed uninspired and repetitive, and fans have been complaining that many have been mere rehashes of challenges from past seasons.
The contestants themselves have also come in for criticism for their lack of depth, with viewers arguing that many of them come across as one-dimensional fictional characters rather than real people, which may suggest that a great deal of Survivor is actually scripted – not a good thing for a ‘reality’ show.
Unfortunately, these issues are not exclusive to Survivor. Numerous other reality shows released in 2023 have faced similar backlash. Highly anticipated Netflix dating shows like Love is Blind and Perfect Match ended up disappointing fans, as they felt cheap and contrived, featuring excessive amounts of seemingly forced fake drama.
Many fans have already labelled 2023 as the year reality television began its decline. Only Bravo's shows, such as Below Deck and Vanderpump Rules, are attempting to counter this downward trajectory by offering viewers relatable content that doesn't rely solely on manufactured drama and controversy for controversy's sake.
While Netflix's dating shows have concluded, leaving fans disillusioned, Survivor still has an opportunity to redeem itself as new episodes continue to air.
Survivor Season 44 Episode 10 will arrive on CBS on 3 May 2023.