Television to me is a reward, as my favourite thing to do when I get home is to get into bed and have thousands of choices of programs to watch at the tip of my fingers. My television habits mainly consisted of me using Netflix and watching other shows via online systems, however, as the semester has come about, I have become exposed to a multitude of genres and programs and more frequently I sit down and flick through the channels on the TV, rather then pre-selecting what I wish to view. For example, I have begun watching Mad Men. I have also exposed myself to more current affairs and morning television programs, which I would usually never allow myself to do, as I would consider them boring and irrelevant. I utilise television more than just for entertainment, however as source of information, especially when it comes to news-related programs.

This semester of popular culture studies has expanded my knowledge and thinking process when it comes to understanding television cultures. I do not view television but I understand it, analyse it, and I can’t help myself. The most obvious analysis that I undergo is the flow and scheduling concepts within prime time television. Whilst watching The Bachelor, and The Bachelorette, I had begun to notice the type of audience that advertisements were appealing to. During 6:30pm and 8:30pm, usually families are viewing broadcast television and therefore advertisements such as automobile and phone companies formed televised the ads that appealed to family values, such as Optus’ family home deal plan. Furthermore, once prime time had ended, advertisements led more to a modernistic appeal, as majority of the viewers were over the age of 16, media agencies can appeal to a more specific audience.

Now watching television, it’s almost as if the “glass has shattered” (How I Met Your Mother reference) behind all the tricks and tools that TV producers employ. Behaviours and actions seem to make more sense, for example, my sister couldn’t understand why Sam from The Bachelorette, wouldn’t eliminate the dorky contestant in which she clearly did not share a connection with. It was very obvious to me that the producers of this program had included quirky contestants such as Will purely for entertainment purposes to increase higher ratings and viewers. In response to this my sister asked me how I knew that, and to me, it was the most logical explanation, television success is rated on the response from viewers and humour and empathy of the underdog is the easiest way to draw a connection through reality TV.

My favourite genre of television would have of been comedy and supernatural teen dramas, however, I feel as though my interest in specific genres has expanded throughout this semester, especially after my group assignment. Studying Keeping up with the Kardashian’s has sparked an interest in Reality TV, more specifically competition-type shows such as The Bachelor. Usually I avoided reality TV, as I preferred to rely on screenwriters who have determined particular problems, resolutions and twists to keep myself ‘hooked’ on the show. However, with this program utilising second screens, with viewers allowed to present their opinion via the show on the television screen, it fell right into the lap of popular culture, and once viewing it on a screening in a lecture, as well as studying Reality TV, I gave in, and gave it a chance. To this date, I have not regretted it, as I really drew a relatable connection to the content, especially Sam.

Overall, television cultures has been one of my favourite subjects this semester, I have learnt a great deal, and enjoyed studying, analysing and understanding the concepts, issues and genres of television. I’m very doubtful I’ll watch television the same again.