Why We Watch Them Sing and Dance: The Uses and Gratifications of Talent-Based Reality Television

Abstract

This study explores how talent-based reality shows with different thematic content influence gratifications obtained (GO) by viewers. Participants completed surveys regarding their reasons for watching reality programs, in general, and their reasons for watching specific talent-based reality shows (American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and America's Got Talent). Results identified 2 gratifications not previously observed in other gratifications research (TV personalities and schadenfreude), and that correlations exist between the content of talent-based programs and GO.

Keywords:

• Popular Culture
• Television

Notes

Note. Total variance explained = 64.992. Boldface values represent items that loaded in each of the 7 factors.

Note. All correlations are significant at p < .01.

Note. All correlations are significant at p < .001.

Note. Boldface values represent variables that were included in each of the 6 functions.

Note. Boldface values represent accurately predicted group membership based on discriminant analysis.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristin M. Barton

Kristin M. Barton (Ph.D., Florida State University, 2007) is an associate professor in the Department of Humanities at Dalton State College.