From scandal to big business: 20 years of reality TV in France
The first reality television show on French television was broadcast on April 26th 2001. 'Loft Story', a French remake of the 'Big Brother' format, caused a scandal and provoked endless debate and discussion among both the public and academics. One critic even claimed it marked a descent into “fascism”. Twenty years later the genre has become a standard part of TV viewing. Participants in some of the top-rated shows have become professionals with large incomes, working as 'influencers' who promote brands on social networks. François Bougon reports on the history of reality TV in France.
OnOn April 26th 2001 a new television show broadcast on the M6 channel sparked a media frenzy and the kind of endless debates the French adore and which quickly descend into generalities.
