Driven Media Group

The Act of Giving in Television Over Being Dirty

Sometimes I look at humanity and am amazed at how some people actually breathe. I look at the masses and wonder how in the world they aren’t killing each other. I’ll even shake my head when I see people not doing the most simple acts of kindness such as holding open a door for someone even if you have to wait 5 extra seconds.

The attitude of “me against the world” is portrayed in media and this is one of the reasons I can’t even watch television. I detest watching the news when it’s nothing but stories of someone being killed or trying to steal something. This goes even into regular shows and even into reality shows. My wife loves those reality shows and I admit I did to at the beginning but years later I have to leave the room when she turns it on.

So, when I saw the headline:

‘Secret Millionaire‘ Appeals More Than ‘Dirty Sexy Money‘

I gotta admit I was taken back and had to question my view on humanity. Do people enjoy seeing others succeed? I mean I use to watch Home Makeover and I know they do well in ratings. The premise, if you are not aware, is basically a ‘millionaire’ works with a family or person without them knowing that they are really upperclass then at the end the rich pull a Robin Hood and write them a check. It could looked at as upperclass takes a visit to lowerclass and then gives them money.

Beyond just the headline here are the stats that amazed me though:

Fox’s “Secret Millionaire,” in which an incognito “have” shares with a “have-not,” won its 8 p.m. timeslot, rising 22% from its premiere program last week to a 2.8/8 rating and share in the ad-centric adult 18-49 demographic. Meanwhile, ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money,” which celebrates the nothing- exceeds-like-excess ethos that no longer seems popular, let alone possible, was last in its 10 p.m. time period, ringing up a 1.8/5, which was 10% below its season average.

My question to you (whether you watch it or not): Do you think it is because of the ‘season’ that this type of show is doing so well (and will probably continue to) or is the face of humanity changing (maybe due to the economy)?