Behind the Scenes with Executives on the Rise of Reality Formats at SXSW
Industry Leaders Highlight Success of Unscripted Formats
At a panel discussion during SXSW, three prominent executives emphasized the growing popularity of unscripted television, underscoring its significant impact on the media landscape. Sharon Vuong, Executive Vice President of Unscripted at NBC, remarked on the success of programs such as Dancing With The Stars, which recently recorded its highest-rated finale in nine years. This long-standing ABC series, based on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has experienced a resurgence in viewership. Meanwhile, Love Island USA has been renewed for an eighth season after achieving record ratings for its latest installment, marking it as Peacock’s most-watched original season to date.
“We treat it like sport in a way,” Vuong stated during the conversation. She highlighted the show’s real-time production model and its effort to deliver simultaneous content for social media, which helps maintain viewer engagement.
In a television environment marked by decreasing linear viewing, the live format continues to attract a dedicated audience. Shows featuring relatable human stories and evolving narratives resonate strongly with viewers and generate substantial online engagement. This trend has been bolstered by social media, which plays a critical role in promoting unscripted content.
“Reality was always the original, authentic place to see real people be themselves, whether they were celebrities or not,” Vuong explained. She noted that the rise of social media has further expanded the reach of unscripted content, allowing audiences to engage with it both in long-form formats and on various platforms.
Jilly Pearce, Senior Vice President of Unscripted for ABC and Hulu, elaborated on the interconnectedness between different shows. By inviting audiences from one series to explore another, networks can enhance viewer loyalty. Pearce mentioned upcoming content featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, who will transition from Mormon Wives to become the next Bachelorette.
“Reality has become a ‘reality universe,’” Ryan O’Dowd, President of Unscripted at BBC Studios, added during the panel moderated by Variety’s Emily Longoretta. He noted the industry’s evolving perspective that allows for talent sharing among networks, promoting an ecosystem where audiences can enjoy an integrated viewing experience.
O’Dowd also emphasized the agility that comes with producing unscripted content. He described the strategic planning behind Dancing With The Stars, where the final cast members are often booked at the last minute to capitalize on developing stories that capture national interest.
The discussion highlighted not only the current successes of unscripted television but also its potential for ongoing growth and innovation within the entertainment industry.
