There is no denying the essential appeal of Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash. As seen in new BBC reality show Stacey & Joe, their home life is almost exactly as you’d imagine – a bit chaotic but full of warmth and sweetness too. But this mediated narrative of fishing lakes, al fresco dining and avocado toast in bed does feel like the latest expression of a trend that’s been building in terrestrial television for a while now. It’s a sort of performative cosiness; a default setting of placid, beige gentleness. Happy tears and hugging. There’s an earnestness about lots of primetime TV now that would have been seen as gauche 20 years ago.
When reality TV was born, it soon tested its limits and established its boundaries. Big Brother (and its celebrity variations) headed for the extremes fairly quickly. In reality TV (as in much of the comedy of the late Nineties and early Noughties), there was an unseemly taste for harshness, for cringe, maybe even for cruelty. There were millions of takers for the barely submerged sneering of Little Britain, for the neck-snapping wince of Wife Swap, for the voyeuristic horror of The Jeremy Kyle Show. If normal people were going to be represented on TV, it seemed they’d better get used to being the targets of mockery. And they’d better be ready to sing for their supper.
It’s significant that during that period, Britain’s underlying signs were stable. There was an assumption of prosperity – the UK economy enjoyed a remarkable 40 consecutive quarters of growth between 1997 and 2008. Since then, as a nation, we’ve been on what a prime time TV commissioning editor might describe as “a journey”. The financial crisis. Austerity. Brexit. The pandemic. War in Europe. More austerity. Much of this turmoil has been underpinned by a sense of political failure – and worse still, of political betrayal. There’s been a sense of society losing its bearings. We don’t really know who we are anymore.
And accordingly, a comforting, unifying narrative has been more important than ever. The Great British Bake Off arguably started this trend, kicking off in lockstep with austerity in 2010; pretty much a “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster in the form of a TV series. Similar shows have joined it in the schedules: The Great British Sewing Bee and Britain’s Best Woodworker tell a similarly wholesome story of modesty, ingenuity and capability. Strikingly, even the eliminative reality show de nos jours (The Traitors) is an essentially friendly affair – of course, there are arguments and deceptions, but all within the parameters of what is universally understood to be a parlour game.
In the world of reality TV, decisions about casting and decisions about tone are intertwined. The brilliance of The Traitors lies partly in its choice to stick with the normies. Most first-wave reality TV shows started codifying and curating themselves and their participants incredibly quickly. This meant that before long, we were watching a series of people auditioning for ongoing careers in the ecosystem of reality TV – rather than a reflection of ourselves and people we knew.
But now, we’ve come full circle and arrived at a sort of mediated normality. Obviously the contestants on The Traitors owe a debt to their Big Brother forebears, but it feels like the casting couch is currently facing away from the garish and the extreme and towards the familiar. Stacey Solomon is a perfect example of this – a woman who rose to fame via The X Factor before establishing herself as a cheerful avatar of common sense, dispensing earthy insights on Loose Women; helping struggling families to declutter in Sort Your Life Out. She’s basically the nation’s dream next-door neighbour. We’ve decided we want to be pleasantly surprised rather than shocked by the people we see on television – in Channel 4’s shopping precinct, ivory-tinkling free-for-all The Piano for example, the emergence from the crowd of a lad in jeans and a hoodie who can play like a dream suddenly hits harder than almost any other narrative imaginable. It’s the theatre of the everyday.
And now, it’s everywhere. Recent episodes of Dragon’s Den have felt notably gentler; there are Ukrainian refugees getting a helping hand from the Dragons and a man who somehow makes a living teaching dogs to swim. There’s The Dog House, a show which feels almost pornographic in its cuteness. Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse continue to dish out genial wisdom from the nation’s riverbanks. Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts is almost guaranteed to end in happy tears, as Oliver visits hard-pressed corners of the land and treats pillars of the various communities to glorious tables of food and gale-force gusts of goodwill.
Is there any harm in this? Up to a point, of course not. Many of these programmes are, on their own terms, a delight. Times are tough, and while TV is an opinion former, it also reacts to public need. Kindness is never a bad thing and for the last decade and a half, it has felt in desperately short supply in other areas of public life.
But can giving people what they want get in the way of giving them what they need? As previously noted in these pages, a show like Adolescence feels like a fierce shot across the bows of, in particular, the BBC and Channel 4. This is exactly the kind of television that, even a decade ago, they would have made. Not only that but it would have been assumed that, given their public service mandate (and the obligations that come with it), only they could have made it. But could we be entering an era when, thanks to a combination of funding constraints and political timidity, terrestrial broadcasters cede ownership of the challenging and the potentially controversial to the streamers?
We’d better hope not. If the BBC and Channel 4 have a purpose, it surely involves leading the national conversation. As things stand, there’s a danger of this small screen gentleness turning into something like default passivity. The kind of sweetness exemplified by Stacey & Joe is fine – but only as part of a balanced diet.
date: 2025-04-01 23:26:00
Is TV’s ‘Gentle Era’ Over? Adolescence Demands More
for years, television has frequently enough catered to the sensibilities of youth, crafting narratives filled with heartwarming stories, predictable plotlines, and an overall sense of safety. This “gentle era” of television, characterized by its focus on positive messages and avoidance of complex or controversial themes, has been a staple of adolescent viewing habits. But as young viewers navigate the complexities of adolescence and begin to mature, a crucial question arises: is time up for this diet of gentleness? Are teens seeking more from their screens than simplified realities and predictable narratives?
The Rise and Reign of “Gentle” TV
The concept of “gentle” TV isn’t necessarily a negative one. Shows designed to impart important lessons, promote kindness, and provide a safe space for young viewers to explore emotions have important value. Think of shows from past decades like *Full House*, that, despite the saccharine moments, provided important lessons on family, or more recent examples that focused on the positive and uplifting. This type of programming aims to nurture young minds and offer a sense of comfort during potentially turbulent years.
Content focusing on gentleness often encompasses:
- Heartwarming stories: Centered on friendship,family,and overcoming challenges with positivity.
- simplified narratives: Complex issues are frequently enough presented in a clear and easily digestible manner, leaving little room for ambiguity.
- Lack of controversial themes: Content shies away from tackling sensitive topics, such as social issues, politics, or mature relationships.
- Predictable plotlines: Formulas are frequently employed to ensure a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Emphasis on positive messages: Shows frequently reinforce values like kindness, empathy, and the importance of helping others.
When ‘Gentle’ Becomes ‘Condescending’: The Adolescent Shift
However, adolescence marks a pivotal turning point in cognitive and emotional development. Teens begin to think more abstractly, question established norms, and grapple with their own identities and places in the world.They crave authenticity, complexity, and narratives that reflect the multifaceted realities they are starting to perceive.The very qualities that made “gentle” TV appealing in childhood can start to feel infantilizing and even condescending during this transitional stage.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
- Increased Cognitive Abilities: Adolescents develop the capacity for critical thinking and nuanced understanding.They crave complexity and are turned off by overly simplistic narratives.
- Identity Formation: Teens are actively exploring their values, beliefs, and identities. They seek content that reflects the diversity of human experience and allows them to consider different perspectives.
- Exposure to Real-World issues: Adolescents are increasingly aware of complex social and political issues through social media, news outlets, and real-life experiences. They demand content that acknowledges and engages with these realities.
- Desire for Authenticity: Teens are highly attuned to authenticity and can easily detect contrived scenarios or inauthentic portrayals. They are drawn to content that feels genuine, raw, and relatable.
The Impact of Streaming Services and Unfiltered Content
The rise of streaming services has dramatically altered the media landscape and democratized access to content. Unlike traditional television, streaming platforms offer a vast library of shows and movies catering to diverse tastes, including content that delves into darker themes, complex characters, and more realistic portrayals of the world. This exposure to unfiltered content has raised the bar for adolescent viewers, making “gentle” TV appear increasingly out of touch.
Consider series like *Euphoria*, *Sex Education*, or *Thirteen Reasons Why*. These shows, while controversial, grapple with mature themes such as drug abuse, mental health, and sexual identity in a way that resonates with some adolescent viewers precisely as they feel real and unflinching. They offer a stark contrast to the sanitized narratives of traditional “gentle” TV,prompting a reevaluation of what teens want and need from their screens.
The Risks of Oversimplification: Missing Crucial Conversations
While the intention behind “gentle” TV is often to protect young viewers from harmful content, oversimplification can inadvertently hinder their development and leave them unprepared for the complexities of adult life. When shows consistently shy away from challenging topics,they miss opportunities to educate,spark meaningful conversations,and equip teens with the tools they need to navigate challenges.
As a notable example, a show that avoids discussing mental health risks creating a stigma around seeking help. Similarly, a series that sweeps social issues under the rug may unintentionally perpetuate ignorance and prejudice. While the intention might be harmless,it fails to give the viewers opportunities to formulate opinions about difficult topics that would benefit them in the long run.
Finding the Balance: Not All Adolescence Content Needs To Be ‘Dark’
It’s not about switching content from a complete ‘gentle era’ to a complete ‘dark era’, but about finding balance. Content creators have the crucial task of creating content that bridges the gap between gentleness and complexity to satiate to the needs of a broadening adolescent mindset.
- Age-Appropriate Nuance: Not every show must be bleak, but even lighthearted content can incorporate more emotional depth and complexity.
- Realistic Portrayals: Grounded in reality scenarios make situations more relatable.
- Character Growth: Characters growing through various trials appeals to the adolescents inner need of growing up as well.
The Benefits of Meaningful Media Engagement
When adolescents engage with media that reflects the complexities of the world, they gain valuable opportunities for learning, self-discovery, and emotional growth.
- Empathy Development: Exposure to diverse characters and narratives fosters empathy and understanding for different perspectives.
- Critical thinking Skills: Engaging with complex plots and characters encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze information.
- Emotional Intelligence: watching characters navigate challenges and express emotions helps teens develop their own emotional intelligence.
- Identity Exploration: Seeing different identities and lifestyles portrayed on screen can help teens explore their own sense of self and belonging.
Case Study: The Evolution of Teen Dramas
Consider the evolution of teen dramas over the years. Shows like *Beverly Hills, 90210* might seem tame when viewed through a contemporary lens, but they were groundbreaking at the time for addressing issues like teen pregnancy, drug use, and social inequality, even if somewhat superficial. Compare that to more recent series like *Degrassi: The Next Generation* or *Skins*, which pushed the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable for teen television, tackling issues like suicide, eating disorders, and sexual identity with unprecedented frankness.
This evolution reflects a growing recognition that adolescents are capable of handling complex and challenging content, and that shielding them from these realities can be more harmful than helpful. The audiences also evolve and adapt to different topics that are relevant to their experience.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
Navigating the media landscape with adolescents requires open interaction, critical thinking skills, and a willingness to engage with the content they are consuming.
- Watch Together: Make time to watch shows and movies with your teen and discuss the themes and messages presented.
- Ask Questions: Encourage critical thinking by asking questions about the characters’ motivations, the plot’s realism, and the show’s overall message.
- Explain Your Values: Share your own values and beliefs, but allow your teen to form their own opinions.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries regarding screen time and the types of content that are appropriate for your family.
- Promote Media Literacy: Teach your teen how to evaluate sources,identify biases,and distinguish between fact and fiction.
The Future of Teen Television
The future of teen television is likely to be more diverse, authentic, and complex than ever before. As streaming services continue to dominate the media landscape, and as adolescents become increasingly refined consumers of content, the demand for nuanced, engaging, and thought-provoking programming will only grow.
Content creators need to embrace this shift and create shows that honor the intelligence and emotional depth of adolescent viewers. This means moving beyond simplistic narratives and embracing the messiness, contradictions, and complexities that define the teenage experience.
First-Hand Experience: Growing Up with TV
Growing up, I devoured whatever shows were available, frequently enough craving somthing beyond the saccharine sweetness of many “family-amiable” programs. While I appreciated the feel-good moments, I yearned for characters who felt real, who grappled with messy emotions and faced morally ambiguous situations. Discovering shows that dared to explore the darker sides of adolescence was a revelation. It wasn’t about reveling in negativity,but about feeling seen and understood. Finally there was media available that spoke about my emotional experiences and the realities surrounding my life.
Being able to engage with characters facing challenges made me feel less alone and helped me develop strategies for navigating my own problems. It highlighted the importance of honest representation for adolescents. This isn’t about glorifying negativity; it’s about giving them the tools to understand and navigate the world in an effective way.
Table: Comparing “Gentle” TV vs. Modern Teen Dramas
| feature | “Gentle” TV | Modern Teen Drama |
|---|---|---|
| Themes | Friendship, Family | Mental Health, Identity |
| Plotlines | Predictable | Complex, Unpredictable |
| Characters | Idealized | realistic, Flawed |
| Tone | Optimistic | Nuanced, Realistic |
| Conflict | Easily Resolved | Complex, Lingering |