Can You Keep Up???

Soaps are definitely considered to be the "cheeziest" of all possible kinds of TV shows. Of course, as it was pointed out by Arthurs in her article, the format of the soaps hasn't changed much over the years, but the messages and the techniques did a little bit. And while I was reading about the different ways that Sex and the City resemble a modern soap, and the different ways that The Hills do as well, I figured that I automatically thought of another example of such sort. And that would be E!'s Keeping up with the Kardashians.

I have to confess that I've watched this particular soap occasionally, so I am somewhat familiar with the plot and with the way that the show is created. Although the show is officially called a Reality TV program, it definitely falls under the genre of the soaps. As Many of us already mentioned, based on the Levine, Arthurs, Rogers, and Zeisier articles, the soaps are characterized by DRAMA. And that is definitely what we get with this particular show. Although there might be some themes that carry on throughout the entire season, each particular episode does in fact revolve around its own problems. Additionally, The main three characters of the show are the three Kardashian sisters: Kimberly, Kourtney, and Khloè. The audience watch every week's episode to view new problems that these girls have. And the issues that arise are (OF COURSE) based on their love problems, and "boy-problems." Thus, although the problems seem so serious, the audience do not really need to use their brain during watching the show, because its format follows that of all the different soaps that we are used to from the past. For me personally, all of these reality-TV and soap shows, are simple empty-minded shows that do not require us, the audience, to think while we watch them. And I'm not saying that it is a totally negative thing; although it is sad that we are drawn to this kind of TV shows that feed off of stereotypes and pre-conceived formulas, they are also entertaining, and allow for a mental break from the everyday problems.

Below, please ENJOY the little video set of the Keeping up with the Kardashians...
Hope you'll enjoy not thinking about them while you watch them :)