As reality dating shows dominate prime time television in Australia, it is impossible not to notice the ominous third party that appears to accompany all couples on at least their first few dates.
It always sits just within frame, its presence so visible it’s almost become invisible. No matter the time – it’s a non-negotiable addition, a prop that so effectively sets the scene.
But it isn’t just about how it looks – it’s also about what it does. The relatively cheap inclusion can transform an individual’s behaviour, making boring scenarios into bloody good TV.
That third party is, of course, alcohol.
And after watching 32 episodes of Channel Nine’s Married at First Sight, and the opening two weeks of Bachelor in Paradise, it’s clear that Australian reality television has a drinking problem.
The most “explosive” episodes on Married at First Sight took place at the dinner party, where wine was poured liberally, glasses were frequently smashed, and as the night rolled on, fights almost always erupted.
Listen to our recap of the latest episode of Bachelor in Paradise on Bach Chat. Post continues below.
We would watch for an hour and a half, as almost two dozen adults drank virtually non-stop.
On Bachelor in Paradise last week, Florence and Jake went on a day date to a nearby waterfall. They hiked, and after setting up a picnic, they whipped out a bottle of champagne. It looked to be about midday.
Top Comments
Australia in general has a drinking problem. It's not just TV. This country needs to have a serious look at its relationship with alcohol.
Agree entirely, and a more incisive article would attempt to discuss that, rather than reducing the discussion to crappy reality TV programmes. Ironically, the producers of those shows rely on the globally screwed-up relationship people have with alcohol in order to produce material to broadcast. The reality "stars" think nothing of guzzling the booze until they're behaving like idiots on film. TV isn't "normalising" excessive drinking; it's already been normalised by society. The stupid shows are just presenting the audience with a mirror.
It’s funny I didn’t notice. But perhaps as someone who’s never had a drink in my life and works in bars I’m just totally unaffected