An Idiot Abroad
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Globetv
An Idiot Abroad is now in its second series and there is no doubting its ever growing popularity, which has seen the rise of an unlikely personality on our screens. This show is the brainchild of comedy double team Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, and portrays the skewed perspective and irreverent humour of central character, Karl Pilkington, on his travels to far flung destinations around the globe.
However, Ricky and Stephen play  devil's advocate here, sending Karl to the most obscure places imaginable, off the beaten track, and into situations that he often finds unbearable and awkward. The comedy comes from this tension and dismay as Karl bemoans his misfortune on the road, in places he would rather not be. He admits himself he has no interest in world travel, but is set on his way regardless for our viewing pleasure. For instance, in series 1 Karl had to negotiate the pyramids of Egypt, as opposed to the Coliseum in Rome, as Merchant and Gervais felt Italy was too predictable and safe. Later in the series Karl has to prepare a feast for a tribal king in ceremonial garb, he meets a society of reformed cannibals and then comes face to face with a rhino. But this is only the tip of the ice berg, and he gets himself into many more scrapes along the way, including a failed attempt as a Cowboy in Mexico.
In series 1, a camera crew followed Karl on his journey in search of the Seven Wonders of the World. While Series 2 documents Karl's “bucket list” journey, on a sort of 100 things to do before you die adventure. However, the “bucket list” has been sabotaged by Gervais and Merchant once more, and the list is far from what Karl had in mind.
They send Karl to spend a night on a desert island in the pouring down rain, where he has to build his own shelter in a grass skirt, and has only a small yam for sustenance. As you can imagine, he was not in the best of moods the morning after.
This second series has been an unmitigated success and on the 23 September 2011 reached viewing figures of 2,659,000, which represents a huge slice of the demographic. Who knows where Karl will be sent next, but one thing is for sure, this is only the beginning of his mad capped adventure.
Tags: Karl Pilkington, Idiot Abroad, Ricky Gervais, Ste...
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Latin TV Favourites
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Globetv
In English speaking countries, unsurprisingly, there isn't that much demand for Latin American TV shows. This makes people believe that there is little to nothing of quality TV coming out of Spanish speaking areas. This is completely untrue, though, and it is made clear by the rising demand and number of viewers who choose to watch these shows.
Latin American TV shows .jpg "Image By: Dania Do Svidaniya") take a different approach, the same way that Japanese, German, and other foreign shows do. They're designed to appeal to the locals, to the nationals, and to those that understand the culture and language. That's why many native English speakers don't really understand why the Spanish soap operas (telenovelas) are such hits. However, some of these, including Las Tontas No Van Al Cielo, Más Sabe el Diablo, and La Tormenta, are actually watched throughout the Latin American countries (particularly Mexico) and have huge fan bases. Latin American talk shows are also extremely popular, though much different. Shows like Cada Manana and Guau! get thousands of viewers every day, yet a foreign audience wouldn't understand them at all. There are clowns hosting the shows, people dressed up and hitting each other, and of course lots of scantily clad women dancing. These shows discuss serious topics in a way that appeals to the mass viewer.
These Latin TV favourites have, in many ways, found some popularity with people from other countries. Yo Soy Betty la Fea, a Colombian TV show, has been adapted for US audiences as Ugly Betty. This show has seen a huge following and many fans, especially in its first 3 seasons, and yet the original Colombian version has an even bigger fan base in its place of origin and all Latin American countries that watch it.
Tags: Latin America, Soap Operas, Talk Shows
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Favourite US TV Quotes
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Globetv
There's no question the television has made a huge impact on the world. Nearly every country has some form of TV, and it has become a ritual for most people and homes. The US and UK are two of the biggest producers of programmes, and have been for many years, with the US edging out the UK as far as quantity goes in many ways. The US has been responsible for many of the most memorable scenes, quotes, and catchphrases, some of which are remembered below.  US news stations and anchors have captured some of the world's most unforgettable moments, and many of these quotes are still used today. An example is John F. Kennedy's great line “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” a line adapted and requited millions of times since then. Nixon's line “I'm not a crook…” and the Apollo 13 Flight's “Houston, we have a problem”, have been parodied and reused for various purposes over the years. And speaking of flights, who wouldn't think of Neil Armstrong's “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”?
US sitcoms, cartoons, and comedy shows have also spawned their own catchphrases and quotations. Barney Stinson's “Suit up,” Candid Camera's “Smile!” and Homer Simpson's “D'oh” are all less than three words, and yet they are phrases no one can fail to recognise. Who hasn't smiled at least once at SNL's “Live, from New York, its Saturday Night!”? Everyone expects that at some point in a South Park episode, they're going to hear “Oh my God! They killed Kenny!” and that any Scooby Doo villain is about 99% likely to say “If it weren't for you meddling kids…” Catchphrases are a link to all that we love about TV, and that's why we always tend to remember them.
Tags: : TV Shows, Cartoons, Comedy, Quotes, US
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Strange Game Shows
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Globetv
There have been a lot of games shows throughout the years, many of which introduce new ideas. Most of these game shows are regular quizzes; but there are those that don’t fall into this category, leaving you wondering what on earth was going on in the minds of their creators. Some of these games are: • The Intercept. This game show is of Russian origin. In The Intercept, contestants have to act as thieves. A contestant is given a brand new stolen car; but he or she will have to escape from the police in 35 minutes. For those of you who play video games like Grand Theft Auto, you should have some inkling as to the idea behind the program. If you manage to escape from the cops, the cars is yours but if you don’t you are busted, just like any criminal. Without any doubt this is the strangest game show ever. • Silent Library. The origins of this game come from Japan and the Japanese are known for having the weirdest ideas when it comes to game shows. In Silent library, contestants sit round a table in a library and pick up cards at random. A contestant who picks up the X card performs a given task. The task may be being beaten, eating weird things, being tickled and many other subjects. When the contestant is performing the task, no one should make any noise in order to get points in that particular round. The funny thing about this game show is that at the end of it all, the money won is equally split amongst all the contestants. • Distractions. Americans are well known for taking the original Japanese game format and changing it around in order to appeal to the American audience. Unlike the others, distraction is all American. In this game show you answer questions while being distracted by either being tickled or beaten and, to win, you must answer all the questions correctly. There are many other strange game shows around the world but so far these are the weirdest ones ever.
Tags: Strange, Weird, Game, Shows, Contestant
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Why Fairytales?
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Globetv
Fairy tales are undergoing something of resurgence in popularity though television and film. Recent successes include:
1. Little Red Riding Hood
2. Alice in Wonderland
3. Mirror, Mirror
4. Snow White and the Huntsman
5. Hansel and Gretel
Why are fairytales re-emerging again in Hollywood?
Predominantly, fairytales start with “once upon a time…” and end with the “and they live happily ever after”. When things turn sour and individuals go through rough patches, they have the tendency to regress to the past and look for happier times. “…And they live happily ever after…” suggests that hopes and dreams can come true and people relate this to their lives. Fairytales have universal appeal and go deep into the core of what it is to be human, acting as a form of escapism.
Fairytales were originally intended for children to ignite their fantasy and imagination and to identify with the main character of the story, thereby acknowledging their personal self-value and discovering their own potential in a manner that is in the spirit of fun and enjoyment. Most traditional fairytales, such as “Mirror, Mirror” are reinvented and reinterpreted to suit the modern times, but the essence and universal appeal remains the same to the moviegoers.
Yet fairytales, particularly the modern interpretations and settings, also appeal to adults, especially for those who have gradually lost their ability to dream. The fantastical setting, costumes and characters of the fairytales help those mentally tired adults return to earlier times and rediscover the child within them; the child who had been full of dreams and imagination.
The writers and creators of fairytale movies and television shows surely had insight on the effects on the minds of moviegoers. While making these fairytale movies, the creators and producers must have foreseen not only the appeal, but also the marketability and profitability of the project.
Tags: Fairytales, Movies, Modern, Television, Mirror
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Comparing Audiences
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Globetv
While it is an undisputed fact that there is a steady growth of computer ownership and internet access across the world's population, television is still the leading and most preferred source of information and entertainment both in a domestic and global sense.
Even the poorest people in the world will probably have some access to television.60% of global households own at least one television set and 40% currently have access to cable.
Whereas, when compared to computers, which are certainly rising, only 12-14% of the total world population own or have access to computers and 3-5% have access to the internet.
Statistics show that, those who own computers with internet access, also own televisions for different purposes. Hence, these two devices generally have purposes specific to certain behavioural patterns, as well as to different age brackets, gender, socio-demographic-economic functions and conditions of audiences in the global market.
Consider the following facts:
A. By gender - While there is an estimated 70% increase in computer ownership in 2009 compared to just 29% of all UK households a decade earlier, survey results show that more men use the web than women in the UK. On a global scale, 78% men and 75% of women use the Internet.
B. By age - In the global arena, 91% of the entire Internet users are from age 18-30, thus topping the list.
C. By race – Caucasian people top the list with 78% of all the global users.
D. By income - Those earning $40,000+ top the list with 91% of all users.
E. By education - People with an advanced college degree and above, top the list at 93%.
F. By geographic setting - Suburban residents top the list with 80%.
The following are reasons why television is still the leading source of information and entertainment, specifically for families with young children:
A. Most countries have regulations and standards when it comes to advertisements for the general public. These are not misleading to children, whereas internet advertisements are generally unregulated.
B. Television shows are just for watching, whereas the internet needs interaction in which children can gain access to sites that are harmful to their young minds.
Tags: Audience, Television, Internet, Ownership, Access
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Popular Television Game Shows
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Globetv
Game shows are amongst the most popular television shows watched around the globe. This shows that it is inherent in every human being not only to have fun at the end of the working day, but also to experience the thrill of facing challenges and the excitement of winning.
The following are some of the most watched television game shows at a global level: 1. Jeopardy! This an internationally renowned quiz show created by Merv Griffin. Uniquely, the contestants are supposed to phrase their answers in question form. This game is hosted by Alex Trebek. Wheel of Fortune This is another Merv Griffin’s devise created in 1975. Three contestants compete to solve a word puzzle. This game show was hosted by Chuck Woolery in its earliest days of production. 3. Deal or No Deal This game show was created by Dick de Rijk. Contestants decide whether to retain the unknown amount the money in their briefcase, or box, or to accept cash deals offered by The Banker. 4. The Price is Right Originally produced by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman and created by Bob Stewart, this popular show is hosted by Bob Barker. Contestants guess the prices of items displayed in the show; generous prizes are awarded to those who guess the right price. 5. Press Your Luck This TV game show is a cult classic and a symbol of the 1980’s. On top of the fun, challenge and entertainment, contestants can win some serious money on game shows. People have become millionaires, made television careers for themselves, and changed their lives forever, all simply from appearing on a game show. So, if you are looking for something to do in the next chapter of your life, why not sign up to a game show? Even if you don’t walk home with a large cash prize, you will certainly have a fun day out and get to appear on television.
Tags: Game, Show, Television, Hosted, Challenges
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The Office: UK
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Globetv
In almost every country in the world and in every business firm there are offices, and in every office there is a group of people and in every group of people there has to be a leader; the manager, the boss. The Office is a TV series set in this office environment with characters typical to those you would meet in ordinary office situations, although slightly exaggerated for comedy purposes. Created and launched on BBC Two in the UK back in 2001, it was written and directed by Ricky Gervais, who also played the main character David Brent in the series, and Stephen Merchant. Office workers who watch the programme can mirror themselves with different characters such as Brent, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, who is the General Manager of the Slough office. He over-rates himself and arrogantly watches over and embarrasses the people underneath him, who actually dislike his sarcasm. He is a self-proclaimed, self-righteous, self-contained character but in reality he has tremendous immaturity. Tim Canterbury, a sales representative, is a more likable character in the Office but personally he leads a discontented and unfocused life. He doesn’t know exactly what he wants. Gareth Keenan, the arrogant Assistant Regional Manager, over imposes his authority and doesn’t realise that, by doing so, he becomes a laughing stock for colleagues. Dawn Tinsley, the receptionist, has issues in her love life in the form of fiancé Lee. Secretly she has affection for Tim, but does she know it? The characters work for a branch of Wernham Hogg Paper Company, based in Slough in the south of England. The Office initially had very low ratings and acclaim in the media and was due for cancellation, yet it survived and has grown to become one of the most successful British comedies of all time, and is popular all over the world, including the U.S, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and 80 other countries.
Tags: Comedy, Series, Office, Television, TV
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Workaholics: Situation Comedy
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Globetv
Workaholics is a television series which premiered on April 6, 2011. Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, and Anders Holm, wrote and starred in the series. Blake, Adam, and Anders have been friends since sharing a room as college students; in their adult lives they also work in the same telemarketing company.
The programme's humour is found in their daily activities, situations, dialogue and camaraderie. When a group of people have been living together, or work together, in the same environment for a period of time, the results would be similar. For example, they not only share the same living space but also similar thought processes, and even their language and facial expressions make them unique to the group. In other words, they have unknowingly created a culture unique to their companionship.
Workaholics started when the group posted a series of videos they had created on YouTube. These videos were seen by an executive at Comedy Central and he was so impressed that he ordered Workaholics in March 2010. It is now broadcast in Canada and Australia and is watched by an international audience.
The show has gained wide recognition, especially with the young generations, who can identify with the aspirations, language and the friendship of the group. The show is becoming an inspiration for college students looking to pursue their dreams, whilst having plenty of fun. The first two seasons have been a success and gained wide acceptance and large audiences.
It is, without doubt, fun to watch and can be emotionally uplifting. The group can inspire success in their youthful viewers and this will only grows as the show gets more popular. To say the least, Workaholics is gaining popularity, not only with the younger generation or the general market, but also within the TV industry. Keep your eyes peeled for the next episodes.
Tags: Comedy, Series, Situation, Television, YouTube
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