So, this time around I will be making the case for 5 formats to debut in our screens as local adaptations as, from my understanding, I see them more appropriate to the type of mess we might be more appealing to watch on TV or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get into this list\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Real Housewives<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-20-1024x683.png\")
Credits: Glamour Magazine | Bravo TV | Shed Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOpulence, glamour, drama, and the lives and tribulations of the rich. Who wouldn\u2019t be into this? I mean, your average reality TV viewer might actually be. Let\u2019s remember how the Kardashians went from rich, to absurdly rich, by showing their daily lives on TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2006, The Real Housewives<\/em><\/strong> has chronicled the lives of the wealthy across several cities in the United States and the world, by giving viewers an insider\u2019s look into how the privileged lead their lives. And whew, y\u2019all, this reality TV franchise has given us some of the most iconic moments in the genre\u2019s history: from the dinner fight from hell in Amsterdam (Beverly Hills<\/em>, season 5), to an actual arrest due to criminal charges (Salt Lake City<\/em>, season 2), to being gone with wind, fabulous<\/em> following an argument between 2 of the housewives (Atlanta<\/em>, season 5).<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom what I know about how things get going down here, the actual old money wealthy Dominicans in a plurality won\u2019t be up for a show like this. Those people lead mostly private lives. For this franchise to work here, it might get going with our circle of actual upper-class women who are all influencers or \u201csocialites\u201d. Getting a small glimpse behind the wall that the online world provides these women? Sign me up! (Plus those ladies can perfectly use this platform to promote anything they\u2019re about to launch, just like their American counterparts have done for years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love & Hip-Hop<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-17-1024x683.png\")
Credits: VH1 | Paramount<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s insane to me that we haven\u2019t copycat this show, at all, especially with the large urban music scene the Dominican Republic has. One of the biggest genres exported from the DR is urban music, from hip-hop, to reggaeton, to dembow\u2026 this country exudes urban music culture through its veins and DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of our Dominican girlies, Amara La Negra, has been a regular cast member of Love & Hip-Hop: Miami<\/em><\/strong> since it first started back in 2018. And our good sister has given us drama over the years on that show.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe reason why I advocate for us to have our own version of Love & Hip Hop<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is because we are part of the backbone of the urban music industry. And I do think that if offered to some folks from yesteryear, who are working on a comeback, this docu reality could perfectly allow them to show people their improved versions of themselves and also showcase their new work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike, Cardi B literally blew up after starring on Love & Hip Hop: New York<\/em><\/strong> for 2 seasons and carrying the damn show on her back. Why don\u2019t we allow our urban folks to have a platform to generate more authentic & organic craft towards their work?<\/p>\n\n\n\nLove Island<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-11-1024x683.png\")
Credits: Peacock | NBCUniversal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHot people, all single, a nice villa, and a chance to win some cash?? Why is that even a question!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you can find on Wikipedia: Love Island<\/em><\/strong><\/a> involves a group of contestants, referred to as Islanders, living in isolation from the outside world in a villa in [insert tropical destination], constantly filmed. To survive in the villa the Islanders must be coupled up with another Islander, whether it be for love, friendship, or money, and the overall winning couple receives a combined cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI do think that the Love Island<\/em><\/strong> format may work with Dominican audiences because: 1) we love drama; 2) there\u2019s a lot of hot people down here, and 3) messy reality tv should always be welcomed. For most TV networks here, this is an easy and somewhat cheap show to produce because it takes a maximum 8 weeks to film and air on TV, and can provide great content for both analogue and digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmor a Prueba \/ Volver\u00edas con Tu Ex \/ Doble Tentaci\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-14-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis was a saga of peak Chilean reality television. Mega<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>launched in the mid 2010s a three-part reality show experience all centered on local D-list celebrities, reality stars from different countries, a bunch of everyday folks and their significant others getting tempted while competing for a large cash prize. Each format had a small twist that made it different from the previous iteration.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmor a Prueba<\/em><\/strong><\/a> pitted 25 contestants (between couples, former couples and golden singles, both famous and unknown) initially entered the production, remaining isolated in a compound for several weeks. The premise of the competition is to bring together couples and singles, who will have the role of \u201ctempting\u201d the engaged. In addition, contestants will compete each week to avoid being eliminated, and then win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, Volver\u00edas con Tu Ex<\/em><\/strong><\/a> had 24 contestants (13 pairs of exes, both famous and unknown) initially entered the show, and got isolated at a location for several weeks. The premise of the show is to reunite former couples, where contestants will be faced with two possibilities: go for a second chance or choose the path of \u201csweet\u201d revenge. In addition, contestants will compete each week to avoid being eliminated and thus be eligible to win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile Doble Tentaci\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong><\/a> featured 28 contestants (7 pairs of currently dating couples and 14 singles, called \u201ctemptations\u201d, both famous and unknown) initially going into the show, and were isolated in a compound for several weeks. The premise of the show is to bring together couples and singles, who will have the role of \u201ctempting\u201d the engaged couples. Unlike its preceding shows this time each couple was faced with a double temptation. In addition, the contestants competed each week to avoid elimination, and to later be eligible to win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAny of these formats could work with Dominican audiences because, like the Chileans, we also love the drama and the competition. Besides, this saga got traction amongst reality show fans from all over the continent, as many of our faves (like Oriana Marzoli) were featured on either show of the saga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Brother \/ La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-25-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe blockbuster of all competition reality shows. Nothing beats the magic and charm of Big Brother<\/em><\/strong><\/a> in this TV genre. The name of the show is inspired by the character of \u201cBig Brother\u201d from George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn every season of Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> or La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong><\/a> (the Celebrity version) contestants are called “housemates” or “HouseGuests” who live together in a specially constructed house that is isolated from the outside world. The housemates are monitored 24\/7 during their stay in the house by live television cameras as well as individual and fixed audio microphones. Throughout the course of the game, they are voted out (usually on a weekly basis) until only one remains and wins the cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe main reason why I advocate for a Dominican version of the Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> franchise is because we, Dominicans, crave morbid stuff (yeah, we are a weird pseudo-conservative collective). Our press can be very explicit with details about crimes, for example, even in a graphic manner. I won\u2019t name names, but I\u2019m sure any Dominican that reads these lines knows at least 1 name. So, why not a morbid reality show that can be a little lighter in manner and tone?<\/p>\n\n\n\nI think the Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> franchise itself is one of the most addictive in the reality television realm. As the ultimate TV social experiment, I also believe that by us having our own iteration of the format, there could be A LOT of material that would come out of the contestants that would make Dominicans learn more about our dysfunctional dynamics. This argument sounds a little too raw, but again, I strongly believe in this point. Television can be a strong tool for lessons to be made, we just need to do in smart and non overtly exploitative ways, which I think can be achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, the <\/strong>Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> \/ <\/strong>La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>franchise allows for the responsible TV network to be able to feed its entertainment shows with exclusive and original content for weeks on end.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBonus: <\/strong>The Real World \/ El Mundo Real<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/augustocdominguez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Reality-TV-Formats-4-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe OG docu-reality show is MTV\u2019s iconic The Real World<\/em><\/strong><\/a> or in its Mexican iteration El Mundo Real<\/em><\/strong><\/a> (you can still watch the only season produced in Latin America for free on Facebook<\/a>). Just like its iconic intro says: \u201cThis is the true story\u2026of seven strangers\u2026picked to live in a house\u2026(work together) and have their lives taped\u2026to find out what happens\u2026when people stop being polite\u2026and start getting real\u2026The Real World<\/em>.\u201d, I strongly think that this format might actually work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the original show in the U.S. toured that country by filming seasons in diverse cities from coast to coast and abroad, that go from New York, to New Orleans, to San Francisco and even Paris, France or Cancun, Mexico. I think we can do a short run in the mainland (Santo Domingo, Santiago & Punta Cana being the prime locales here to film a proper show) and then take it around Latin America if it becomes successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Closing Lines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThese are the formats I believe would fit the best with Dominican audiences. We are also worthy of creating our own hot mess express stars, getting to understand the dynamics of our society much better by having an eye into our reality, and also we deserve to have more entertainment jobs with substance and value (all shade, all tea, IYYK).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me know what you think in the comments! We\u2019ll see each other again, soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opulence, glamour, drama, and the lives and tribulations of the rich. Who wouldn\u2019t be into this? I mean, your average reality TV viewer might actually be. Let\u2019s remember how the Kardashians went from rich, to absurdly rich, by showing their daily lives on TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2006, The Real Housewives<\/em><\/strong> has chronicled the lives of the wealthy across several cities in the United States and the world, by giving viewers an insider\u2019s look into how the privileged lead their lives. And whew, y\u2019all, this reality TV franchise has given us some of the most iconic moments in the genre\u2019s history: from the dinner fight from hell in Amsterdam (Beverly Hills<\/em>, season 5), to an actual arrest due to criminal charges (Salt Lake City<\/em>, season 2), to being gone with wind, fabulous<\/em> following an argument between 2 of the housewives (Atlanta<\/em>, season 5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n From what I know about how things get going down here, the actual old money wealthy Dominicans in a plurality won\u2019t be up for a show like this. Those people lead mostly private lives. For this franchise to work here, it might get going with our circle of actual upper-class women who are all influencers or \u201csocialites\u201d. Getting a small glimpse behind the wall that the online world provides these women? Sign me up! (Plus those ladies can perfectly use this platform to promote anything they\u2019re about to launch, just like their American counterparts have done for years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s insane to me that we haven\u2019t copycat this show, at all, especially with the large urban music scene the Dominican Republic has. One of the biggest genres exported from the DR is urban music, from hip-hop, to reggaeton, to dembow\u2026 this country exudes urban music culture through its veins and DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of our Dominican girlies, Amara La Negra, has been a regular cast member of Love & Hip-Hop: Miami<\/em><\/strong> since it first started back in 2018. And our good sister has given us drama over the years on that show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason why I advocate for us to have our own version of Love & Hip Hop<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is because we are part of the backbone of the urban music industry. And I do think that if offered to some folks from yesteryear, who are working on a comeback, this docu reality could perfectly allow them to show people their improved versions of themselves and also showcase their new work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like, Cardi B literally blew up after starring on Love & Hip Hop: New York<\/em><\/strong> for 2 seasons and carrying the damn show on her back. Why don\u2019t we allow our urban folks to have a platform to generate more authentic & organic craft towards their work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot people, all single, a nice villa, and a chance to win some cash?? Why is that even a question!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can find on Wikipedia: Love Island<\/em><\/strong><\/a> involves a group of contestants, referred to as Islanders, living in isolation from the outside world in a villa in [insert tropical destination], constantly filmed. To survive in the villa the Islanders must be coupled up with another Islander, whether it be for love, friendship, or money, and the overall winning couple receives a combined cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do think that the Love Island<\/em><\/strong> format may work with Dominican audiences because: 1) we love drama; 2) there\u2019s a lot of hot people down here, and 3) messy reality tv should always be welcomed. For most TV networks here, this is an easy and somewhat cheap show to produce because it takes a maximum 8 weeks to film and air on TV, and can provide great content for both analogue and digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was a saga of peak Chilean reality television. Mega<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>launched in the mid 2010s a three-part reality show experience all centered on local D-list celebrities, reality stars from different countries, a bunch of everyday folks and their significant others getting tempted while competing for a large cash prize. Each format had a small twist that made it different from the previous iteration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amor a Prueba<\/em><\/strong><\/a> pitted 25 contestants (between couples, former couples and golden singles, both famous and unknown) initially entered the production, remaining isolated in a compound for several weeks. The premise of the competition is to bring together couples and singles, who will have the role of \u201ctempting\u201d the engaged. In addition, contestants will compete each week to avoid being eliminated, and then win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Volver\u00edas con Tu Ex<\/em><\/strong><\/a> had 24 contestants (13 pairs of exes, both famous and unknown) initially entered the show, and got isolated at a location for several weeks. The premise of the show is to reunite former couples, where contestants will be faced with two possibilities: go for a second chance or choose the path of \u201csweet\u201d revenge. In addition, contestants will compete each week to avoid being eliminated and thus be eligible to win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Doble Tentaci\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong><\/a> featured 28 contestants (7 pairs of currently dating couples and 14 singles, called \u201ctemptations\u201d, both famous and unknown) initially going into the show, and were isolated in a compound for several weeks. The premise of the show is to bring together couples and singles, who will have the role of \u201ctempting\u201d the engaged couples. Unlike its preceding shows this time each couple was faced with a double temptation. In addition, the contestants competed each week to avoid elimination, and to later be eligible to win a large cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any of these formats could work with Dominican audiences because, like the Chileans, we also love the drama and the competition. Besides, this saga got traction amongst reality show fans from all over the continent, as many of our faves (like Oriana Marzoli) were featured on either show of the saga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blockbuster of all competition reality shows. Nothing beats the magic and charm of Big Brother<\/em><\/strong><\/a> in this TV genre. The name of the show is inspired by the character of \u201cBig Brother\u201d from George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On every season of Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> or La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong><\/a> (the Celebrity version) contestants are called “housemates” or “HouseGuests” who live together in a specially constructed house that is isolated from the outside world. The housemates are monitored 24\/7 during their stay in the house by live television cameras as well as individual and fixed audio microphones. Throughout the course of the game, they are voted out (usually on a weekly basis) until only one remains and wins the cash prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main reason why I advocate for a Dominican version of the Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> franchise is because we, Dominicans, crave morbid stuff (yeah, we are a weird pseudo-conservative collective). Our press can be very explicit with details about crimes, for example, even in a graphic manner. I won\u2019t name names, but I\u2019m sure any Dominican that reads these lines knows at least 1 name. So, why not a morbid reality show that can be a little lighter in manner and tone?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think the Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> franchise itself is one of the most addictive in the reality television realm. As the ultimate TV social experiment, I also believe that by us having our own iteration of the format, there could be A LOT of material that would come out of the contestants that would make Dominicans learn more about our dysfunctional dynamics. This argument sounds a little too raw, but again, I strongly believe in this point. Television can be a strong tool for lessons to be made, we just need to do in smart and non overtly exploitative ways, which I think can be achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the <\/strong>Big Brother<\/em><\/strong> \/ <\/strong>La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>franchise allows for the responsible TV network to be able to feed its entertainment shows with exclusive and original content for weeks on end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The OG docu-reality show is MTV\u2019s iconic The Real World<\/em><\/strong><\/a> or in its Mexican iteration El Mundo Real<\/em><\/strong><\/a> (you can still watch the only season produced in Latin America for free on Facebook<\/a>). Just like its iconic intro says: \u201cThis is the true story\u2026of seven strangers\u2026picked to live in a house\u2026(work together) and have their lives taped\u2026to find out what happens\u2026when people stop being polite\u2026and start getting real\u2026The Real World<\/em>.\u201d, I strongly think that this format might actually work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the original show in the U.S. toured that country by filming seasons in diverse cities from coast to coast and abroad, that go from New York, to New Orleans, to San Francisco and even Paris, France or Cancun, Mexico. I think we can do a short run in the mainland (Santo Domingo, Santiago & Punta Cana being the prime locales here to film a proper show) and then take it around Latin America if it becomes successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the formats I believe would fit the best with Dominican audiences. We are also worthy of creating our own hot mess express stars, getting to understand the dynamics of our society much better by having an eye into our reality, and also we deserve to have more entertainment jobs with substance and value (all shade, all tea, IYYK).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let me know what you think in the comments! We\u2019ll see each other again, soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLove & Hip-Hop<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Love Island<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amor a Prueba \/ Volver\u00edas con Tu Ex \/ Doble Tentaci\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBig Brother \/ La Casa de los Famosos<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBonus: <\/strong>The Real World \/ El Mundo Real<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nClosing Lines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n