Jon and Kate and Hannah Montana (2000s)

There is not a lot of research being done on today’s TV families, mostly because today’s TV families are prompted from reality. No longer are family comedies just being scripted, but they have now become the basis for several reality television shows. Vastly becoming one the most popular television mediums, reality TV films real people in “real” situations. How real the situation is depends on what the producers decide for that week. “Rather than solely relying upon the use of actual documentary or ‘live’ footage for its credibility, reality programming often draws upon a mix of acting, news footage, interviews, and recreations in a highly stimulated pretense towards the ‘real’”(Seaton 1351).

The latest trend has been reality shows based on large families or families with unique traits. These shows give audience members a chance to see into the world of a real family that can often seem more chaotic than their own. Howver, often what is seen on camera is not the real reality for the family.

Television still has its fabricated TV family and this family still tends to fit into the mold of the 1990s. Usually it is a “broken” family, a child that has a special trait, or a child that doesn’t quite exceed expectations. There have been an insurgence of sitcoms that are aimed at children. Disney and Nickelodeon both promote kid-friendly, family-based situational comedies.

Jon and Kate Plus 8 is the extremely popular TLC reality show about the Gosselin family. It captures the stories of Jon and Kate Gosselin, their twins, and their sextuplets. Kate, who had infertility problems, signed up for artificial insemination. The first time it resulted in twins. The second time was a shock when she ended up with six babies. Part of the show is them standing up for their faith. They claim to be a Christian family that wants to instill those values in their children. Unfortunately, beyond the cameras their life seems to be getting some unwanted media attention. It is possible that Jon has been unfaithful to Kate. It goes to show that what is on reality TV may not always be a part of real life.



TLC Music Video



Jon’s Birthday

Arguably Disney’s most successful television show, Hannah Montana has become a household name in family entertainment. Tweens and teens have made Hannah a cultural phenomenon. Miley Stuart (Miley Cyrus) is the secret real person behind pop-sensation Hannah Montana. She, along with her widower father, goofy older brother, and best friends, keep her secret. She desires the small southern-style living, but also desires the fame of Hannah. The show is often based around her growing up and her relationship with her father (played by her real-life father Billy Ray Cyrus). Miley has become a role model for thousands of girls across America. She openly tells people about her faith in God, her love of her family, and her desire to stay a virgin until marriage.



Opening Theme



Miley and moments with her Dad

Bibliography:

Seaton, Beth. "Reality Programming." Encylopedia of Television. 1st ed. 3 vols. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn, 1997.

Welcome to The Gosselin 10. 11 May 2009 .