Reality TV is about unwinding and finding a way to switch off from the outside world, it’s that comfort blanket during the winter months, it steams things up over the summer (Hey Love Island Producers), so shoving a bunch of ex soap stars, MPs and ex Gogglebox stars into a prison for our entertainment proves our obsession with Prisons and true crime has gone too far, it’s exploitative and makes light of a dark underworld.
Let’s be honest, disturbing crimes, psychopathy and prisons have all become the basis for many dramas and TV programmes, we have a real desire for this on screens. However, with a true crime documentary we can learn something, teaches you one thing, never leave a soap opera. It makes a mockery of the criminal justice system and prison life, it makes it appear a contrived and safe environment with its obvious scripted events and cosy chats, painting a deceitful image of prison life.
"True crime documentary makes it appear a contrived and safe environment with its obvious scripted events and cosy chats, painting a deceitful image of prison life."
The latest instalment of Jimmy McGovern’s drama ‘Time’ on BBC One also exemplifies this, these shows almost make prisons appear places of intrigue and fantasy whereas in reality they are harsh, complex places. The use of celebrities, is patronising, real prisoners can’t just ring up their agent and ask for a quick fix to get them out, real prisoners are not paid to stay in a prison cell and real prisoners can’t nip onto the This Morning sofa to discuss their ‘ordeal’ and ‘the truth behind the cell’.
Essentially, using Prisons as a fish bowl for everyone to gather around for a laugh, isn’t entertainment, nor a factual documentary, it’s ridiculous, insensitive and in poor taste. It proves we have stopped caring about the harsh reality of prisons and disturbing crimes and have got lost in a world of popcorn drama and real-life crime documentaries. P.s to any future celebrities thinking of taking part in this Zimbardo-Style, C List Celebrity, prison Jamboree, sign the panto contract instead!