Saturday Night TV - The Art of Trash Television

Typical trashy telly - what makes the perfect Saturday night watchlist?

Lauren Reid
3rd November 2022
Image: IMDB
Back for a third season, The Wheel has made its return to BBC One! In light of its return to Saturday night telly, it’s time to consider what makes a great Saturday night show.

The weeks are long, and for many the weekends offer the time to sit back on the sofa and watch whatever the guide is offering. We need something enthralling, something fun - we need something to end a week on a high and not make us wish we were anywhere but in front of our televisions.

We hate these shows in theory, and yet we can’t stop watching

ITV's The Chase is exactly what makes a great gameshow; it's quick, it's fun, and there's nothing like the rush of quick-fire questions. It's one of those where the three ad-breaks aren't so gruelling. Yet I wouldn't consider it a 'Saturday' show.

I would argue that in recent years, the magic of Saturday night TV has vanished. I miss the time when The X Factor was an enjoyable watch, and I could see beyond the process. It makes me question whether the enjoyability of Saturday night TV lies with the quality of the programme, or with an innocence granted by the viewer’s age. Yet there is no denying that the quality of weekend television is on the decline.

Image: Instagram @icymiofficialuk

It brings to mind a talent show that aired on ITV in April of this year – Romeo and Duet. The premise of the show was a blind date determined by the reception of the contestants singing voice. Arguably the most pointless ‘contest’ ever aired on TV, this show was labelled as a ‘dating game show,’ and yet there was very little dating, very little concept of a game, and a profound misfortune of a show.

In recent years, the magic of Saturday night TV has vanished

However, here’s the thing - we hate these shows in theory, and yet we can’t stop watching. It’s the beauty, or perhaps the liability of what is known as ‘trash television.’ There is almost a subconscious question we ask ourselves throughout mocking a show, and that is “could it get better?” The only way we can we find out is to watch the full thing.

As a result, that is what makes Saturday night TV just that! It’s more about the feel than the actual programme. It’s about sitting with dinner on your lap in the company of friends or family, complaining about a programme whilst equally having a great time. It’s simply ‘Saturday night telly’!

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