Homegrown Arabic reality shows on the rise

New research from the Arab Advisors Group reveals that out of the 18 analysed Arabic reality TV shows aired in 2013/2014, at least nine are original shows and not just licensed formats of global companies. In 2013, 16 reality TV shows were broadcast on selected FTA satellite channels and this year there will be 15 shows.

Hiba Rabadi, Arab Advisors Senior Research Analyst wrote in the report: “Local broadcasters are increasingly airing new reality TV shows to attract viewers. Four out of the 18 reality TV shows are brand new shows that are not sequels to previous ones.”

With increasing competition among satellite TV channels, the leading channels in the Arab TV industry tend to offer more original content to engage both the  viewers as well as advertisers. Reality TV’s attraction lies in its relative novelty to audience as well as its lower costs of production as participants are mainly regular people and not highly paid movie and TV stars.

A new report, Arabic Reality TV Shows was released to the Arab Advisors Group’s Media Strategic Research Service subscribers on April 1, 2014. The report, which has 17 detailed exhibits, provides analysis of the reality TV landscape in the Arab world. it also includes analysis and profiles of eighteen major Arabic reality TV shows on eight FTA satellite TV channels during the period from January 2013 till February 2014, including the reality shows in production to be aired thereafter (the season 2013/2014).This includes locally produced as well as licensed-format-based reality TV shows. The content of the Arabic reality shows as well as the content of the original licensed format is discussed. The report points out the Arabic production companies that have played a role in the Arabic reality TV market.