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“Stylish, sassy, chic … disabled?” BBC launches controversial reality TV series
It seems like most successful reality TV shows that start out in the UK end up here… but, is the world ready for what the BBC has cooked up this time?
The BBC is set to launch a spin-off on the “Top Model” franchise called “Britain’s Missing Top Model.” No the models aren’t kidnapped or dropped from a plane without a map left to fend for themselves, the eight contestants are missing arms and legs and the like.
The preview for the show (see below) suggests the “Stylish, sassy, chic” models want to model and the series of programing will “challenge our ideas of beauty.”
bbc.co.uk
One of the ingredients that makes the American version of “Top Model” work is the caddy cat fights and sassy attitudes as the contestants claw their way down the runway. While there is nothing in the promo to suggest otherwise, one is left to wonder which direction this show is headed.
The TV critic for the Times wrote of the show - “it becomes swiftly apparent, taking the most-judgmental show on Earth and making it over into a touchy-feely, patronising piece of Issue TV on behalf of the disabled just doesn’t work. It’s as pointless as buying into the McDonald’s franchise and then turning your branch into a expensive vegan gastropub.”
I’m guessing she didn’t like the show…
The eight contestants share an accessible flat while they do the usual “Top Model” stuff, including vying for the top model prize.
It isn’t clear if Tyra Banks is a part of the process but in recent years, she’s been working to compete with Oprah and Maratha - so If this is how she plans to one-up those two - I say go for it!
One of the eight contestants is from here in the US so why not bring the “Missing Model Show to the US? I’d like to think America is ready.
The Show is set to air July 1 on BBC.
Links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/missingmodel/
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/artsandentertainment/tvandradio/article4210863.ece
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,23945206-5016681,00.html
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