Levine

I find the comparison between docu-soaps and daytime soap operas interesting in itself. As we discussed in class, changing the dynamics of the daytime soap operas to be more trendy and appealing to a younger audience, such as with Passions or Sunset Beach may have attained a few extra viewers, but nothing earth-shattering. So what is it that really distinguishes the docu-soaps from the daytime soaps? As Professor Levine stated, it's reality. I would be curious to see what would happen if daytime television adopted a new reality program similar to that of The Hills or Laguna Beach. Would it appeal to the same demographic or not? Would it encourage a younger daytime audience?

Another aspect of the docu-soaps that I find interesting is what Professor Levine describes in her discussion on the character history. In daytime soap operas there is a story-line from which the character comes, one of which tells what kind of person they are. With docu-soaps, the character story is a little more discreet. They use the short clips of each person to give the viewer a chance to decide for his or herself what kind of a person the character is. Usually the viewer can relate to one or more of the characters, and in doing so, encourages further loyalty to the show.