Fluffy Free TV (ITV 2)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	ITV 2
Date:	05/10/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some easy-to-watch programs, good for celeb or reality tv fans

Disadvantages: 'Fluffy' TV that's not to everyones taste

We got Freeview a couple of years ago and despite moaning that there's never anything on tele, I'm glad I've got it for when boredom strikes! I was surprised to read that ITV2 has been going for a decade, but it seems that it's only more recently that it's picked up more popularity, better ratings and a wider variety of shows.

ITV2 was launched back in December 1998 as a product of ITV, and is available primarily on digital (satellite), cable and Freeview. I watch this via Freeview, and considering it's a 'free' channel, I don't really feel as though I can complain too much about it. I think there are some interesting programs to be found on here, plus a lot of easy-watching shows that require little thought, but it's not a channel I would want to pay a subscription for.

In 2007, ITV2 won channel of the Year at the Broadcast Digital Channel awards, so it must be doing something right. It seems that ratings and advertisements for this channel have been increasing, as the audience increases and shows become more popular.

As a 24 hour entertainment channel, the range of shows have grown from what I remember to be primarily reality program spin-offs, like the Xtra-Factor. There are a few American series shown, such as Gossip Girl, along with fairly highly acclaimed British ones, such as the Secret Diary Of A Call Girl.

Amongst the more highly thought of programs such as the Call Girl one with Billy Piper that I've just mentioned, are the ones that require less concentration to watch. By this, I mean shows like What Katie Did Next and Paris Hilton's British (and American!) Best Friend. These are the types of programs that you can take or leave, with most people slating them for being dull and stupid. I think they are a bit fluffy, but, nonetheless, they make for easy viewing when there's nothing else on the box.

As well as the standard ITV2 channel, there's the +1 version and the online catch ups incase you miss anything. I don't really have any show on ITV2 that I follow per se, so wouldn't be in a rush to record something or feel annoyed that I'd missed one. For me, this channel provides light entertainment which can be amusing, entertaining and easy to watch, but it's not a channel I would say I couldn't live without.

Overall, ITV2 is definitely worth a watch, whether you want a series you can follow (like Supernatural), or some celebrity-themed fluff to watch at your leisure (like Jack Osborne's Adrenaline Junkie). Not tooooo bad for a 'free' channel :o)

Summary: Not the best, but I'm embarrased to admit I do quite enjoy 'fluffy' TV!