A thoroughly self-destructive indulgence (The Jeremy Kyle Show)

Member Name: hewhoisme

Product:	The Jeremy Kyle Show
Date:	23/05/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It can make a good drinking game

Disadvantages: Jeremy Kyle: my mortal enemy

The Jeremy Kyle Show has always been afternoon staple for me, as it's usually on about the same time I get back from lectures. Is basically one of those generic talk shows where some suitably dim-witted example of the British public is placed upon the chopping block and forced to sieve through their generally trivial family grievances, for their humiliation and our sadistic enjoyment.

The show tends to follow the basic talk show format, in which some self-sacrificing victim will discuss their various problems with Jeremy, the show's charismatic but nevertheless irritating host, whilst engaging in a bawling match with the object of their annoyance. Of course it has the common staples of the genre such as a lie detector test, the accuracy of which I am extremely dubious about, and a DNA test, as well as an army of psychologists, therapists and bouncers to ensure nothing gets out of hand. Across the series they have dealt with a range of issues, mostly petty arguments over inheritances or teenage delinquency, and occasionally more serious matters such as domestic abuse and drug addiction. Whilst the show is nevertheless entertaining, there is a certain bloodthirsty sadism about it that I find upsetting. Although the participants know exactly what they're getting into, under the guise of 'getting help,' I'm sure the show achieves nothing more than to create ridicule and make their existing problems even worse.

My biggest grievance is with the host, Jeremy Kyle, who has got to be one of the smarmiest and most infuriating men I have ever laid eyes on. Despite the fact he spends most of the time spouting out perfectly obvious common sense, something that the show's participants occasionally lack, he treats it like the word of gospel. I personally find his constant air of outrage and self-indignation extremely annoying, and would personally love to run on stage and knock him off his moral high horse. Some say he's firm but fair. I disagree. He just tells people what they already know whilst making them feel even worse about themselves, and spends the intervening time churning out catchphrases. I know that if I had a problem I'd rather discuss it with my cat than that pompous fool. Heaven knows it would probably be a lot more productive.

The Jeremy Kyle Show is what I'd term as 'car crash television.' Although most of the people on it are thoroughly deserving of their humiliation I can't help but feel a little bit sorry for them, and I sincerely hope that they have the sense to see a qualified therapist after the show was over. Of course I still watch it, but it's always with a sense of guilt.

Summary: Manufactured car crash TV for the masses