Arranged Marriages Coming to Reality TV
CBS and Fox Arrange Marriage for Two New Reality Television Series
Sep 9, 2009
New marriage controversy is likely with the Spring 2010 debut of Arranged Marriage scheduled to air on CBS. The new reality show follows singles who enlist family and friends to select a mate for them to marry. Following the recent casting issues and resulting cancellation of Megan Wants a Millionaire, this new reality show will likely raise questions both in its concept and execution.
A web site for Arranged Marriage notes the production seeks applicants who are ready to commit to marriage. The production site states, "It will be a leap of faith that this choice is the basis for a healthy, loving, sturdy relationship, and you must be willing to make the leap." The site also provides links to news articles noting a trend in arranged marriages which are more common in Eastern countries.
Arranged Marriages an Eastern Tradition
Unlike arranged marriages in the East which occur between families, the new CBS reality show involves a middleman, namely a production company and casting agents. It will be interesting to see if the casting agents share the same good intentions as the friends and family.
Unlike Easter tradition where families seek politically or socially suitable partners for their children, it remains to be seen from which applicant pool the families and friends will make their selections. The fundamental difference is that televised arranged marriage may be an altered reality.
Fox Seeks to Enter Arranged Marriage Market
Variety reported in June that Fox is on the same trend and is picking up a pilot called I Married a Stranger. The show follows a similar premise whereby friends and family vote off one of six bachelors until a final suitor remains. The potential bride and groom are then introduced and married.
If all of this feels familiar, it is. Let's not overlook the controversial 2003 Fox series Married by America in which America voted and narrowed a potential set of grooms. The show met with controversy from conservatives, as well as an obscenity lawsuit stemming from pixelated nudity broadcast during the show. Ultimately, the show did not result in marriage.
Will Arranged Marriages Succeed on New Reality TV Shows?
Given controversy over marriage in prior years, it will be interesting to see how these two new arranged marriage shows are perceived in America. While casting is one area of concern, it remains to be seen how television viewers will react to the premise and resulting unions.
Sources:
Variety, "Marriage Gets 'Stranger' on Fox Show," Michael Schneider (June 4, 2009)
Reuters UK, "CBS Says I Do to Arranged Marriage Reality Series," (February 2, 2009)
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