Not surprised at all to learn that the very toxic and exploitative Jeremy Kyle Show on ITV has been switched off permanently. Hats off to those who stood up to the telly bosses who thought this awful daytime show was worth its grubbiness in order to rake in the advertising revenue.
But TV and public appetites have changed and while reality TV is not going to go away (some of it has its place and can be really culturally positive) I do think when production teams have pressure put on them to ‘generate’ hostility and embarrassment, then ethically the show has to stop and those at the top take a long hard look at themselves.
Going forward, lessons need to be learned. Appearance after-care is essential and often an after-thought when these shows are put together.
My sympathy goes out to those who were so vulnerable and not really suitable to appear that they have felt very triggered – to the point of wanting to self-harm.
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