Madeline
I don’t even know how I find these random reality shows from the UK including this one, The Only Way is Essex. I started with Love Island. I have watched Celebs Go Dating, Too Hot To Handle, and who has not seen The Great British Bake Off. Something about them just makes me want to find the next.
The Premise Of The Only Way Is Essex
Similar to many other reality shows, The Only Way Is Essex revolves around a group of 20 and 30 somethings with entirely too much money. This group of semi youngin’s happens to live in Essex, which is a “state” north east of London. They date within the group and people in the group’s parents. They vag jewel each other’s vaginas. And throw way too many parties.
It Is Clearly Staged
Although most reality shows have some type of inference from producers, The Only Way is Essex starts each episode with a disclaimer that ends in “The (blank) may be fake but the people are real although some of what they do has been set up purely for your entertainment” which is made clear by the ridiculous break ups over things like not allowing a girlfriend to go to a party all her friends are at, the multiple themed parties that the whole cast attends, the pet pig given as a gift, and the fake crying by the most manly of men on the show.
Final Thoughts
With three seasons down and twenty more to go, I’m not sure how far I will make it. That being said, it makes for some great background television that is difficult to turn off. I am determined to make it through all 23 seasons no matter how long it takes.
