The evolving role of reality show host
The LA times has an article about the role of the host in the success of a reality show: Reality show hosts are the real survivors
The author looks at the way the host on leading reality shows has become a “surefooted guide to the genre”, breaking away from the role’s ‘game show host’ roots to become more controlling, while still maintaining the appearance of impartiality. Ryan is one of four reality show hosts identified, along with Jeff Probst, Cat Deeley and Chris Harrison. The article examines how each of the four has evolved.
Jeff Probst and Chris Harrison are singled out for moving the show along through conversations with participants, and writing a detailed blog for each episode that gives them the final word. The article notes that unlike Survivor and The Bachelor, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance don’t have a complex narrative that needs the “human filter” to the same extent, but calls Cat Deeley an “anchor” and credits Ryan with becoming “one of the feistiest voices on television”, making him the show’s most famous personality after Simon Cowell.
He’s chatty and tart, and sometimes outright dismissive, adding much needed seasoning to “Idol,” which has been suffering under the weight of its importance of late. Seacrest, alone among this group, also has numerous other high-profile business ventures. That’s nice, but none of those things would be possible without the confidence he’s earned over nine years of “Idol,” and, as a result, Seacrest will stay relevant long after “The X Factor” swallows “Idol” whole.
Excerpt from: Reality show hosts are the real survivors
The article goes on to note that Jeff Probst has won the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program Emmy twice since its introduction in 2008, but believes any of the four could claim the title next time.
It’s an interesting article that touches on one of the things Ryan has said: it’s his job to make it look easy. I’ve often thought Ryan is hugely underestimated because of this and that it’s a compliment that some people are still bewildered by his success — even if Ryan himself has claimed to have no particular talent.
I think Ryan’s massively talented, and I’m not just talking about his gift of song! He’s unassuming, making his shows largely about the contestants or the guests; funny in a self-deprecating way that makes him an easy target for humour; most of the time he’s comfortable to watch, though he doesn’t shy away from doing something embarrassing or awkward if that’s what the show needs, and he takes on everything that comes his way with an almost superhuman drive that seems part determination, part visionary and part insecurity, with a hint of ruthlessness that’s offset by the sort of charm that would leave you believing selling your grandmother was entirely your own idea and you’re very grateful for the opportunity to do so.
One thing I don’t agree with is the article’s line about The X Factor swallowing American Idol. I expect The X Factor to be successful, and it may end up bigger than Idol, but there’s another season of American Idol before The X Factor first airs, so Idol has time to show it can survive without Simon and reestablish itself after a weak season. Simon has been a huge part of American Idol’s personality, but as the fall-off this season has shown, they really do need the right contestants too — and that’s at least as important as what is done to fill the gap Simon has left behind. Regardless of who takes over as fourth judge, if Ryan continues hosting Idol he’s going to have his work cut out to keep things running smoothly … but we probably won’t notice.
