Representation of Region:
Geordie Shore 2011-present
Geordie Shore is a 'reality-style' programme following a group of friends that go out and are essentially paid to get others, and themselves drunk. This show gives a largely negative representation of people from Newcastle/The North as they are shown to only have sex and get drunk. An example of how this is only vague representation could be cast member Vicky Pattison who is shown to be a 'wild' party girl who cannot control her alcohol when in reality she is actually very intelligent and unlike the other housemates has been to university and has a degree from Liverpool John Moores University. Although the sense of family and community often associated with the North is emphasised in this show as the characters often refer to each other as the 'Geordie Shore Family'.
This programme appeals to audiences in the South for a degrading entertainment value as the events that take place are more often than not quite extreme or outrageous including numerous fights, sex scenes and strong language. This programme may also appeal to viewers in the North as they may relate the cast to people they have met on nights out, or simply the over the top nature of the drama.
Real Housewives of Orange County 2006-present
Real Housewives of Orange County is another reality style drama following the lives of some America's wealthiest women. The general representation of the women in this show is that they have too much money so spend most of their time going on lunches or organising overly expensive birthday parties for their dogs. Although these women are most probably very intelligent and most own companies of their own they are shown in a negative, mocking 'how the other half live' style of filming.
This programme is usually shown during the daytime so the target audience would be either the unemployed or more specifically stay at home mothers. This will effect their representation as they will be shown to do things that ordinary mothers would do as well as their lavish lifestyles, however this well-rounded persona often comes across as fake.
Representation of Nationality:
The Big Bang Theory 2007-present
Raj Koothrappali is the main example of representation of Nationality in The Big Bang Theory. In the series he is represented as a stereotypical Asian immigrant with a very heavy accent and often does not understand what is going on in the scenes. However there is positive representation in the form of Raj's education, and his family is also successful. The main focus of Raj's comedy in his character is his social ineptitude which makes him seem less intelligent to the other characters, which gives an overall negative representation of immigrants coming over to America, almost mocking them for trying to fit in with the American social norms.
That 70's Show 1998-2006
An example of representation of nationality in That 70's Show is Fez. It is never specified where Fez exchanged from- to the extent that one episode he clearly avoids having to say where he has come from- This emphasises the negative representation of immigrants as it almost suggests that it does not matter where he is from, all that is needed for the audience to know to decide about his character is that he is not wholly 'American'. This alienation from the other characters is also highlighted in his strong accent, and the way he speaks- often misunderstanding/mispronouncing his words. In a way you could argue that the exaggerated quirks of Fez's character are there to reflect the attitude towards immigrants in the 1970's, however the show was broadcast to a modern audience so therefore the humour is set to appeal to people in the present.
