‘Constructed’ reality shows to get BAFTA category

BAFTA is to introduce a category for constructed reality television shows such as The Only Way is Essex.

The category is for the BAFTA television awards and will allow shows such as The Only Way is Essex, Made in Chelsea and Geordie Shore to compete against each other. The shows are dubbed “constructed” reality shows because of the soap like format as opposed to shows like Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity which are about winning the series/competition and completing tasks/goals along the way.

Earlier this year The Only Way is Essex, dubbed TOWIE by some, won the only category to be voted for by the public at the BAFTA television awards. The shows success at the ceremony prompted some backlash which itself prompted accusations of snobbery by others. BAFTA said the inclusion of a category for structured reality shows reflected how the genre had ‘captured the public’s imagination’ and ‘The addition of this category reinforces Bafta’s commitment to recognise excellence across all programming’.

The next BAFTA television awards ceremony will be held on 27th May 2012.