Will You Watch Live Like You Were Dying?
Tuesday October 21, 2008
We all know and love Jeff Probst as the host of the hit reality series Survivor, but how do you feel about him fronting a show about people who aren't likely to survive? Probst has created a new show for CBS called Live Like You Were Dying, another reality series that features terminally ill adults. The show aims to fulfill their dying wishes, of course while filming every moment of doing so.
I am not sure what to think about this. I hate to judge it without even seeing a second of it, but I have wonder how Hollywood producers will drive in ratings featuring those who are dying without exploiting them? There are so many elements that come into play when these producers choose people to be on reality shows. They look at how camera friendly, interesting, and appealing people are for the sake of the show and ratings. How can you possibly implement this criteria for a show about people who are dying? How do you choose one dying person over another and be able to sleep at night?
Plus, people have to be available. I haven't exactly met many people with a terminal illness who were able to travel far without their doctor's consent or were so pain free that it didn't limit their daily activities. I also am curious about what kind of sponsors will endorse the show. I can't imagine the folks at Mattel or Kraft jumping on board with this.
Call me a skeptic, but this just sounds like a reality TV version of The Bucket List.
I am not sure what to think about this. I hate to judge it without even seeing a second of it, but I have wonder how Hollywood producers will drive in ratings featuring those who are dying without exploiting them? There are so many elements that come into play when these producers choose people to be on reality shows. They look at how camera friendly, interesting, and appealing people are for the sake of the show and ratings. How can you possibly implement this criteria for a show about people who are dying? How do you choose one dying person over another and be able to sleep at night?
Plus, people have to be available. I haven't exactly met many people with a terminal illness who were able to travel far without their doctor's consent or were so pain free that it didn't limit their daily activities. I also am curious about what kind of sponsors will endorse the show. I can't imagine the folks at Mattel or Kraft jumping on board with this.
Call me a skeptic, but this just sounds like a reality TV version of The Bucket List.
Comments
My father is 46 and was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma Multi Forme in August. The expected prognosis is 15 months. Before my dad’s diagnoses he was upbeat and full of life. Now I can see him beginning to deteriorate before my eyes. There are many things he has dreamed of doing which may not other wise be possible now without something like this. I think this show will open doors to families who are not financially capable of fulfilling their family members last wishes.