I'm sure that an academic has already explored the cultural differences between reality shows set in the US and those set in Europe, but I'd I think it might be a blogworthy topic given the location of our team members. It might be a way of making German TV just a bit more interesting, even? (Whenever I've seen European TV, I've been struck by how the shows tend to pick up on the absolute worst in American pop culture and then exagerrate its awfulness.)

I guess before I start theorizing I should pose some questions for Margaret: What reality shows in addition to Frauentausch are currently on the air? (We have Wifeswap and Trading Spouses) Do any talent shows a la American Idol air for you? In addition to American Pop and Survivor, do you know of other reality shows which have originated in Europe? Have you seen the American and European versions of any of them?

Since its summer, reality shows have taken over the air but I'll try to run through a list of those I've enjoyed (I have a higher tolerance for them than Chris, but he also has enjoyed one or two of them). In the talent show category we have, So you think you can dance? American Idol, Dancing with the Stars , Rock Star. In the competition category, I still enjoy Survivor and The Amazing Race. In the "oh my god, why would people allow this to be filmed category? i hope they're getting paid a lot of money", I have to confess to chuckling over Wifeswap (although I've only watched it a few times). There are other subgenres out there like the dating shows but I really haven't spent much time with those.

What I wonder is how they cultural differences are made visible in the shows. For example, in Wifeswap, the contrasts between households are usually pretty striking. A leatherclad biker mom will be expected to live with a puritanical family. Although the families are happy to be reunited, the emphasis is usually on how the families and moms have changed rather than how much they appreciate their homes.