Why Are There So Many Complicated Cookery Programs on UK TV?

Have you ever wondered why there are so many cookery programs on UK TV that make simple cooking tasks unnecessarily complicated? Cookery TV shows can sometimes be overwhelming with their extensive lists of ingredients and elaborate techniques. These programs might not be the most practical for home cooks, yet they continue to dominate the airwaves. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss how TV production techniques play a significant role in making viewing more entertaining at the expense of practicality.

Setting the Stage: The Demands of TV Production

It wouldn't make for very compelling television if they just showed you how to make simple things, would it? That's a question often asked by critics of overly complicated cookery programs. These shows, while informative and helpful to many, are not particularly entertaining. Network program directors, advertisers, and content producers have different priorities that often overshadow the practical needs of casual viewers and home cooks.

The primary objective of TV companies is to fill airtime with programming that is cheap, cheerful, and totally inoffensive. Cookery shows serve this purpose well. They are not racist, sexist, ageist, or any other "-ist," making them a safe choice for TV producers. In addition, these shows can easily incorporate celebrity chefs, who do not necessarily need to be household names, to add a veneer of glamour and credibility to the content.

Cheaper Programming, More Complicated Shows

The reason behind these intricate and elaborate cookery programs is simpler than you might think: it's a matter of cost efficiency. To create a visually appealing and engaging show with a minimal budget, producers must make the simplest job complex and time-consuming. This approach turns a straightforward cooking task into a fascinating television spectacle that can last an hour or more.

To achieve this, producers bring in a reasonable cook, fill the set with homeware items that viewers can easily purchase, and use ingredients that are readily available in supermarkets. However, instead of presenting a straightforward process, they draw out the simplest job into an hour-long show, transforming it into a specialized task that seems more challenging than it actually is. This dramatic increase in the perceived difficulty of the task makes the show more appealing to the audience and significantly boosts viewer engagement.

Adding "z-list" celebrities to these shows serves as an additional marketing tool. These individuals, often with no previous experience in the culinary field, can add a touch of novelty and entertainment to the programs. During the show, they critique the dishes and utter a great deal of garbage, which keeps the audience engaged for at least half of the episode. This approach guarantees a steady stream of viewers and makes the show a reliable hit on the network's schedule.

Conclusion: Balancing Practicality and Entertainment

While it's true that overly complicated cookery programs might not be the most practical for home cooks, they play a significant role in shaping our perception of cooking as a complex and challenging task. TV producers, network directors, and advertisers prioritize entertainment and profitability over practicality, leading to the creation of shows that may be more entertaining but less helpful.

In the end, the viewer's choice is ultimately important. If you find these programs entertaining and engaging, there's no harm in enjoying them. However, it's also worth considering simpler and more practical shows that offer valuable insights and step-by-step guidance for home cooks.