TV has the power to do something no other entertainment medium can do: give us joy from watching people fail. They appeal to our mischievous side and for all the serious dramas, soap operas and sitcoms on our televisions, nothing entertains us like contestants trying and failing miserably or falling over. Whether they are good or bad (or so bad they are good), these TV shows always try to keep us entertained. They make us laugh, they make us cry, and often can make us do both. Many keep us watching throughout, but not necessarily in the way the producers and hosts initially want us to. Prime examples are game shows and this perverse viewing habit can apply to both prime time and low budget shows. Many shows are in on the joke and play up to this element, while the others are oblivious to their comedy value, but all keep us entertained in the same way. Many of the shows have become cult classics as a result and are played on loop on many digital TV channels. Here are ten shows that we watch or watched just to see people fail or fall spectacularly. Have we missed any off? Do you agree with this list? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
10. Man O Man
What's not to like about gullible male contestants who have been forced to take part in rounds demonstrating desirable dating attributes to a rabid female audience, only to be unceremoniously dunked into a swimming pool for their poor efforts? Obviously the dating show was based on the men failing to impress, and the fact that the poo-dunks happened about nine times a show always ensured good fun for the viewing audience. As the gif shows, the fact the contestants were teased with some hands-on action from beautiful hostesses such as Nell McAndrew before getting a drenching made it all the more enjoyable. Watching and listening to the cringeworthy attempts by the men to impress the ladies through cheesy chat up lines, shows of strength and displays of their talents and bodies was part of the tongue-firmly-in-cheek fun of the show. Everyone enjoys people being knocked off their pedestal and this show did it in a truly embarrassing way.