The Docu-Soap - A Chimera Of The TV Landscape

Chimeras are found in both botany and zoology. They are organisms that contain genetically different cells. Their name is derived from the Greek word chimaera - a hybrid of lion, goat and snake. It finds its media equivalent in the docu-soap - that peculiar mixture that combines information with entertainment and has become one of the most popular programme formats.

A mix of facts and fiction

The term is made up of the abbreviations for documentary film and soap opera. The format combines several stylistic techniques, including individual narrative and dramatic interpretation. It ostensibly thematises everyday situations, which are staged with the help of amateur actors . However, what is shown has little to do with reality, as the footage follows the principle of scripted reality - a fixed script that predetermines the show and entertainment value of the docu-soap.

Documentary, but not real

Usually only a few people act in front of the camera,  this creates identifiable characters that better help the viewer to follow the plot. They appear in extraordinary situations in which they are supposed to lead seemingly ordinary lives. The individual shots are carefully staged and edited in such a way that the action is exciting. There is usually a cliffhanger at the end of each episode, which refers to the possible continuation of the docu-soap and is intended to encourage the audience to keep watching.

Closeness through distance

In this sense, docu-soaps are nothing more than entertainment series. At the same time, however, they also give the impression of being filmed live, as reality TV pretends to be. As a result, docu-soaps provide insights into foreign worlds and enable viewers to develop sympathy or antipathy. This effect is more likely to develop, the more episodes scripted reality provides.

Up-to-date, but by no means new

Well known formats that are screened live daily such as "Big Brother" or the jungle show "IBES" - but also from more sophisticated programmes such as time travel documentaries, parenting guides or cookery shows. These seemingly ´authentic` programmes have their predecessors in much older series: As early as 1953, the first episodes of the docu-soap "Familie Schölermann" was broadcast across Germany - and thus had been running for 20 years before the mother of all reality TV programmes, the US divorce show "An American Family" was first screened.

You as the protagonist of a docu-soap

Have our explanations piqued your curiosity? Then -  just like stars of various docu-soaps do - apply to us as a reality TV actor! Who knows, you might soon be as famous as Sarah Wiener - whose remarkable career began with a role in the docu-soap "Abenteuer 1900".