Paul Tucker: Gogglebox – TV has eaten itself, and it tasted good

THERE is an episode of The Simpsons in which Homer’s head is turned into a huge doughnut. He knows it’s wrong but he just can’t stop eating himself; “But I’m so sweet and tasty”.

Viewers of Gogglebox – on Channel 4 this evening – might experience something similar.

Gogglebox is a programme in which the viewer watches people watching the television.

It sounded like a terrible idea. Why would you watch a programme that consists of people watching TV? Why spend hundreds of pounds on a state-of-the-art TV and sound system when you could just buy a mirror?

I must admit that I nearly dismissed it. However, I’d suggested that my Broadcast Production students should see it and so felt compelled to watch the first episode.

I found it compelling.

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