I’ve been a part-time viewer of The Block the last few years and have been open about my concerns over it. I did a post a few months back asking if you’ve fallen prey to The Block Effect, but today’s post isn’t about whether the show helps or hinders those undertaking renos, but moreso if the show itself is losing its way.
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The reason for my part-time viewing of the show – rather than tuning in around the clock – is because I don’t care for the shenanigans. I’m all about the room reveals, hearing the judges thoughts and learning a few things along the way; be it about new products, new style trends or simply a new perspective on design from Neale, Shaynna or Darren. I mean, if I want to watch drama I have The Real Housewives of Melbourne to turn to (bring on season two, just quietly!).
That said, there’s certainly nothing wrong with a bit of fun. I mean, this is a reality show and there are personalities to warm to and whine over. It’s the whole reason why the show (and other shows in this genre) select ‘real’ people to compete for the prize. This isn’t about designers, this is about connecting to the everyday Australian. So I do get – and appreciate – that premise.
I’ve been seeing a lot of backlash on social media lately though – about the direction The Block is heading in – and I’d love to get your thoughts on it. I don’t watch the mid-week shows unless there’s a reveal on, so I don’t feel the frustration, but it appears many of you are becoming a bit annoyed by certain elements of the series… particularly with regard to the lack of design and the educational element of the show’s content.
Here are some comments I saw on Facebook this week
Darryl Whitecross
“Just got home and started watching tonight’s episode. 5 mins in and it’s all talk. Is there any renovating happening?”
Lesley Scott-Smith
“Stick to the reno ideas please. That’s what I watch the show for, and by the way, less personalities and more reno please. Why they choose the colors they do, the concepts behind the choices of furniture and fittings. A bit more practical and a little less soap opera”.
Lynda Marshall
“Just saw the end of the show tonight. Stopped watching it when it became more like a soap opera than a DIY show. Notice things have actually got worse with the contestants not actually doing any of the work anymore but just shopping, sitting around planning and trying to be comedians”.
Chanelle Skye
“Disappointed by the lack of building/designing. This show is full of rubbish now”.
Bridget Keating
“The tasks have become impossibly difficult, the timeframes unreasonable, the contestants tired and delirious. Please stop. Please pull it back to what is was when it was enjoyable. A tv show that was about design, construction, skill and execution by people who are there to learn and who will enjoy the experience”.
>>> Do you think The Block has lost its way?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Let’s open up a discussion about this. Are people expecting too much from The Block or has it become a bit silly? Do you watch for the drama and the fun as well as the reveals? Drop me a comment below and let me hear your take on it 🙂
Image of Darren and See via DailyMail. Other shots via 9jumpin.
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Hi Chris.
First question …YES The Block has lost its way. This is the first year I have not watched it. Last season admittedly I was a floater – I would tune in for room reveals! Now to be honest I can’t be bothered with it at all. I understand why the producers have a need for airing some Drama and the re-hashing of stories in some form as I know this is how the production team build a connection with the viewer and the TV personality – however I agree with other comments.
If I wanted drama I would tune into the other 50 reality TV shows out there. We are time poor, have to negotiate our preferred shows with our partners and families and to be honest there are MANY other shows out there that I would prefer to watch over this one now.
I would also like to see something new – focus on the details of the products (without it being a huge advert), the application of the product and perhaps the costs associated with the build. I remember when the block first started we were privy to the budgets and how they were literally tracking……the demographic that the show started with still want to see those things JUST WITHOUT THE DRAMA….. Jenny www.metallicmum.com.au
I am with you 100% Jenny. I feel like there’s honestly very few shows about design and interiors that just show the makeover, the reality of it, the products and the tips to go with. The only one that comes close is Genevieve Gorder’s show, Dear Genevieve. That is a really educational makeover show that’s entertaining too. Australia needs some of this.
Speaking as a former shift worker, I’ve always been concerned about safety on this show – continually seeing half asleep contestants using power tools or getting behind the wheel of a car. I’m amazed they have the brain space left to generate ANY deco ideas.
I’ve had a few people say that to me Wendy. Tired people should be nowhere near power tools :/
Yes I believe it’s a little ridiculous now, I want to see and hear about design decisions, the how and why and what’s new. I really believe they need to be a little more particular in who they let on to be contestants, people with a style point of view and a proven artistic ability would make it a great watch! Get rid of the ex footballers and comedians and give us an interesting show about renovation and design. A quality host would be helpful too!
Hey Lynne. I am with you. I don’t want the gags and the drama. Contestants who do have an enthusiasm and a slight style eye would definitely help. They need to get me on there haha 😉
It’s an interesting one Chris. I have to admit that I am not enjoying this as much as the last seasons. I feel like the contestants are playing up more to the camera. I have been a fan of this show. I loved the Sydney Reno and the challenges they had doing Heritage listed housing. Had more guts to the show.
I hear ya Annie. I want to see a series where they actually do over rooms and then tell you how they did it. You know… like you’d expect from a design show lol
Bringing back Darren and Dee was enough to turn me off. She was a disgrace last block with her disrespect of the judges. She turned the show into a drama rather than a renovation show. Not much building and designing happening from contestants, more from trades. Disappointing series.
I agree Lisa. I feel like in year’s gone by the contestants did more. And yes, as I said – I am not a fan of all the drama. I just want to see renos, decorating and building and get inspired by how they did it.
I didn’t bother watching the elimination weeks because the episodes were simply too long, 90 minutes viewing without an actual conclusion/elimination! Just seemed a bit rude to the viewer and a waste of time. They are going the way of MKR focusing more on personalities and ‘story lines’ rather than the actual competition. I like to see banter and problems but not so manufactured and edited VERY badly.
I think Darren and Dee won purely because they make good TV. Everyone loves to hate them. I personally can’t stand them. My husband won’t watch them and I will probably join him doing something else, as you said maybe just Sunday for the reveal.
Disappointed.
So agree!!! Our family quit watching after Sunday night as well. Can’t stand Dee’s fits, she thinks she is so wonderful!! Enjoy getting to know people but want to see the reno!!!!
Totally agree Tracey. I also don’t care much for wacky challenges. People don’t do wacky challenges in the real world to get money for their renos. The only challenges they face are convincing the bank to loan them some more money lol.
So glad you say this Chris, I only watch it Sunday night for room reveals, couldn’t really care less about the show during the week. So over seeing the contestants sing in the car too.
Thankfully I’ve not witness any singing in the car – thank God lol!
I have been a dedicated block watcher for the past few years and I must admit I have not bothered to watch this one. Why?? As soon as I saw promos containing some of my least favourite contestants like Matt and Kim, and Dee and Darren it really turned me off. They have had their turn and I don’t enjoy watching them and their antics. I would much rather watch a season of the block where the same contestants are in it from the start without any ongoing competitions for selections that last more than a week. If they want to bring back a set of contestants as a wild card entry, mix the team like they did with brad and dale last year as keeps the dynamics of each team fresh. Anyway, just my thoughts 🙂
I’d certainly like to see more renovating and decorating ideas and less soap opera. I like the new concept of ‘experts’ helping homeowners with reno dilemmas. There used to be a great design show on channel 10 where there were budding designers competing against each other, but that only lasted a season. I guess the ratings are boosted by the people who do enjoy the clashing personalities be they real or contrived. I still look forward to watching it but quite often am left disappointed by the lack of substance. Rather this than My Kitchen Rules though!
I am with you 100% Karen. I really want a home makeover show that does room renos and styling and tells you where the products are from and how they did it. Seems simple to me – but perhaps it wouldn’t rate?