Reality TV and National Geographic may not be Worlds Apart

What do you think of when you hear the words reality television? Is it the exotic locations, the off-the-wall cast? Is it the bizarre challenges, or unusual circumstances? We know, deep down, that what is happening on reality TV is not reality as it naturally happens. The show is being guided by producers, hence all the crazy challenges that occur from week to week, because honestly, reality as it really happens is dull. But what if it isn’t? Maybe that was the question National Geographic Channel producers asked themselves back in 2003 when they came up for the premise of a new series dubbed Worlds Apart.
Worlds Apart is a 13 part reality series which aired in 2003 but can still be caught online. The ingredients are easy, mix one American family with one vastly foreign culture for a week, sit back and wait for it to boil. And boil they will. Each family must travel thousands of miles to a remote village in places like Peru, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea, where they will essentially become a member of the tribe (village, etc…) and assume the role as an active member of the culture. It’s more than an eye-opening experience. For the families who take part, is it exactly how National Geographic describes, “Culture Shock 101.” In this new environment, far from the every day comforts of life in the states, emotions and tempers are naturally bound to erupt.
But, what makes Worlds Apart stand out from other reality shows is, in fact, the reality. With the exception of the interviews, nothing is staged. From learning to slaughter a chicken, to sleeping in a one room hut—the challenges are all real. Though, the show may be a little on the gimmicky side, that is what makes it stand out from National Geographic’s other productions and ties it all together. Each “character” seems to have his or her own theme music, which varies slightly depending on the mood or atmosphere of the scene, and which always fits the culture in which we, as viewers, are in; it would be a bit awkward to hear jazz music when we’re in Ghana or traditional chants in the states. Another bonus is that the lightness of the show allows it to be a great family show and a fun learning tool for kids. Because after all, amidst all the hoopla and sheer entertainment, this is still National Geographic and part of their mission is to educate. Worlds Apart is not just a show about what happens when people are thrust into a completely new situation; it’s mostly about cultural respect.

I have to say that I was greatly surprised by my enjoyment of Worlds Apart. I only briefly enjoyed reality TV when I was in junior high and watched Big Brother on a regular basis, and don’t have much respect for it as a form of entertainment. Coming into Worlds Apart, I had a mixed set of feelings towards the idea of my beloved National Geographic Channel delving into the world of reality television. But I was greatly pleased with this show, and recommend it both to fans of reality TV and to those like me who seem to tune it out. Worlds Apart is a gem, and I wish the series could have continued.

*Images from Hulu and AOL Video

My Rating:








Watch the series at these links:
The Best of National Geographic Channel: http://www.joost.com/032004g/t/Best-of-National-Geographic-Channel
National Geographic Videos: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/feeds/cv-seo/Full-Episodes/All-Full-Episodes/




Series Premiere Episode: "Oakton Meets Papua New Guinea"

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