My roommates and I have recently become addicted to truTv's new show Impractical Joker's. The show takes you into the wacky world of four middle aged dudes and their quest to complete some of the most hilarious jokes I have ever seen on television. Each episode offers four practical jokes that are often pulled on complete strangers in public areas and one final joke that must be performed by the character who performed worst in the other jokes. The characters are often told to say awkward things to unsuspecting victims via headset. Included below is a sample of what you may enjoy if you choose to turn into a new episode which airs each Thursday at 10p.m.
I was thinking about this show as I read chapter 9 in our reading packet. I realized that this show has many great examples of some unfamiliar concepts. First, commodification which I had always referred to as product placement is rampant in this show. The characters all are found using their Iphones and wearing Nike T-shirts. More obviously in the example above the characters are posing as workers at a White Castle. I usually despise commodification, as it generally appears tacky and intentional, but I think this show does a nice job of slightly introducing products. Finally, this show has created a parasocial relationship between my friends and the characters on the show. We have all picked favorites, refer to them by first name, and sometimes even talk about the characters after the show. This is a new phenomenon for me considering I rarely watch television series. I hope you all have a chance to laugh your tail off when you see Impractical Jokers.
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