Why do people watch Grande Fratello? : a qualitative study on the reasons why people watch the Italian version of Big Brother, Grande Fratello

Abstract

This study aims to discover why people watch Grande Fratello. This is a television programme, where 10 participants, strangers to each other live together for a 100 days under the surveillance of cameras for 24 hours a day. Each week, one of the group is voted out both by the people within the house and the audience at home. Finally the last to go out of the house, wins. The first part of my literature review outlines the reasons of why people watch television, whilst the second part deals with the reasons why people watch reality TV. Focusing specifically on the Maltese audience, the study reports the findings of three focus groups. The analysis of three focus groups I carried out, showed that the Maltese watch Grande Fratello, to satisfy their curiosity, to identify with the people within the house, to gossip about the participants within the house and finally, it appeals to people who like programmes that are emotionally appealing.