From huge apartments to dream jobs, we all know TV exaggerates our real-life expectations, but which shows are the worst offenders?
Have you ever watched a TV programme and just dreamt it could be anything like your life? Yes, of course, we all have.
Part of the reason we all love watching TV so much is that characters in those programmes have more exciting lives than we do, have funnier friends than we do, have more attractive partners than we do, etc. But I’ve begun to realise that actually, the TV programmes we watch give us a pretty unrealistic expectation of what real life is really like.
Of course, I know TV shows are made for entertainment purposes and have to be exaggerated. If the title of a show was “two average looking people with average jobs try and organise their finances” I’m sure no one would watch it. But for those of us who struggle to separate reality from TV and have subconsciously been basing our life choices by trying to recreate our favourite characters lives – here are a list TV shows that create a totally unrealistic expectation of real life.
1. The Office (USA)
An office job is often deemed one of the most boring jobs out there.
But after watching The Office I was actually considering dropping everything and applying to be a receptionist at a paper sales company, just so I could meet my Jim and live happily ever after. Correct me if I’m wrong, but surely in an actual job, Dwight should be filing an HR complaint when Jim puts all his desk supplies in jelly? Also, the number of times I’ve given a hilarious glance to the camera only to remember my life ISN’T being filmed 24/7 is getting ridiculous now.
2. Pretty Little Liars
Everyone has had a teacher crush at some point in their lives – but Aria and Ezra actually made us believe for one second that getting with your teacher could actually result in marriage. I was rooting for them throughout, but I couldn’t help thinking how weird it would be if this happened in real life. It definitely gives the unrealistic expectation that getting with your teacher would result in anything more than a VERY awkward meeting with the headteacher.
Worth the risk? I don’t think so.
3. Friends
This is definitely the big one for me. I could write a whole dissertation on the unrealistic expectations Friends promotes but I will try to keep it brief.
Firstly, how on earth do two people afford apartments in the centre of New York City on a waitress and out-of-work actors salary? And I'm sorry, but do you know how hard it is to get the same seat every time, every day, in your favourite coffee shop? Why is no one else ever sat there?
4. How I Met Your Mother
This TV programme creates a massively unrealistic expectation of how easy dating in adult life is. All the group ever does is sit in McLaren's pub and somehow Barney is sleeping with one, two, sometimes even multiple girls in one night.
Somehow everyone in that bar is single, above average level of attractiveness, and of a similar age range – so why doesn’t everyone just go there to find love? On top of this, How I Met Your Mother sets the standard very high for romantic gestures: stealing a blue French horn, the 2-minute date, and let's not forget when Ted actually MADE IT RAIN (?!).
If my future husband can’t defy all laws of meteorology then I don’t want him.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Okay, call me stupid for believing that working for the NYPD isn't ANYTHING like what it is on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as they make solving crimes, catching murderers and working all night shifts seem so effortless and fun. Be honest with me, how likely is it that I am going to be as excited and passionate about work as Jake Peralta is? Actually, don’t answer that.
6. Fresh Meat
I’m not saying Fresh Meat is the only reason I came to university… it was probably just 90% of the reason. Overall, I’d say Fresh Meat gives a relatively accurate representation of what uni life is like (while also making for entertaining viewing). The only criticism I have for being unrealistic is how lucky they got with their student house. They move in with no idea who they are living with and end up becoming best friends. Josie even manages to find a boyfriend in not one, but two housemates. They also live in an extremely big house with a stylish open-plan kitchen and living room, way fancier than anything a Manchester student living in Fallowfield should be expecting.
What we should take from this, is that all television programmes must be enjoyed with a pinch of salt. They are created for our entertainment and therefore everything is slightly exaggerated. However, it doesn’t mean romance is dead or that you have no chance of enjoying your job as much as Jake Peralta, just remember you probably wouldn’t want to work for the nine-nine anyway – way too much drama.
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