There are times when you watch TV and wonder what really happened for a show to get the nod. With reality TV dominating our TV schedules, there’s bound to be some trash coming with it.
MTV’s Judge Geordie is a good example. Yes, the title is a direct rip-off off the highly successful Judge Judy show, only they are worlds apart. In Judge Geordie, we meet Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach’s Vicky Pattison (pictured) who has taken a new role as an agony aunt. The show’s title is an obvious play on Judge Judy and Geordie Shore, but there is one problem; Pattison is no judge.
The very fact that Judge Geordie is about having Pattison help people across the UK with relationship problems is nauseating. There is no clear direction as to what the show is wanting to achieve because while Pattison is said to be looking to solve relationship problems, she will also look at things like cheating, bullying and lies. It is all too much for a reality TV star to handle.
Outside of Geordie Shore the only other show we saw Pattison was on Ex On The Beach, another shocking reality TV show which still doesn’t equip her with the skills she needs to handle people’s relationships problems. Of course, her fans will love the fact that she will be coming down to their level by coming into their homes, but when it comes to what she really has to say, to make those troubled relationships work again, we can’t expect much.
In fact, the only reason Cheaters works is not because of the host, but the drama that comes with the show. Host Joey Greco often tries to sound sophisticated and even invested in the stories they cover, but we can see that it is a facade. He is not in his element so his advice is poor.
Dr Phil, on the other hand, speaks from a place of authority, breaking down complex social sciences into digestible bits. You don’t need a psychology degree to be at par with him because he knows how to speak to his audience in ways that are understandable.
Sadly, Pattison’s claim to fame is being a reality TV star and when it comes to people’s real life problems, you need more than just a pretty face. Granted, she is hilarious, and perhaps some will like it for that, but no one said it was a comedy show and we are not tuning in for the gags.
l Judge Geordie, MTV (DStv 130), Tuesday, 9.15pm.