Josh Must Win Succeeds in Having us Root for the Underdog


Channel 4's lateset reality show adventure,presented to the contestants as a popularity contest called the Favourite instead was rigged by it's celebrity panel to ensure the show's underdog Josh, won. 

And if Josh wins everyone wins.

Across the eight episode series - British reality TV alumni; Love Island's Amber Rose Gil,  I'm a Celeb's Vicky Patterson and TOWIE's Pete Wicks worked with Radio DJ Nick Grimshaw to manipulate the show to ensure Bournemouth wrestler Josh won the series.

Unlike the othe contestants on the series Josh was quiet , understated and didn't desire to be centre of attention. Making him the obvious underdog in the show.

Poised as a show aiming to change the narrative of what a reality Star is, each day the celeb panel worked to put the game in Josh's favour which meant give him an upper hand in challenges or making ti harder for other contestants.

This is a less Truman Show version to Amazon's Jury Duty which too sees a kind hearted man become the centre of a new TV Show venture without their knowledge. With Josh Must Win the manipulations are instead done to highlight Josh's great qualities like his humility and equally at times to benefit other lovely contestants like beuaty Pageant queen Sophia.

After 8 episodes, several medicore challenges, unsurprisningly but still emtionally - Josh did in fact win the series.

There's probably a study to be done about why these shows choose men to be their subjects but each time they end up being equally heart warming.

Still, in The Underdog: Josh Must Win as the young underdog remained in the seriesm this meant thousands of pounds was added to a pot which with Josh winning the series meant all the contestants on the series won a cut of it.

Although the show attempted to position itself as one that could change the narrative around what it takes to be a reality star, realistically nothing will change off the back of this.

The same channel that broadcasting this programme, E4,  is also showing Made in Channel and a new dating series titled Love Triangle which looks messy to say the least. 

Overall, the series lacks the drama that keeps us returning to reality TV, though the charm and wit of the celeb panel keeps the audience engaged. 

The brief and playful series succeeded in it's goal but is doubtful to impact lasting change on reality TV.




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