Can television be interesting when we watch …. How do others watch television? On what Gogglebox is and why its popularity.
Gogglebox is a British television show created by Stephen Lambert, which debuted on Channel 4 in 2013. It is a reality show format. In this show, ordinary families and groups of friends watch various television programs and comment on them in real time. The programme has become very popular, mainly due to the humorous and candid reactions of the participants. So far, more than a dozen seasons have aired in the UK and the show has had international versions, including a Polish adaptation entitled Gogglebox. Przed telewizorem (Gogglebox. Before TV), which airs on the TTV channel. The Polish participants, like in the original, comment on the most popular programs, films, and news. This allows viewers to see the media from the perspective of ‘ordinary’ people.
Denotative analysis
In the opening frame shown, we see the lettering GOGGLEBOX against the night skyline of a large city. The letters are large, convex and three-dimensional, with a metallic sheen that adds to their elegance. The night view of the city shows tall skyscrapers and lit-up streets, suggesting that the programme’s action is set in an urban reality and aimed at a wide audience.
Connotative analysis. In search of answer: what is Gogglebox?
The lettering and the night-time city skyline have a distinctive vibe – combining modernity with everyday life. The large letters symbolise the importance of the programme and the metallic sheen adds prestige, suggesting that Gogglebox is a recognisable brand. The view of the city lit up at night gives the impression that the programme is about society as a whole, embracing the diversity of people and their perspectives on what they see on TV. The night symbolises privacy – the time when people are most likely to watch TV in their homes.
The word ‘gogglebox’ itself is a slang term used in the UK and Australia, meaning ‘television’ or colloquially ‘watching television’. The word reflects the way people stare (goggle) at the screen, which is the essence of the format – people sit on couches and comment on what they see on TV, often in a witty or reflective way.
Commutation test
Let’s think about how using an image of a typical TV lounge instead of a night-time city skyline would change things. In this case, using a typical TV lounge could reduce the impression of exclusivity, making the program look more intimate and down-to-earth. On the other hand, changing the metallic lettering to something simpler could alter the context of the program. This change might suggest that it is merely a simple entertainment format. As a result, it could imply that the show lacks significant social relevance. The current subtitle design and night-time background emphasise the momentum and modernity of the production.
I also invite you to read the analysis of other popuar TV formats. Such as Top Model or MasterChef, for example.
What is Gogglebox? Myth analysis
In ancient Greece, public assemblies like the agora and the amphitheater performed the function of viewing and commenting on reality together. People gathered to discuss, express opinions and experience spectacles together. As in Gogglebox, attending such gatherings provided a sense of belonging and participation in current events.
The myth surrounding the Gogglebox program is based on the assumption that the opinions and reactions of ‘ordinary’ people are authentic. It also suggests that these reactions are universal. Viewers identify with the participants by watching their reactions and feel that their own thoughts and opinions are represented. Gogglebox creates the illusion of community. It reminds us that despite cultural or social differences, we all share similar feelings about what we watch in the media.