New York's PBS station thinks reality TV has had enough time in the sun.
WNET has rolled out three parodies of overbaked reality shows for its latest ad campaign, including one for a whole family of tanners.
The ads are designed to initially trick viewers into thinking the shows are real. WNET, also known as Thirteen, previously rolled out subway ads for fake shows including "Married to a Mime."
Each ad, created by the agency CHI & Partners, contains the message, "The fact that you thought this was a real show says a lot about the state of TV." Thirteen is trying to make the point that it is one of the last outlets left for quality, educational television. And since they're public television ads, they also include a link for viewers to donate.
"We've been experimenting with humor as a way to cultivate new viewers and donors," said WNET president Neal Shapiro. "And these spots are really fun."
But they are also intended to make viewers think ahout the value of WNET, as well as local stations WLIW21 and NJTV.
Oil up and watch the videos.
Meet the Tanners:
Clam Kings:
Long Island Landscapers:
