How Reality TV Primed Us for The Beatles: Get Back Documentary

The influence of reality TV on documentary filmmaking

The Beatles: Get Back documentary, directed by Peter Jackson, has been highly praised for its intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the creative process of one of the most influential bands in history. On-the-other-hand, the original footage, which was directed by Lindsay-Hogg and used as part of the “Let It Be” documentary, was met with skepticism. However, it is essential to acknowledge the influence of reality TV on modern viewers and how it prepared us to appreciate the unadorned and unscripted moments captured in “Get Back.” In this article, I will explore how the rise of reality television over the past two decades has conditioned audiences to expect and embrace the raw authenticity showcased in The Beatles’ documentary.

I. Evolution of Reality TV

To understand how reality TV paved the way for “Get Back,” it is crucial to examine the evolution of the genre. Reality TV emerged in the late 1990s and gained immense popularity through shows such as “Survivor” and “Big Brother.” These programs presented unscripted situations with ordinary people, capturing their struggles, emotions, and unfiltered reactions. The success of these early reality shows set the stage for an entire industry centred around real-life drama.