First provoke hatred among your viewers and then address them with admonishment: the RTL 4 complaint about Expedition Robinson hate reactions has brought the channel to fierce criticism. “It’s hypocritical.”
Since the success of De Verraders, RTL 4 has been very aware that celebrities screwing each other works very well among the TV viewing public. ‘Start Loving, Stop Hating, Be Sweet’, they shout in front of the stage. But backstage, ideas for programs in which candidates screw each other in a horrible way are flying around.
Hate comments
The scheming also dominates Expedition Robinson these days. And that leads to hate reactions online. “Unfortunately, we have also seen hatred in our comment section in recent weeks. Reactions that go beyond sympathy. Reactions that go too far. We would therefore like to remind you of something important: it is a game,” RTL reports. Instagram.
The channel continues: “We are entering Expedition in the last few weeks. Let us work together to ensure that it remains exciting, fun and, above all, respectful.”
Scheming
What is according to the NOS going on? “This season, viewers criticized the scheming some players used to stay in the game, including match-fixing, hypocritical outbursts and unexpected betrayals.”
“It resulted in comments from actor Kevin Hassing and influencer Amijé van der Laan in particular. Curses such as bully, childish, snake or rat followed on social media, and sometimes even worse.”
Hypocritical
RTL is now widely accused of being hypocritical. For example, Anita says under the channel’s Robinson complaint: “What is a shame is that because of the way you have designed the games, a real Robinson will never have a chance to win again. It is only about bonds, cheating and hypocritical behavior. Very unfortunate.”
“And yes, the result is that we as viewers no longer like that. (…) It’s cringe-worthy. Maybe for next year you should try to bring the original idea of Expedition Robinson back into the games. Namely being judged on your qualities instead of being punished because you are too good.”
Own bosom
Lois finds RTL’s hypocrisy unbearable. “What kind of hypocritical statement is this, RTL? You know very well what you are doing when you devise, produce and edit such a program. The majority of your programs are made to provoke strong reactions.”
“And if this involves a bit of character assassination of (unknowing) participants, there is no producer or director who will turn a blind eye. It is largely your own fault that the reactions are getting out of hand. Maybe think about that before you throw something on the air, hoping for a commotion.”
RTL does not intervene
Well, will that hand in hand come from RTL? No. They say they are considering not to adapt the show in response to online hate comments.
“According to the spokesperson, the program has been edited ‘truthfully’. In the future, participants will also not receive any extra warning in advance about viewers’ reactions, so that they continue to play the game ‘authentically’.”