Could Rev survive on American television? It’s a completely valid question because the series features a Reverend unlike any might see in the states. In the unique episode we viewed, the Reverend digresses into somewhat of a gross character, becoming a man who smokes, drinks, and seems to lack a faith in God. In class, we discussed the possible lack of success the show would find if aired in America, but I would beg to differ. While it may be a stretch and advertisers might not love it, I think American television is the place where niche audiences are served in every realm.
One claim is that the character of the Reverend is too off-putting, but I counter this argument with the character of Frank on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. If you are unfamiliar, Frank may currently be one of the grossest characters on cable television. If he was only short and stout, I would find nothing too alarming about him, but it is the fact that his physical shape is played up to a character where one can seem to smell his natural body odor from the television. Yet, I love him and a small audience across the country love him as well. He makes us cringe and he lacks any and all morals, yet because he is so bizarre we cannot help but watch to see what he does next. I found the exact same feeling arise in me when I watched the Reverends character progress on screen. Initially, he is a man of God- a seemingly likeable character, but then he transitions to a man where, like Frank, by the end of the episode one may be able to smell his apparent lack of hygiene just from watching the episode. But I believe it is wild and different characters like Frank and the Reverend that hook niche (and weird) audiences into shows like Rev which is one reason I believe the show would garner a fan base.
Another valid point brought up in class was the idea that British television, and Rev in particular, could really make a viewer feel uncomfortable. I agree with this statement, but at the same time I also think this is why the show would find an audience in America. Again, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia makes a viewer feel uncomfortable at times because of the crude content, but shows such as The League, Shameless, and Eastbound and Down also have a tendency to make a viewer watch something outrageous they would not otherwise tune into. Once again, these shows have all found success amongst smaller audiences in America, which is why I believe Rev could join the league of shows like these.
Rev will not air on broadcast anytime soon, but I think that some cable network, or perhaps a pay-cable station, would accept the challenge Rev offers and find a particular fan club. It is a risky show with risky characters, but I think that is why some Americans like shows like that- it is out of the ordinary. Anyone can turn on The Big Bang Theory (which I love, this is not a slant), but it takes someone ready for a bizarre change to embrace Rev and the craziness of some British television.
It’s so great that you bring up Sunny and The League when talking about Rev. I would never have thought to compare their brands of grossness to this show – especially since it’s just so weird to think of the typically proper Brits as being gross. As we mentioned in class, showing Christian leaders in this kind of uncomfortable light is something that American television has avoided like the plague, but perhaps, as you said, there might be an audience that’s been built in recent years that might be ready for Rev to be the next step for bizarre, gross comedy.
I appreciate your comment on the potential success of Rev in the states. I was a bit familiar with the show prior to the screening, and personally, I thought it would be a complete dud in the states. However, your comment and comparisons to It’s Always Sunny made me reevaluate its American success based on Rev’s unique premise which may cater to a particular niche audience.
This also got me thinking about “quality television.” If quality television supposedly caters to a niche audience, does Rev fulfill the minimums for quality programming? I’m not sure on the answer myself, but it is something to think about.