Why Terrace House Isn’t Your Typical Reality TV Show
For those of you who have not yet watched Terrace House, here is the basic premise of the show. Three girls and three boys live in a beautifully decorated and spacious two-story house that comes with expensive cars. The producers only provide the living space, and the rest is completely unscripted. The six gorgeous strangers will form friendships, fall in love, continue working towards their dreams, give and get advice from fellow housemates, and much more.
But the entire series moves at what might be considered a snail’s pace to the North American audience who is more used to reality TV being the place where drama volcanoes explode. Instead, in most episodes, Terrace House contestants are polite and honestly wishing the best for each other. While there are some tensions and conflicts, everyone deals with the drama through long talks with each other rather than full fights.
According to an article by Psychology Today, studies conducted surrounding the appeal of reality shows has attributed their popularity to audiences wishing to experience “television voyeurism” in addition to curiosity regarding how other people act behind the scenes of their lives, also known as“social comparison”. They enjoy the chance to see what they otherwise cannot see. One appealing factor of Terrace House is growing with the members, understanding their worldviews and their reactions to romances that blossom - all the while, audiences place themselves in the shoes of the members and compare their own ideas of life and love to those on the show. Rather than using this entertainment as a form of escapism, the TV shows allow viewers to confront their own life within the context of another person’s life.
The series does not just focus on romance, but instead is an exploration into the humanness of people as they navigate suddenly living together. They are of all ages, and they come from various places and occupations. The most recent season takes place in Tokyo with the original cast ranging from a singer in a band to an illustrator for fashion magazines to a fitness trainer. "Each cast member comes to the house for a specific reason: whether it's to improve their career, find the love of their life, be inspired by fellow housemates, pursue their dreams, or to bring attention to their passion or their culture." Unlike other reality TV shows, Terrace House never thrives on insane drama (although sometimes it does happen). It sheds light on what it means to be a working adult in Japan and works to show the various world perspectives that every person has. Their various views on romance, work, life, and living together are all discussed throughout the season.
Terrace House has become a phenomenon as their seasons continue to grow in popularity. Perhaps this is because audiences appreciate the authenticity of the cast members as they are portrayed as more realistic, and therefore easier to compare to their own life. Previously, reality TV shows focused and staged drama between their contestants to create a competition. This model made the show focus on the greatest possible conflict and drama between people. Terrace House doesn’t do this: instead, they simply observe and comment on people living their normal lives and interacting with each other. Each form of reality TV fulfills a different purpose: typical reality shows are entertaining and work as a form of escapism while Terrace House attempts to create an environment that is comparable to everyday life. What is so enchanting about the series is its ability to relate to real people as they find themselves able to place themselves in the show. This allows viewers to think deeply about how they would respond to situations that occur in the show and thus engage deeply with the “characters”.
An article by The Guardian writes about the comedian Mae Martin describes the show as ‘incredibly dull but comforting.” Perhaps this is where the appeal lies: in ordinary life. Something is compelling about people living their lives normally and having this shown in media.
Additionally, Terrace House has been an incredible way for non-Japanese viewers to understand more about the cultural nuances of Japanese people. As a first-generation Japanese college student living in New York, it has been beyond exciting to see the popularity of the show and to see how well it portrays life in Japan. By highlighting various Japanese dishes and cuisine, cultural norms when dealing with roommates, and a Japanese young adult’s approach to romantic relationships, the show reveals what usually is hidden from tourists or outsiders. An article by Elle expands on the cultural differences that the show presents, making it refreshing to a Western audience.
According to Professor Teja Arboleda, founder of Entertaining Diversity, Inc., who has lived both in Japan and the United States, “the qualities of “being loud and bold doesn't make a man more attractive in Japan, where men are discouraged from showing off and standing out. With the show's international audience, the show's attractive and sensitive Japanese male stars are potentially broadening how American audiences view East Asian men”. The series does a great job of redefining how East Asian views on love, romance, work, and culture are perceived globally and even works to change Japan’s global image - not to mention that it is incredibly bingeable and addicting. So, if you’re looking for your next Netflix show, give Terrace House a try.
