I don’t know which is more reprehensible: The Fox Network, which is airing this program or the people who participate in it. It’s probably a toss-up, but I have to wonder about the increased Springerization of American culture. What won’t people do for a few bucks? Not much it seems. One website writes:
Fox has announced The Moment of Truth, a new game show that will quiz contestants on personal questions and use a lie detector to determine if they’re telling the truth, will premiere on Wednesday, January 23 at 9PM ET/PT. Contestants competing on The Moment of Truth will be hooked-up to a lie detector and asked to answer 21 questions without fibbing for the chance to win the $500,000 grand prize. Not surprisingly, the questions’ subject matter grows more difficult with each correct answer given and — as friends and family members watch from the studio audience — owning up to the truth becomes harder. Sample questions contestants could be asked include have you ever lied to get a job; do you like your mother-in-law; do you really care about starving children in Africa; have you ever stolen anything from work; and have you ever cheated on your spouse. Read more here.
Another web site adds:
The show’s international format [it has aired in over two dozen countries world-wide] first gained notice Stateside in August when Fox ordered a pilot. Last month, a popular Colombian version of the series (called “Nothing But the Truth”) made headlines when a contestant confessed to hiring a hit-man to murder her husband (an attempt that failed). The show was, at least temporarily, taken off the air. Fox’s version works like this: Before the show is taped, a contestant is given a polygraph test and asked 75 questions. Unlike the Colombian version, the show avoids asking about felony-level activities and sticks to revealing family secrets and unearthing private opinions [Thank God for that at least]. Read more here.
Only after going through this preliminary process are participants brought back for a taping of their answers to 21 previously asked questions before a studio audience and our viewing horror. On the website for the show, we read:
This the only game show where participants know both the questions and the answers before they begin to play. What deep dark secret will someone divulge for hundreds of thousands of dollars? From FOX Broadcasting Company: The Moment of Truth
Okie Dokie then. Come to think of it, I now know who the most reprehensible of all will be when it comes to The Moment of Truth. It will be the voyeuristic, shameless people who will actually watch this show, and no doubt there will be many of them. After all, the first episode of Truth will air right after a new episode of American Idol. May God have mercy on us all.
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#Debi wrote,
I agree with you. I find it difficult to even watch the commercials for that show. I can’t imagine watching an entire episode…
Link | January 21st, 2008 at 6:15 am
John Meunier wrote,
Preach it, brother. My feelings exactly.
Link | January 21st, 2008 at 7:27 am
Jim wrote,
Oh c’mon! It’s no more inane and detestable than 98% of the rest of what’s on TV. What I want to know is why people watch the Fox network at all.
Link | January 21st, 2008 at 8:45 am
Lance wrote,
This show is unlike any other show. It is definitely going to be controversial, which is what will contribute to it’s popularity. Over 32 million viewers tuned in to watch the first episode that aired here in the USA and over 95% of the people that were tuned in at the beginning of the show were still tuned in to see the very last question asked. Sounds like America likes the truth. I know I do.
Link | January 29th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Will wrote,
Lance,
I think you are right about the show being popular. I would disagree about the reason why, however. I think most Americans are voyeuristic and that this show panders to the worst aspects of our natures (though this may not be true for you). But, while we disagree on this, let me thank you for stopping by and actually taking the time to leave a comment.
Link | January 29th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
ReaderInHouston wrote,
Hey, anyone remember the Jenny Jones talk show from a while back where one guy admitted a crush on another guy he knew? Not too much time later, the guy who was the target of the crush hunted down the other guy and killed him. The Jenny Jones Show disclaimed all responsibility, but someone died just because someone wanted to make what they thought would be compelling TV.
And now we have “The Moment Of Truth”, where embarrassment could lead to the breakups of friendships, families and marriages.
None of these shows do anything for the quality of life in America. All they do is allow bottom-feeders to be entertained at the expense of others.
Don’t encourage Fox - or anyone else - to produce stuff like this. And if you do decide to watch, don’t complain when your significant other, child, best friend or lover lies to you and/or stabs you in the back when you least expect it. After all, you’ve helped create a culture in which that sort of thing is … fun!
Link | January 30th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Lance wrote,
Well I think the show is GREAT! Even though in Colombia it was revealed on a show just like this that a woman put a hit out on her husband to have him killed. Stuff like that is great - let’s face it, this world sucks. I’m an ex-heroin addict who now has a felony on his record and life just SUCKS, so I guess you could say misery loves company. For those of you who don’t like it, don’t watch it, but don’t tell me what to encourage and not to encourage. The truth shall set you free.
Link | January 31st, 2008 at 10:55 am
Jacki Denietolis wrote,
Ilove the show but they need to speed it up. Its starting to become very boring as they repeat every question 5 times. Please do something @ it before we all stop watching it.
Link | March 19th, 2008 at 5:53 pm