2021: A Year in Reality Television Shows

The events of 2020 influenced by the capricious COVID-19 brought about major shifts in the lifestyle and livelihood of millions across Nigeria. More specifically, it greatly impacted TV viewing culture. Vanessa Obioha and Iyke Bede take a look at the TV shows that ruled the airwaves, made a fierce comeback, and those that didn’t show up

For the first time in a long while, there were more eyeballs than usual seeking to be thrilled out of their boredom during the global lockdown of 2020. But as simple as the law of demand and supply sounds, it was not an easy task for most production companies to meet the demands of viewers who anticipated high quality shows tailored to their specific needs.

Amid these struggles, especially those that concerned proper monetisation of content, a few shows keep the reels rolling, continuing the culture into 2021, with some others realising market potential and leveraging it for a comeback many years after it last aired.

As we bid farewell to 2021 today, we look at some of the shows that managed to maintain their air streak, some that rose from the hiatus ashes, and others that failed at their attempt to lift off.

The Show Must Go On

Despite the raging coronavirus, these shows went above and beyond to entertain Nigerians. So far, it maintained its stance in 2021.

Big Brother Naija: Shine Ya Eye

With COVID-19 guidelines enforced, many were convinced that the fifth edition of the show would be stalled for a later air date, or better still, scrapped entirely until the COVID-19 situation was resolved. But the organisers were resilient and amid criticisms, the reality TV show aired, becoming the biggest companion to many Nigerians during that period.

With this strengthened bond, it managed to achieve new viewing and voting records. But that was just the start. 2021 had greater plans for the show.

For the sixth edition, a bigger show offering N90 million (up from N85 million) to winner Hazel Oyeze, aka Whitemoney, smashed the previous voting record of 900 million votes.

With over one billion votes, no other show topped the interest and conversations it generated.

Turn Up Friday and Owambe Saturday

How do you get the attention of Nigerians? Throw a party with good music as a backdrop.

It was no gainsaying that COVID-19 halted this party lifestyle of millions of Nigerians. To fill the void, the Africa Magic team of MultiChoice Nigeria birthed Owambe Saturday and Turn Up Friday. Both shows brought the party to the screens of millions of Nigerians at a time when it wasn’t possible to hold a physical meeting.

Infusing elements of Nigerian parties, Owambe Saturday mirrored the rich ceremonies observed each Saturday across various ethnic groups while Turn Up Friday became a staple for millennials, Gen Zs, and the young at heart to experience the nightclub life without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Although the COVID-19 health guidelines were relaxed, both shows remained a huge part of party lovers’ lives in 2021.

Trophy Extra Special Band

Kicking off in 2020, this unusual show takes an in-depth look into sound production by instrumentalists to determine the best band based on creativity and versatility. Anchored by Bolanle Olukanni, the show’s panel of judges is a pool of the industry’s best: 2Baba, Cobhams Asuquo, and Timi Dakolo. For its second season this year, The Bandhitz took the crown.

The Comeback Shows

It is not unusual for a show to get a reboot after years of no show. 2021 became the perfect tarmac for landing for these shows. Here are some of the television shows that made a comeback from hiatus to grab the attention of Nigerians.

Nigerian Idol Season 6

It is hard to forget the trio of Seyi Shay, Obi Asika, and DJ Sose, who each week stormed the screen of millions of viewers to either praise the singing prowess of some of the brightest vocalists Nigerian has to offer or outrightly laugh at the untalented ones off the audition podium. It was evident that all three judges understood the assignment, which further gave the show a presence that hasn’t been felt since the last time it aired five years ago.

Hotly contested, Kingdom Kroseide after edging out Atela Francis, walked away with the grand prize of N30 million.

Gulder Ultimate Search: Age of Craftsmanship

Mostly driven by nostalgia, the show’s return was highly anticipated. The 12th season of what many would term the maiden reality show in Nigerian returned after it last aired in 2016 to award wildcard Odudu Otu N50 million worth of prizes. Otu earns this after discovering the chest containing the recipe of the Akolo secret brew.

The show retained some of its traditions as well as introduced its first-ever female anchor, Toke Makinwa.

The Voice Nigeria Season 3

Last aired in 2017 for its second season, season three of The Voice returned with coach Dare Art Alade, Waje, Falz, and Yemi Alade in the rotation chairs.

Won by Esther Benyeogo, The Voice Nigeria was a showcase of an eclectic range of singers who battled it out weekly to gain the approval of their judges, and sometimes the voting audience.

It also marked the first time the show was recorded in the country.

No Show

For one reason or the other, publicised shows may not grace the small screen irrespective of expectations. The shows in this category failed to launch despite the fanfare.

Love Island Nigeria

October 7, 2021, came and went with no sign of Love Island Nigeria. Expectations were high as well as a fanfare for the show when it was announced in June by Toyin Subair, calling it “the next big thing.”

Still, no one knows why the show failed to air amid calls for auditions.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire(WWTBAM)

With the increased prize money from N10 million to N20 million, WWTBAM was announced in September to return from its 4 years hiatus.

As of the time of filing this report, no air dates have been released.