by Spencer Hawken

Created on: August 12, 2011   Last Updated: August 15, 2011

Hot on the heels of The Only Way Is Essex, MTV UK invested a sizeable sum of money into Geordie Shore, a sort of UK version of Jersey Shore, set in Newcastle. It has been the first time the UK division of MTV has put any real investment into making TV shows, due to the channels slow decline. And it seems that the investment for MTV has paid off, with the show generating more viewers than the channel has had for a decade.

Set in a luxury house in the centre of Newcastle, the show puts in an equal number of men and women, who have a passion for the party lifestyle. By means of repaying their time in the house, all must engage in promotion work in the City to pay their keep.

Geordie Shore is the ultimate in car crash TV, but from the perspective that it’s impossible not to watch, and become addicted to the show, quite an achievement considering every one of the shows cast is completely loathsome. Every one of the men is up for going out, getting hammered (drunk) and trying their best to seduce a hot lass (woman). On the other hand, each of the women seem to be out for looking for love inside the house, with one of the male residents.

Each week shows the cast going out, and generally making a complete fool out of themselves for the audience's pleasure. What starts as a normal night, out often turns into a sexual free for all, with one or a number of sexual partners for the house residents. Along the way, alcohol plays a big part, whether the cast use it as a way of loosening up, or to the extent that they quite literally need to be carried out.

As the episodes roll on, what begins as friendship in the house turns more hostile, as lines are drawn, and what was once passion turns violent. And this is where the show gets truly fascinating; it’s a typical snapshot of real life for those that live their life with a little too much partying. It’s at this point that those who once irritate transform before your very eyes; it’s a culture shock for both the residence of Geordie Shore and its viewing audience.

While the show has not been as popular as The Only Way Is Essex, or even its American comparison show, Geordie Shore has been a phenomenal success for MTV, and rumours are abound that several spin off series from different party capitals across the UK are in the pipeline. If you like your reality a little edgy, and always enjoyed The Real World but wish it was spiced up a little, then Geordie Shore is the place for you, and no doubt its success will continue for some time. 

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