by Spencer Hawken

Created on: August 11, 2011   Last Updated: August 15, 2011

The Only Way Is Essex has become over the last year one of the most successful “reality” shows in the UK. Set in and around Brentwood, Essex, the series follows the lives and loves of a group of twenty-somethings.

A constant source of controversy, The Only Way Is Essex, or TOWIE as it is known in the media, divides its audience considerably. The set up of TOWIE is based very much on fact; however, elements (which are never revealed) are spiced up to make better viewing. For many, the various falsities are a real bone of contention, with many stating it's more than just a few elements that have been spiced up.

Regardless of views about the subject matter, very few will disagree that TOWIE is highly entertaining viewing. Providing ITV2 with some of its biggest ever audiences, its cast have become celebrities and its terminology is in common use amongst British youth. 

Shown twice weekly the show is filmed as close to air dates as possible, to allow for any media interaction, and news stories. While the cast has grown to double figures it mainly follows Mark, Lauren, Amy, Kirk, James, Sam, Joey and Lydia. The characters are all aged in their early twenties and all lead an interesting lifestyle; to some degree they also have slightly more money than the average UK based twenty-somethings. While some of the show's cast offend, others have truly endeared themselves to the audience. James Argent and on/off girlfriend Lydia are the basis for one of the most talked about love stories in the UK. Amy’s stupidity causes great amusement and while not in a relationship with Joey (Joey Essex), he is without a doubt an intellectual match for Amy. Joey, who is a recent addition to the show, has already become one of its most popular draws, from his terrible terminology, dreadful dress sense, and general empty headedness to his quaint old-fashioned charm and goofiness. Mark's chauvinistic manner, and his girlfriend Lauren’s paranoia are British tabloid fodder, while nightclub promoter Kirk provides the right level of charm, and betrayal to give viewers compulsive viewing.

The most important factor, and the key to TOWIE’s success however is its lightweight “no brain” storytelling, this is a show you can drop in and out of as you wish, and be highly entertained in the process. Due to clever storylines, each show leaves you with a little bit of thirst for the next show.

TOWIE rather interestingly has caused a new phenomenon in the British television landscape; while its scenario is only too familiar in the United States, it is something new for the UK, and the success of the show has caused MTV to invest heavily in Geordie Shore and Channel Four to make Made In Chelsea. Despite the variety of competitors, there really is only one contender to the throne and that is TOWIE. It is entertaining, compulsive viewing, that really leaves its audience begging for more. 

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