The genre of reality tv has many pros and cons. Most of the criticism leveled at this type of tv has come around from programmes like wifeswap. The point of the programme is to educate the person involved and the general public. This is the central ethos of the programme.
But we also want to entertain, otherwise who would watch an hour of finance help?
The show will not make you out to be an idiot. If you are an idiot, please don't apply, you won't get on the show. We need people who need help and we can provide the help in the form of financial advice and a week filled with interventions designed to make you understand money. It will be an experience like no other and at the end of it you'll be on the road to recovery. I understand that the majority of pilots take the debt on board and see it as a separate issue. They're responsible with their money and don't need this show.
But, 3500 have read this post and if it's possible that one of them needs help then it has to be worth it. THey might be drowning in debt, worried, not telling their partner, need someone to show them the way out of the enormous hole they're in. Yes, it's a tv show. Yes, we get something out of it but if this is you and the debt is piling up, what are your options? Remortgage? Put the debt onto your house and threaten yours and your family's future?
Credit cards? Consolidation loans? Borrow from parents or friends? None of these will actually get you out of the hole you are in.
For the people reading the post that need help. Please apply.