What do you think a dive reality show will need to feature prominently to be attractive to viewers? Danger, risk, drama, oh yeah... and sex.
Every commercial break will be proceeded by someone going OOA, getting shot with a speargun, or stealing someone else's boyfriend/girlfriend. A reality TV show about diving will either do one of two things:
- Feature enough danger and drama to be interesting... and in doing so scare more people away from diving than it attracts
- Accurately represent diving... and in doing so become the first show in the history of television to actually be cancelled in the middle of an episode
Unless you think a good ol' fashioned "PADI vs NAUI" dust-up is sufficient drama to keep people glued to their sets.
I think the main focus here is exposure. The celebs or even a reality show is a way of catapulting into view any sport or activity. Fishing, gold mining etc... Whether it sparks the adventure or thrill seeking side of you or it captivates an audience who gets something else out of it. It does a way better job than doing the present ," NOTHING"! Having a reality show about scuba would be a great thing. Heck I am not a big tuna fisherman but I love watching the reality show about tuna fishing, it really captured my interest. In my opinion being hidden in a corner is no solution. Scuba diving offer all the elements necessary for captivating an audience. There is danger ( which brings excitement and suspense). There is challenge ( which triggers those who desire a challenge) learning to do things technical or not in a certain way, doing it right / equally doing it safe, can give the show a sense of victory or accomplishment. Last is showing the feeling of exploration and discovery. Obviously the talent of cinematographers and show producers will be key in creating the mood that can really captivate an audience and ultimately make a good show. But it can be done.
Its just a matter of when.