ABSTRACT
Based on a comparative analysis of the Danish and Australian adaptations of the Idols format – Idols on TV3/Danmark and Australian Idol on Channel 10, respectively – this chapter discusses explanations for variations between the two. Two sets of explanations are explored: socio-cultural explanations in relation to specific national social standards and mentalities and media-systemic explanations regarding, for example, varying broadcasting histories, television markets, market players and media policies. The main argument of this chapter is that an investigation of the second set of explanations gives a more comprehensive understanding of the variations than the first set. Idols and Australian Idol look and sound the same and share a similar dramaturgy and narrative drive, due to the rigidity of the FremantleMedia-controlled format. Nevertheless, within this rigidity the two adaptations take different approaches. Danish Idols has a mid-range production value, is ‘nastier’, more irreverent and ironic than Australian Idol and skewed towards a youth audience. Australian Idol, on the other hand, has a higher production value and a broader audience appeal and is best characterized as a traditional entertainment show with a reality ‘twist’.
