docusoap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A docusoap is a specific type of reality show. All docusoaps are reality shows, but not all reality shows (e.g., game shows, talent contests) are docusoaps. Docusoaps focus on the ongoing, personal lives of a fixed group in a specific setting.

They are based on real people and real situations, but heavy editing, selective filming, and sometimes staging or prompted scenarios are used to create a stronger, more dramatic narrative arc, much like a soap opera.

In the UK, 'The Living Soap' (1993) is often cited as an early pioneer. 'Airport' (1996) and 'Driving School' (1997) were hugely popular and defined the genre for a decade.

It is typically a descriptive, neutral genre label within the industry. However, it can carry a negative connotation when used by critics or viewers to imply that a show is manipulative, trivial, or lacks the integrity of a pure documentary.

A television programme that presents a factual or documentary-style account of the lives of real people, but is structured and edited with the dramatic, episodic conventions of a soap opera.

Docusoap is usually informal, media in register.

Docusoap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒk.juːˌsəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.kjuːˌsoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.