Little People, Big World: Difference between revisions
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'''''Little People, Big World''''' is a [[reality television|reality television series]] |
'''''Little People, Big World''''' is a [[reality television|reality television series]] produced in the [[United States]] that airs on [[TLC (TV channel)|The Learning Channel]]. The series follows the lives of the Roloffs, a family of six living near [[Portland, Oregon]]. Most of the show's episodes focus on the parents (Matt and Amy) and one of their sons, Zach—all of whom have [[dwarfism]]. |
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''Little People, Big World'' debuted on [[March 4]], [[2006]] and began its second season on [[October 7]], [[2006]].<ref name=variety>Martin, Denise. (Apr. 23, 2006). [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117941923?cs=1&s=h&p=0 "TLC thinks big with 'Little'"]. ''Variety''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> The show will debut its third season in March 2007. The show is also available on [[iTunes]]. |
''Little People, Big World'' debuted on [[March 4]], [[2006]] and began its second season on [[October 7]], [[2006]].<ref name=variety>Martin, Denise. (Apr. 23, 2006). [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117941923?cs=1&s=h&p=0 "TLC thinks big with 'Little'"]. ''Variety''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> The show will debut its third season in March 2007. The show is also available on [[iTunes]]. |
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==Premise== |
==Premise== |
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The show follows the daily lives of the Roloff family - parents [[Matthew Roloff|Matt]] and [[Amy Roloff|Amy]], and their four children, Zach, Jeremy, Molly and Jacob. [[Matthew Roloff|Matt]], [[Amy Roloff|Amy]] and Zach are [[dwarfism|little people]], while Jeremy, Molly and Jacob are average height. [[Adolescence#Teenagers|Teenaged]] Zach and Jeremy are [[twin]]s. |
The show follows the daily lives of the Roloff family - parents [[Matthew Roloff|Matt]] and [[Amy Roloff|Amy]], and their four children, Zach, Jeremy, Molly and Jacob. [[Matthew Roloff|Matt]], [[Amy Roloff|Amy]] and Zach are [[dwarfism|little people]], while Jeremy, Molly and Jacob are average height. [[Adolescence#Teenagers|Teenaged]] Zach and Jeremy are [[twin]]s, despite the fact that they are not both little people. |
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The family lives on the 34-acre Roloff Farms, located in [[Helvetia, Oregon]]. Although crops such as [[peach|peaches]] and [[pumpkin]]s are grown and sold by the family, much of the farm has been converted into a series of playground set pieces for the Roloff children. They were designed by Matt, who spent most of his childhood in the hospital. |
The family lives on the 34-acre Roloff Farms, located in [[Helvetia, Oregon]]. Although crops such as [[peach|peaches]] and [[pumpkin]]s are grown and sold by the family, much of the farm has been converted into a series of playground set pieces for the Roloff children. They were designed by Matt, who spent most of his childhood in the hospital. |
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Episodes of the show typically showcase one or more members of the Roloff family engaging in everyday activities such as shopping, athletics and dealing with household finances. The drama of the show arises from the fact that many of these activities are made more challenging due to the height of the little people in the family (Matt and Amy are 4'1", Zach is just under 4'). |
Episodes of the show typically showcase one or more members of the Roloff family engaging in everyday activities such as shopping, athletics and dealing with household finances. The drama of the show arises from the fact that many of these activities are made more challenging due to the height of the little people in the family (Matt and Amy are 4'1", Zach is just under 4'). |
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As with any reality show, the segments that are aired are ones that are expected to generate viewer interest. However, ''Little People, Big World'' avoids portraying the Roloffs in a [[stereotype|stereotypical]] or sensational light. The situations encountered in the show are ones that most families deal with, although the ways in which the Roloffs deal with them are unique to them and are from the perspective of little people |
As with any reality show, the segments that are aired are ones that are expected to generate viewer interest. However, ''Little People, Big World'' avoids portraying the Roloffs in a [[stereotype|stereotypical]] or sensational light. The situations encountered in the show are ones that most families deal with, although the ways in which the Roloffs deal with them are unique to them and are from the perspective of little people. |
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==The family== |
==The family== |
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The first season of ''Little People, Big World'' generated solid ratings for TLC (especially in the important 18-49 [[demographic]]), leading to the show's renewal for a second season.<ref name=mediaweek>Crupi, Anthony. (Apr. 24, 2006). [http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002384654 "TLC Gives Little People 2nd Run"]. ''Mediaweek''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> Critical reviews of the series have been generally positive, citing the show's positive portrayal of little people.<ref name=commonsense>Gelman, Pam. [http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/review.php?id=5159&type=Television Series review]. ''Common Sense Media''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref><ref name="oregonlive">{{cite web |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/116441971565530.xml?oregonian?altssf&coll=7&thispage=1 |title="'Little People' delivers big lessons" |accessdate=2006-12-11 |author=Mandel, Michelle |date=3 December 2006 |publisher=''The Oregonian'' }}</ref> Conversely, other reviews have claimed that the show has a [[voyeurism|voyeuristic]] bent to it (albeit a non-sexual one), but allows the viewer to feel good about watching because it is not outwardly or overtly exploitive.<ref name=slate>Kennedy, Dan. (Mar. 24, 2006). [http://www.slate.com/id/2138626/ "Will TLC's new reality show change our perception of dwarfs?"]. ''Slate''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref><ref name=newyorktimes>Heffernan, Virginia. (Mar. 4, 2006). [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/arts/television/04heff.html?ex=1299128400&en=163859fe12597e42&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "The Challenges of an Oversize World"]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> |
The first season of ''Little People, Big World'' generated solid ratings for TLC (especially in the important 18-49 [[demographic]]), leading to the show's renewal for a second season.<ref name=mediaweek>Crupi, Anthony. (Apr. 24, 2006). [http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002384654 "TLC Gives Little People 2nd Run"]. ''Mediaweek''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> Critical reviews of the series have been generally positive, citing the show's positive portrayal of little people.<ref name=commonsense>Gelman, Pam. [http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/review.php?id=5159&type=Television Series review]. ''Common Sense Media''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref><ref name="oregonlive">{{cite web |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/116441971565530.xml?oregonian?altssf&coll=7&thispage=1 |title="'Little People' delivers big lessons" |accessdate=2006-12-11 |author=Mandel, Michelle |date=3 December 2006 |publisher=''The Oregonian'' }}</ref> Conversely, other reviews have claimed that the show has a [[voyeurism|voyeuristic]] bent to it (albeit a non-sexual one), but allows the viewer to feel good about watching because it is not outwardly or overtly exploitive.<ref name=slate>Kennedy, Dan. (Mar. 24, 2006). [http://www.slate.com/id/2138626/ "Will TLC's new reality show change our perception of dwarfs?"]. ''Slate''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref><ref name=newyorktimes>Heffernan, Virginia. (Mar. 4, 2006). [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/04/arts/television/04heff.html?ex=1299128400&en=163859fe12597e42&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "The Challenges of an Oversize World"]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved May 8, 2006.</ref> |
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Since the show began airing, Roloff Farms has become an extremely popular [[tourism|tourist]] destination. While the farm and its many attractions have long been available for public viewing during pumpkin season (October), it is now receiving far more visitors than can be accommodated. During the 2006 season, more than 30,000 people arrived to buy pumpkins and tour the farm, which only has space for a few hundred vehicles. The farm was shut down temporarily by [[Washington County, Oregon|Washington County]] deputies on one Saturday in October 2006, due to massive traffic |
Since the show began airing, Roloff Farms has become an extremely popular [[tourism|tourist]] destination. While the farm and its many attractions have long been available for public viewing during pumpkin season (October), it is now receiving far more visitors than can be accommodated. During the 2006 season, more than 30,000 people arrived to buy pumpkins and tour the farm, which only has space for a few hundred vehicles. The farm was shut down temporarily by [[Washington County, Oregon|Washington County]] deputies on one Saturday in October 2006, due to massive traffic. Area residents have complained about the [[gridlock]] caused by the visitors, as well as about the increased media scrutiny the show has brought.<ref name="scrutiny">{{cite web|title="Accident adds to scrutiny of Roloff family"|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/front_page/116226693773900.xml?oregonian?lcfp&coll=7|accessdate=November 5|accessyear=2006}}</ref> |
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The Roloffs receive as many as a dozen emails per minute from supporters.<ref name="oregonlive" /> The increased exposure, however, has led to safety concerns for the family, who now deal with [[trespass|trespassers]] and zealous fans. They recently installed a security gate on their property.<ref name="scrutiny" /> |
The Roloffs receive as many as a dozen emails per minute from supporters.<ref name="oregonlive" /> The increased exposure, however, has led to safety concerns for the family, who now deal with [[trespass|trespassers]] and zealous fans. They recently installed a security gate on their property.<ref name="scrutiny" /> |
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Jacob Roloff (along with family friend Mike Detjen) was seriously injured in an accident on the family farm on Saturday, [[October 28]], [[2006]]. They were injured when the family's [[trebuchet]] (which they use to launch pumpkins) prematurely triggered. Jacob was rushed to nearby [[List of hospitals in Portland, Oregon|Legacy Emanuel Hospital]], and underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his head caused by a small piece of [[skull]] pushed into his [[brain]]. Roloff and Detjen were released on Monday, October 30 and are expected to make full recoveries.<ref name="scrutiny" /><ref name="katu">{{cite web|title="Pair in pumpkin launch incident still hospitalized"|url=http://www.katu.com/news/4511481.html|accessdate=November 5|accessyear=2006}}</ref> |
Jacob Roloff (along with family friend Mike Detjen) was seriously injured in an accident on the family farm on Saturday, [[October 28]], [[2006]]. They were injured when the family's [[trebuchet]] (which they use to launch pumpkins) prematurely triggered. Jacob was rushed to nearby [[List of hospitals in Portland, Oregon|Legacy Emanuel Hospital]], and underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his head caused by a small piece of [[skull]] pushed into his [[brain]]. Roloff and Detjen were released on Monday, October 30 and are expected to make full recoveries.<ref name="scrutiny" /><ref name="katu">{{cite web|title="Pair in pumpkin launch incident still hospitalized"|url=http://www.katu.com/news/4511481.html|accessdate=November 5|accessyear=2006}}</ref> |
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Although a TLC camera crew was at the farm recording footage, they were not in the area where the accident occurred |
Although a TLC camera crew was at the farm recording footage, they were not in the area where the accident occurred. The incident, therefore, was not recorded. Prior to the airing of two new episodes on November 4, TLC aired a brief segment with Matt and Amy acknowledging the accident and thanking everyone for their support. Jacob was shown with what appeared to be an injury around his right eye. |
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Footage taken shortly after the accident occurred on the farm was shown Dec. 16 in the final minutes of the season finale, "Farm Overload." A crowd had gathered around Jacob, who was lying on the ground near the trebuchet. |
Footage taken shortly after the accident occurred on the farm was shown Dec. 16 in the final minutes of the season finale, "Farm Overload." A crowd had gathered around Jacob, who was lying on the ground near the trebuchet. |
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Revision as of 18:49, 31 December 2006
| Little People, Big World | |
|---|---|
| File:Little People, Big World logo.png | |
| Starring | Matthew Roloff Amy Roloff Zach Roloff Jeremy Roloff Molly Roloff Jacob Roloff |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of episodes | 20 (through season 1) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | TLC |
| Release | March 4, 2006 – Present |
Little People, Big World is a reality television series produced in the United States that airs on The Learning Channel. The series follows the lives of the Roloffs, a family of six living near Portland, Oregon. Most of the show's episodes focus on the parents (Matt and Amy) and one of their sons, Zach—all of whom have dwarfism.
Little People, Big World debuted on March 4, 2006 and began its second season on October 7, 2006.[1] The show will debut its third season in March 2007. The show is also available on iTunes.
Premise
The show follows the daily lives of the Roloff family - parents Matt and Amy, and their four children, Zach, Jeremy, Molly and Jacob. Matt, Amy and Zach are little people, while Jeremy, Molly and Jacob are average height. Teenaged Zach and Jeremy are twins, despite the fact that they are not both little people.
The family lives on the 34-acre Roloff Farms, located in Helvetia, Oregon. Although crops such as peaches and pumpkins are grown and sold by the family, much of the farm has been converted into a series of playground set pieces for the Roloff children. They were designed by Matt, who spent most of his childhood in the hospital.
Episodes of the show typically showcase one or more members of the Roloff family engaging in everyday activities such as shopping, athletics and dealing with household finances. The drama of the show arises from the fact that many of these activities are made more challenging due to the height of the little people in the family (Matt and Amy are 4'1", Zach is just under 4').
As with any reality show, the segments that are aired are ones that are expected to generate viewer interest. However, Little People, Big World avoids portraying the Roloffs in a stereotypical or sensational light. The situations encountered in the show are ones that most families deal with, although the ways in which the Roloffs deal with them are unique to them and are from the perspective of little people.
The family
- Matt – 45-year-old (as of Season 2) husband and father; Matt's most recent career was in computer software sales. As the series began, Matt was no longer employed by a company, but was engaged in establishing the business he co-founded, Direct Access Solutions. The company markets accessibility kits for little people to the hotel industry. As the first season ended, Matt started another job as a software salesman with Amdocs in order to provide the family with additional income. Matt's type of dwarfism, diastrophic dysplasia, resulted in numerous childhood surgeries. He walks with the aid of crutches and uses a motorized cart when needed. Matt is also a former president of Little People of America. He also played an Ewok in the made-for-TV special, Ewok: The Battle for Endor.
- Amy – 43-year-old (as of Season 2) wife and mother; Amy is a stay-at-home mother, although she recently took part-time jobs as a soccer coach and preschool teacher to provide the family with additional income. Amy's type of dwarfism is achondroplasia, and she has experienced very few (if any) complications.
- Zach and Jeremy – 16-year-old (as of Season 2) twin brothers; Jeremy is average height, while Zach has achondroplasia like his mother. Unlike his mother, however, Zach has had numerous medical complications. As a child, Zach had a skull shunt implanted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. The shunt failed and had to be replaced surgically (as depicted in the season one episode "Zach's Emergency"). Zach used to play soccer competitively, but no longer can since children his age are now much bigger and faster than he is.
- Molly – 13-year-old (as of Season 2) daughter; Molly, who shares a birthday with Amy, is average height. She plays volleyball and is a skilled student.
- Jacob – 9-year-old (as of Season 2) son; Jacob is average height. He plays on a youth soccer team coached by Amy.
In addition to the main family, Matt's average-height parents Ron and Peggy Roloff are shown in numerous episodes. They live a few miles from Roloff Farms.
Reception
The first season of Little People, Big World generated solid ratings for TLC (especially in the important 18-49 demographic), leading to the show's renewal for a second season.[2] Critical reviews of the series have been generally positive, citing the show's positive portrayal of little people.[3][4] Conversely, other reviews have claimed that the show has a voyeuristic bent to it (albeit a non-sexual one), but allows the viewer to feel good about watching because it is not outwardly or overtly exploitive.[5][6]
Since the show began airing, Roloff Farms has become an extremely popular tourist destination. While the farm and its many attractions have long been available for public viewing during pumpkin season (October), it is now receiving far more visitors than can be accommodated. During the 2006 season, more than 30,000 people arrived to buy pumpkins and tour the farm, which only has space for a few hundred vehicles. The farm was shut down temporarily by Washington County deputies on one Saturday in October 2006, due to massive traffic. Area residents have complained about the gridlock caused by the visitors, as well as about the increased media scrutiny the show has brought.[7]
The Roloffs receive as many as a dozen emails per minute from supporters.[4] The increased exposure, however, has led to safety concerns for the family, who now deal with trespassers and zealous fans. They recently installed a security gate on their property.[7]
Jacob's accident
Jacob Roloff (along with family friend Mike Detjen) was seriously injured in an accident on the family farm on Saturday, October 28, 2006. They were injured when the family's trebuchet (which they use to launch pumpkins) prematurely triggered. Jacob was rushed to nearby Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his head caused by a small piece of skull pushed into his brain. Roloff and Detjen were released on Monday, October 30 and are expected to make full recoveries.[7][8]
Although a TLC camera crew was at the farm recording footage, they were not in the area where the accident occurred. The incident, therefore, was not recorded. Prior to the airing of two new episodes on November 4, TLC aired a brief segment with Matt and Amy acknowledging the accident and thanking everyone for their support. Jacob was shown with what appeared to be an injury around his right eye.
Footage taken shortly after the accident occurred on the farm was shown Dec. 16 in the final minutes of the season finale, "Farm Overload." A crowd had gathered around Jacob, who was lying on the ground near the trebuchet.
Episodes
Notes and references
- ^ Martin, Denise. (Apr. 23, 2006). "TLC thinks big with 'Little'". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
- ^ Crupi, Anthony. (Apr. 24, 2006). "TLC Gives Little People 2nd Run". Mediaweek. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
- ^ Gelman, Pam. Series review. Common Sense Media. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
- ^ a b Mandel, Michelle (3 December 2006). ""'Little People' delivers big lessons"". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Kennedy, Dan. (Mar. 24, 2006). "Will TLC's new reality show change our perception of dwarfs?". Slate. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
- ^ Heffernan, Virginia. (Mar. 4, 2006). "The Challenges of an Oversize World". The New York Times. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
- ^ a b c ""Accident adds to scrutiny of Roloff family"". Retrieved November 5.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ ""Pair in pumpkin launch incident still hospitalized"". Retrieved November 5.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)