Snog Marry Avoid?

Snog Marry Avoid? is an innovative and edgy television series aired by Remarkable Television, a subsidiary production house under Endemol UK which debuted in 2008. Its challenge was to "make under" and reinvent participants known for their excessive and outlandish styles.

The show’s title, “Snog, Marry, Avoid?” stems from the British slang, "snog" meaning to kiss, "marry" referring to a long-term commitment, and "avoid" indicating repulsion or disregard. The title signifies the core judgement that forms the show's premise. Members of the public are shown images of the show's participants and asked if they'd rather 'snog', 'marry', or 'avoid' them based on their extreme looks.

The crux of the program is centered around the concept of a "make-under". The participants or "fakery-obsessed" people who are addicted to fake tans, thick make-up, daring clothes or massive hair, undergo transformations to moderate their appearances. They are not only taught how to embrace their natural beauty and style, but are also educated about personal grooming beyond the superficial stereotype of vanity.

Each episode commences with a public vote. The show hosts a street poll with potential suitors asking them whether they would snog, marry, or avoid the participant based on their then current appearance. Afterward, the participants are shown the video evidence of what the public thinks about them. These often brutal, harsh reactions serve as a wake-up call for these extreme fashion addicts.

Once the participant has seen the public’s reaction, they meet POD (Personal Overhaul Device), an artificial intelligence character who serves as the make-under maestro. POD’s role in the show is crucial, offering a firm but fair critique of the participant's appearance. Through jokes, clinical analysis, and comparison images, POD convinces the participants to let go of their fakery and opt for a more natural, tasteful appearance.

After each participant interacts with POD, they are shown a selection of clothing within their style zone, less outrageous hairstyles and a more toned-down make-up palette. Then they undergo the transformation, finally revealing their new natural look. The before and after sequence is dramatic, often eliciting shock from the viewers and the participants themselves. They cannot see their new look until POD reveals a mirror after the transformation is complete.

After the make-under, the participant repeats the public vote. This time around, potential suitors are asked whether they would snog, marry, or avoid the participant based on their make-under appearance. More often than not, the participant post makeover is received much positively, validating the message that natural beauty is more appealing than an overdone, fake aesthetic.

Each episode usually features three contestants and their transformation journeys. Although the majority of the contestants were female, Snog Marry Avoid? also featured male participants who also were heavily into artificial aesthetics and needed dialing back on their extreme styles.

The format of the show evolved a little with each season. While early seasons focused primarily on Britain and its notorious fakery addicts, later seasons incorporated “celeb” make-unders and extended its reach to other parts of Europe like Italy and Spain, reflecting the show's growing popularity.

Beyond the fun and entertainment, Snog Marry Avoid? offer viewers a meaningful takeaway. At its core is the message that being comfortable with oneself is ultimately more attractive and self-affirming than any artificial enhancement could ever be. The show emphasizes the idea that one can still uphold a stylish and unique identity without resorting to extremes, and that societal approval or aspiration for beauty should not push one to the level of distorting one’s true reflectance.

Snog Marry Avoid? is definitely more than just a television show, it’s a social experiment and a transformative journey. Not only delivering the shock factor and variety entertainment but also challenging conforming beauty norms. The show's success lies in its ability to debunk stereotypes and embrace natural beauty, all whilst delivering great television.