Dan Cutforth Quotes:

When you look at the current state of reality TV, at least on the mainstream level, the shows that tend to be more successful have been around for a while. It's difficult today to show the audience something they haven't seen before, and I think that's what tends to be the secret to any great, big reality hit.

source: - "Reality Check: Dan Cutforth On What Keeps ‘Top Chef’ Sharp, Cutting Through The Clutter & What’s Next". Interview with Dominic Patten, deadline.com. June 16, 2014.

Topics: Successful, Reality, Thinking

I think it's really hard to say now what makes a show kind of sink or swim, and what creates longevity. For instance, I think that Survivor is a very well produced show. It's very simple, it's very elemental, and I think it gets into big issues. I think American Idol has been an amazing show for many, many seasons.

source: - "Reality Check: Dan Cutforth On What Keeps ‘Top Chef’ Sharp, Cutting Through The Clutter & What’s Next". Interview with Dominic Patten, deadline.com. June 16, 2014.

Topics: Simple, Thinking, Idols, Sink Or Swim

However, I think that sometimes when shows do, you know, have a good season or a bad season, it comes down to something as simple as the crop of contestants that year, and do they break through in a way that makes the audience excited. Those are the kinds of things that tend to make a difference, more so than tweaks to the format and that sort of stuff, as much as we, obviously, would all like to try to assume that it's in our power.

source: - "Reality Check: Dan Cutforth On What Keeps ‘Top Chef’ Sharp, Cutting Through The Clutter & What’s Next". Interview with Dominic Patten, deadline.com. June 16, 2014.

Topics: Simple, Thinking, Years, Tweak

I think when you add a layer of competition, I think that adds something to it as well. It's also fun to see people who have talent given a platform and an opportunity to shine and an opportunity to become recognized for what they do.

source: - "Reality Check: Dan Cutforth On What Keeps ‘Top Chef’ Sharp, Cutting Through The Clutter & What’s Next". Interview with Dominic Patten, deadline.com. June 16, 2014.

Topics: Fun, Thinking, Opportunity