Mobbed

Mobbed is an American reality television show which premiered on Fox on March 31, 2011. Mobbed was tested as a one-time television special to air following American Idol. After it attracted 10.8 million viewers, Fox decided to pick up the show for eight episodes.^[1]

History of flash mobs

Flash mobs are a spontaneous gathering of strangers that organize secretively through technology, such as email or text messaging. Flash mobs stem from the sociological idea of social swarming, or the rapid gathering of family, friends, colleagues, etc. using technology. The terms combined both come from the even larger idea of swarming, or the gathering or moving of people accomplished through technology.^[2] The world experienced its first notably large flash mob on June 19, 2003^[3] in a Macy's rug department. People gathered around one rug claiming they were part of a commune. They said they wanted to purchase a "love rug" and would only make their decisions as a group. Then, in ten minutes, the crowd dispersed, all heading in different directions. From this incident came many flash mobs to follow.^[4] From London to Rome, flash mobs were appearing all over the world. They became a time to have fun with a random group of people. However, in 2004, at London's Waterloo station, a public, personal dance party occurred. People were told to bring their own MP3 players and CD players and, at a certain time, they were to start dancing to it. This began the involvement of dance during a flash mob. Now, flash mobs were turning into smart mobs, or a leaderless group of like-minded people who organize using technology. People were using websites, text messaging, email, etc. to organize spontaneous flash mobs.^[3] However, around 2003, flash mobbing was already becoming retired. On September 10, 2003, one day short of the anniversary of September 11, the 8th Manhattan flash mob occurred. Flash mobs were causing confusion.^[5] A participant of a flash mob was recorded saying that the best part was the confusion on the on-lookers' faces. Flash mobs were occurring for the sake of public absurdity.^[6]

Premise

In 2011 Mobbed premiered. The premise of the show is to use a flash mob to create an once-in-a-lifetime event. Hosted by Howie Mandel, this show takes participants who would like to reveal a secret to a friend or loved one through the power of a flash mob. This unknowing person goes through moments of confusion while people around them break out into synchronized dance in front of their eyes. By the end, they will learn a secret that will affect their lives. These secrets include pregnancy, lost family members, a proposal, and even family reconciliation. The first episode follows Justin who wants to surprise his girlfriend, Nikki, with a proposal. With the help of married choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo, Justin was able to bring Nikki to tears right before he proposed. Mobbed took it one step further and flew her entire family in for a spur of the moment wedding. By the end of the episode Justin and Nikki had gone from dating to married. After the success of the first episode, Fox Broadcasting Company ordered an additional eight episodes. The first of those episodes aired on January 4, 2012.^[7]

Episode guide

Season 1: 2011–2012

Season 2: 2012

On May 24, 2012, It was announced that Mobbed has been renewed for a second season to air on July 14, 2012.^[16]

References

External links

• Official website
• Interview with Mobbed executive producer, Chris Cowan