TV shows reflect tough times

Hollywood is using reality shows and scripted fiction to focus in on the tough times many Americans are having.

Meet the Bruce family. Formerly big spenders, now like many Americans, they've fallen on hard times.

They are also part of another trend: Recession TV- reality shows that reflect the tough times many Americans face.

Todd Bruce is the father:

TODD BRUCE, FATHER, "DOWNSIZED" SAYING:

"I think it's definitely a trend. I think that the media is a portrayal of people's lives and they can connect and relate to that because it's so real time."

Job coaching is the name of the game on "The Fairy Jobmother". The shows' star Haley Taylor gives unemployed Americans advice on how to land a job.

The NBC hit show "The Apprentice" this season features contestants who are all unemployed.

The programs reflect the reality for many in the U.S.- where the jobless rate remains 9.6 percent.

Brad Adgate heads research at Horizon Media:

BRAD ADGATE , DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, HORIZON MEDIA, SAYING:

"I think that is stuff that a lot of Americans that are out of work can identify with. The question is are they can they pay their cable bill and watch the show."

And it's not just reality shows that are jumping on board.

The new comedy, "Outsourced", centers on jobs that were outsourced to India.

"Desperate Housewives" and "The Office" have both had recession themed story lines.

Advertisers however, see the theme as an opportunity to reach the many Americans looking to save a buck:

BRAD ADGATE , DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, HORIZON MEDIA, SAYING:

"If your advertising message is about: you know this is a bargain, this will help you save dollars; you know this is how you can scrimp and save using our brand instead of a competitors brand; so you know it's kind of like engaging the viewer with an advertising message that is similar to what the television show is about"

For Americans looking to feel a little better about their own struggles- these shows are a reminder that they are not alone in these tough times.

Bobbi Rebell, Reuters