My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding: Channel And Streaming Guide

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a reality TV show that first aired in 2010. The original series, broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, explored the lives and traditions of British Traveller families as they prepared for weddings. The show was later picked up by TLC in the US, spawning a spin-off called My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding. Both series have been criticised for their portrayal of the Romani and Traveller communities.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding's original channel

"My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" is a British documentary series that first aired on Channel 4 in February 2010 as a one-off programme. The show explores the lives and traditions of several British Traveller families as they prepared to unite their families in marriage.

The show was initially called "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" and was filmed as part of the Cutting Edge series. It was voted the Most Groundbreaking Show at the Cultural Diversity Awards in 2010. Following its success, a series of 5 episodes were commissioned, with the first series airing in January 2011.

In North America, the show is aired on TLC under the title "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding", with the original narration by Barbara Flynn replaced by Ellen K. The TLC network also aired a spin-off featuring American Roma called "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding".

The show's spin-offs

The original "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" aired in the UK on Channel 4. In North America, the show airs on TLC under the title "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding", with the original narration by Barbara Flynn replaced by Ellen K. The TLC network also aired a spin-off featuring American Roma called "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding".

"My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" has led to a further spinoff series: "Gypsy Sisters" (2013).

My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding

"My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" is an American reality television series that debuted on TLC in April 2012. It revolves around the marriage customs of Romani-Americans ("Gypsies") and allegedly features members of Romanichal clans, although some are of Irish Traveller descent. It is a spin-off of Britain's Channel 4 series "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings".

The show has faced criticism and controversy from the Romani Gypsy community and activists concerned with minority rights, who claim that the series is "wildly misleading", cultivates racist stereotypes, and misrepresents the Romani community.

Gypsy Sisters

"Gypsy Sisters" is a spin-off of "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" that premiered in 2013. It follows the lives of several Romanichal women in West Virginia and the surrounding areas. The show has been described as "wild" and "dramatic", with a focus on the women's relationships and family lives.

Controversies surrounding the show

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a British documentary series that first aired on Channel 4 in February 2010. The show explores the lives and traditions of British Traveller families as they prepare for a wedding. The series has faced a number of controversies, including allegations of racism in its advertising and instigating a rise in the rate of racially motivated bullying.

Criticism from the Romani and Traveller Communities

The show has been criticised by the Irish Traveller and British Gypsy/Traveller communities for misrepresenting them. Jane Jackson of the Rural Media Company (publishers of the Travellers' Times) said:

> It's posing as a documentary, the voiceover is saying we're going to let you into the secrets of the traveller community – and it [sic] just not true. It might be true of the particular families in front of the camera, but it's not generally true. They're made to look totally feckless, not really to be taken seriously as an ethnic group.

Billy Welch, a spokesman for Romani Gypsies, criticised the show for focusing exclusively on Irish Travellers and their traditions, despite the title "Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". He stated:

> They called the show Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and you've yet to see a Romani Gypsy in it.

Episode "No Place Like Home"

The episode "No Place Like Home" caused controversy after it showed young girls provocatively dancing and wearing full make-up.

Stereotypes and Misrepresentation

An article in the New Republic criticised the show for its "voyeuristic, stereotypical, judgmental, and shallow depiction" of one of the world's most misunderstood and abused minorities. The article also highlighted the show's failure to provide historical or political context about the place of Traveller and Roma communities in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The show has been accused of perpetuating dangerous stereotypes by portraying Traveller and Roma communities as "other" and "aliens living outside the mainstream by choice". The series has also been criticised for its lack of context and explanation regarding the traditions and lifestyles of these communities.

Portrayal of Women

The show has been criticised for its portrayal of women in the Traveller and Roma communities. The article in the New Republic noted that the camera seemed to gravitate toward women's bare midriffs and scantily clad female guests. The show has also been accused of perpetuating the idea that women in these communities are "whores" and "hookers".

The show's episodes and their content

The first episode of the series, "Born to Be Wed", explores the milestones in a traveller girl's life leading up to her wedding day. The episode sets the tone for the show, which focuses on extravagant celebrations and ancient traditions of the gypsy community.

In "No Place Like Home", the show delves into the challenges faced by the travelling community in preserving their ancient culture and customs. This episode sparked some controversy due to its portrayal of young girls wearing full makeup and dancing provocatively.

"Desperate Housewives" is the third episode and it shifts the focus to the distinct roles of young men and women in the gypsy and traveller community. It also addresses issues like education, marriage, and domestic violence.

Episode four, "Boys Will Be Boys", highlights the contrast between the fantasy of being a princess on the wedding day and the reality of a gypsy woman's life, where men are generally considered the head of the household.

The final episode of season one, "Bride and Prejudice", uncovers the prejudice and discrimination faced by the travelling community in Britain.

In addition to these episodes, the show also includes specials such as "My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas", which explores the community's traditions during the holiday season, and "Best Dressed Brides", where dressmaker Thelma Madine showcases her most memorable creations for weddings and other occasions.

The show's reception

Jane Jackson of the Rural Media Company, publishers of the Travellers' Times, said:

> It's posing as a documentary, the voiceover is saying we're going to let you into the secrets of the traveller community – and it's just not true. It might be true of the particular families in front of the camera, but it's not generally true. They're made to look totally feckless, not really to be taken seriously as an ethnic group."

Similarly, Billy Welch, a spokesman for Romani Gypsies, criticised the show for focusing exclusively on Irish Travellers and their traditions in its first three episodes, despite the show's title, "Big Fat Gypsy Wedding".

The series has also faced a number of controversies, including allegations of racism in its advertising and instigating a rise in the rate of racially motivated bullying. The episode "No Place Like Home" was particularly controversial, as it featured young girls provocatively dancing and wearing full make-up.

Despite these criticisms and controversies, the show has also received some positive recognition. It was voted the 'Most Groundbreaking Show' at the Cultural Diversity Awards 2010, and the 'Most Groundbreaking Programme' by Broadcast readers in the same year. The series was also nominated for a BAFTA in the YouTube Audience Vote category.

In terms of viewership, the show has been a success. The second episode of the first series attracted 7.4 million viewers at its peak, making it the eighth-highest rating in Channel 4's history. The final episode of the series was watched by 6.5 million viewers, easily beating the 2011 BRIT Awards, which had an average viewership of 4.8 million.

The show has also spawned a number of spin-offs and stand-alone specials, indicating its continued popularity with audiences.

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