The Only Way Is Essex (series 1) The Only Way Is Essex (series 1) The first series of "The Only Way Is Essex" (TOWIE) began airing on 10 October 2010 on ITV2. The series concluded on 10 November 2010 after ten episodes. An Essexmas special aired on 24 December 2010 and is included on the Series 1 DVD. This is the first series to include cast members Amy Childs, Billie and Sam Faiers, Harry Derbidge, James "Arg" Argent, Jess and Mark Wright, Kirk Norcross, Lauren Goodger, Lauren Pope, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Lydia Bright, Maria Fowler and Patricia "Nanny Pat" Brooker, and the only series to feature Candy Jacobs
Criticism of reality television success of reality television is due to its ability to provide "schadenfreude", by satisfying the desire of viewers to see others humiliated. American magazine "Entertainment Weekly" wrote, "Do we watch reality television for precious insight into the human condition? Please. We watch for those awkward scenes that make us feel a smidge better about our own little unfilmed lives." Media analyst Tom Alderman wrote, "There is a sub-set of Reality TV that can only be described as Shame TV because it uses humiliation as its core appeal." Television critic James Poniewozik has disagreed with this assessment, writing, "for all the