Bump The Show
Encyclopedia
Bump The Show is an interactive web series launched in January 2010 from Yellow Line Studios. The show uses a 'reality' format and follows the stories of three women facing unintended pregnancies.
The show aims to address and influence the debate surrounding abortion
; the premiere date was specifically chosen to coincide with the thirty-seventh anniversary of historic U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade
, which granted American women a right to abortion. The show's format is unusual in that it requests viewers comment and participate on its website in message boards with personal stories and feedback that will affect the outcome of the series.
's May 2009 commencement speech to graduates at the University of Notre Dame
"to find ways to communicate about a workable solution to the problem of unintended pregnancies." Bump+ aims to be a "neutral platform for that discussion," with the hope that this will foster discussion with "authentic stories, honest communication, and – hopefully – a continuing dialog," rather than "political argument and rhetoric." Its "primary goal...is to enable a real conversation about the issue of abortion beyond the political and religious drama that dominates the national debate."
writing that "'Bump+' is one more example of how traditional, scheduled programming on TV is being left in the dust for more cutting edge, interactive, thought-provoking entertainment on the web." Online media site NewTeeVee
praises "solid production values for its budget of a few thousand dollars — especially a very authentic doctor’s office set that was constructed on a soundstage — and an intriguing cast who help to make the show relatively compelling," while criticizing "the overly-meta inclusion of the reality series framework." The series' moral content has been criticized by a number of pro-life blogs for what is perceived as ambiguity about the morality of abortion.
The show aims to address and influence the debate surrounding abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
; the premiere date was specifically chosen to coincide with the thirty-seventh anniversary of historic U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade, , was a controversial landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. The Court decided that a right to privacy under the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion,...
, which granted American women a right to abortion. The show's format is unusual in that it requests viewers comment and participate on its website in message boards with personal stories and feedback that will affect the outcome of the series.
Creation
The series was inspired by U.S. President Barack ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
's May 2009 commencement speech to graduates at the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
"to find ways to communicate about a workable solution to the problem of unintended pregnancies." Bump+ aims to be a "neutral platform for that discussion," with the hope that this will foster discussion with "authentic stories, honest communication, and – hopefully – a continuing dialog," rather than "political argument and rhetoric." Its "primary goal...is to enable a real conversation about the issue of abortion beyond the political and religious drama that dominates the national debate."
Format
According to the show’s producers, Bump+ "is an experiment to see if a story [can succeed] where nearly four decades of angry rhetoric and political posturing have failed." "Viewers are encouraged to submit their own stories and comments" through comment pages and message boards on show's website. Also, producers say that viewers "will decide how our characters’ stories will end," since the writing team "will craft the final episodes based on audience feedback."Broadcast dates
The series pilot premiered online on January 22, 2010, and thirteen additional episodes are scheduled for release on Mondays and Thursdays from February 1, 2010 to March 15, 2010.Plot
The series follows three women who share the same doctor. The characters include emotionally immature and possibly abused 'Denise,' fame-seeking 'Hailey,' and lonely military wife 'Katie.' Each unexpectedly pregnant and undecided about whether they will carry their pregnancies to term. A reality show producer follows each of them as they move toward decisions about their pregnancies.Reception
Bump+ has earned praise for its innovative premise, with BeliefnetBeliefnet
Beliefnet is a large multi-faith e-community that aims to provide a free forum for religious information and inspiration, spiritual tools, and discussions and dialogue groups. Beliefnet provides information about various religious and spiritual beliefs, ranging from Christian denominations to...
writing that "'Bump+' is one more example of how traditional, scheduled programming on TV is being left in the dust for more cutting edge, interactive, thought-provoking entertainment on the web." Online media site NewTeeVee
GigaOM
GigaOM is a Web 2.0 blog started by Om Malik and published by Giga Omni Media, Inc. in San Francisco, California. According to the company website it has a monthly global audience of 500,000. It is among the top 50 blogs worldwide by Technorati Rank, and is listed on CNet's Blog 100 list...
praises "solid production values for its budget of a few thousand dollars — especially a very authentic doctor’s office set that was constructed on a soundstage — and an intriguing cast who help to make the show relatively compelling," while criticizing "the overly-meta inclusion of the reality series framework." The series' moral content has been criticized by a number of pro-life blogs for what is perceived as ambiguity about the morality of abortion.