Chart Throb
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Some Douchebag |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comic, Satirical novel |
| Publisher | Bantam Press |
Publication date | 2006 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) & AudioBook |
| Pages | 427 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 978-0-593-05750-6 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
Chart Throb is a 2006 novel by the author/comedian/director Ben Elton. It was released in hardback on 6th November 2006 in the UK, and 9th January 2007 in the US. It is a satire of X-Factor/Pop Idol style reality TV programmes.
Plot summary
The story revolves around the occurrences during the latest series of the hit 'reality' star search programme, Chart Throb. The show was the brainchild of Calvin Simms, who assumed a Simon Cowell style role as the mean, English judge. He is accompanied by the extravagant but bitchy former rockstar turned transexual reality TV star, Beryl Blenheim, and the aging pop manager Rodney Root. Calvin's wife wants to divorce him, but as part of a bet she agrees that if he can rig the results of the new series of Chart Throb, she will leave him without taking any of his cash. Beryl Blenheim is trying to manage the scripted reality show she helms, The Blenheims, whilst coping with her unbelievably dumb wife, Serenity, and the flagging pop career of one of her daughters, Priscilla. Meanwhile, Rodney is facing the challenge of judging his old flame, the beautiful Iona, whilst trying to revive some interest in his life and work. All of these stories clash and reach a climax at the final of the TV series. At the end of the book, it is said that by the year 2050 everybody will be either a popstar or star of their own reality TV programme.
Chart Throb was the 11th novel by Ben Elton, and has been released in hardback and paperback form. It features many parodies and references to real-life talent search TV stars, such as Beryl Blenheim and her show parodying Sharon Osbourne and her show, The Osbournes. Calvin Simms parodies Simon Cowell, and Rodney Root does the same to Louis Walsh. Another real-life person featured in the novel is HRH Prince Charles Prince Of Wales, who is an actual contestant in the programme.
Chart Throb was preceded by The First Casualty.
Footnotes
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