(bright upbeat music) - Here's two concepts you never really expect to collide: "Real Housewives" and humanities.

Scholars will soon join fans to discuss "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" as a cultural text at the University of Utah.

Marcie Young Cancio and Scott Black are in the hot seat, so to speak, to share more.

Welcome, welcome.

- Thanks.

- Thanks.

- So what is this symposium, Scott?

- So the Tanner Humanities Center is hosting a public symposium on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City", which will bring together scholars from across the country, in fact, across North America, local community members and fans, to talk about the show and the phenomenon.

- Marcie, why is it a phenomenon?

What is it that draws people to not only wanna watch these kinds of programs, but talk about them as well?

- Well, I think it depends on the program, but with "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City", in particular, it has really captured kind of the national attention.

And I think it's because Utah is such a unique place.

We are a place that has often existed in stereotypes and an interest in breaking those.

So I think people love watching from across the country.

And then for people who are from here who deeply know the state, there's a lot of nuance in these stories.

There's intersections of faith, relationships, business, and it's just kind of fun to watch.

It's this peek into a life that you are kind of part of, but also not, and it is just fascinating TV.

- For some people, it's a guilty pleasure.

PBS actually had one of the first ever reality shows ever broadcast.

- The "American Family", right?

- Yes.

"American Family".

Do people have to be super fans to come to this event?

- Absolutely not.

- No.

This is for super fans.

We have a lot of people who care deeply about the show.

It's also for people who are curious like me, about what's going on with this show.

- Marcie, what are your thoughts on that?

Do people need to maybe watch an episode or two before they go?

- You can.

I mean, do a little Google search.

Maybe do some of, like, the top scenes, get a little precursor if you want, but this is really programmed in a way that it can be interesting to folks across the board.

- So something for everyone.

If you would like to check out this event, we have the information for you on the screen right now.

It is "How We Watch 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City'", happening on April 10th at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House.

Just head to tanner.utah.edu/rhoslc for more details.

I'm Liz Adeola.

Thanks for watching "Contact".

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