The Making of Iranianness in the Kitchen: A Textual Analysis of the Cooking Game Show Befarmaeed Sham

The emergence and rapid proliferation of the predominantly anti-regime Farsi satellite TV channels (FSTCs) their productions since early 1990s have not only transformed Iranian mediascape, but also challenged state’s definition Iranianness. Among new generations these free-to-air transnational channels, is MANOTO, a London-based television network which became familiar name among Iranians 2010 after premiering Befarmaeed Sham, cooking game show copied from successful British Come Dine with Me. Being broadcast for more than decade, this reality depicts lives ordinary in diaspora who to deal unaccustomed culture West. Since FSTCs are strictly regarded by authorities as means cultural invasion, representations Sham naturally seen be contrast Islamic regime’s views on what it Iranian. Yet, remains less known how form popular programme redefines Therefore, performing series textual analyses 7 sequences selected various episodes focus contestants’ utterances, present study uncovers some key representational aspects show. Ultimately, while highlighting subtleties representation that render political, argued offers audiences space rethinking selves. Keywords: Iranianness, TV, show, representation, analysis.