UEA Lasdun Lecture Spring 2026

Why We Watch: The psychology of reality and the power of story: An evening with Stephen Lambert.
 
Stephen Lambert (SOC78), one of Britain’s most successful television producers and a UEA graduate, will explore what lies behind our fascination with reality and competition shows, from The Traitors and Undercover Boss to Race Across the World and Squid Game: The Challenge. Drawing on his experience creating global hits watched by millions, he will reflect on how the best unscripted storytelling taps into universal human instincts – trust and betrayal, empathy and ambition, fear and hope – to reveal who we are and how we behave under pressure. 

In this lecture, Lambert will examine the psychology of why we watch, and why we care so deeply about ‘real’ people in extraordinary situations. His talk will be followed by a conversation with a UEA academic about storytelling, human nature and the evolution of television in the streaming age. 

If you would prefer to attend the event online, please book using our online booking page.

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