What Exactly is a Formula Song?

Do you ever wonder why some songs come out, get pushed (progressively) and "everyone" likes them?

British Fear Factor Challenges

Impotent British television needs Fear Factor.

However, to do the same thing would be plagiarism. We've had I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and the 'wild challenge / quiz' variants, which were all less disgusting than Fear Factor. One thing is for sure, these shows have no respect for animals.

Imagine a show that took things further, instead of just mix things up...