reality tv

Person with colorful glasses behind a clipboard.

‘Love is Blind’ Will Improve Your Cognition

Reality television allows for viewers to gain a better understanding of social and romantic relationships, as demonstrated by the explosive reaction to the newest season of “Love is Blind."…

March 11, 2024

Woman giving an anatomical heart to someone while a crowd watches and records on their phones.

‘Single’s Inferno,’ Relationships and Beauty for the Audience

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

Audiences react to the latest season of ‘Single’s Inferno’ and find comfort in the interpersonal drama that ensues.…

February 7, 2024

Survivors Are People Too: The Reality Behind Reality TV’s Biggest Show

Havilah Sciabbarrasi, Florida State University

The way the long-standing program has dealt with sexuality, gender and racial issues reminds us that our primetime television is someone else’s reality. …

February 3, 2024

RuPaul stands in front of a drag-racing purple sports car.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Seasons Ranked

Olivia Madrid, Florida State University

What are the best and worst moments in the history of one of reality TV's most iconic shows?…

May 19, 2023

An illustration of Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe's dress at the Met Gala.

Why Kim Kardashian Wearing Marilyn Monroe’s Dress Is a Big Deal

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

50 years after Monroe donned the historic garment, the dress was brought out for the famous reality TV star to wear at the Met Gala — leaving many spectators unhappy.…

May 17, 2022

The cast of At Home with the Robertsons as they sit down to discuss hot button issues.

‘At Home with the Robertsons’ Sets the Stage for Conversations on Controversial Topics

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

The 'Duck Dynasty' household lends an ear to those with opposing views in today’s divided society.…

May 6, 2022

Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and a cow in a scene from their series The Simple Life

‘The Simple Life’ Is a Fascinating Depiction of Idyllic Americana Corrupted

Lena Bramsen, The New School

Socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie pranced across middle America in a show meant to highlight class division in the United States. But Hilton’s recent claims that her 'ditsy' behavior was a farce have viewers…

April 28, 2022

Season 2 of ‘Love is Blind’ Will Play With Your Heart

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

The newest season of the hit show is packed with even more drama that will keep you hooked as you try and guess which couples will actually tie the knot.…

March 10, 2022

The Selling Sunset women stand in front of a house

‘Selling Sunset’ Continues To Be Addictive in Season 4

Trinity Crompton, Molloy College

The relatively low stakes of this series help make it a quality reality program that stands out from many of its peers.…

December 17, 2021

Cast of The Great British Baking Show under a wreath

‘The Great British Baking Show’ and Its Holiday Specials Are The Perfect Way To Warm Up This Holiday Season

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

This reality competition features more than just baking — it's filled with jokes, lovable competitors and holiday-themed recipes that you can try at home.…

December 11, 2021

Photo of Evelin and Corey from 90 Day Fiancé

’90 Day Fiancé’ and Its Never-Ending Spinoffs: The Saga

Xochitl Menjivar, San Francisco State University

The trashy reality TV show has evolved from an interesting, innocent show to the drama-filled, toxic mess fans have come to love.…

November 3, 2021

The Creativity of Netflix’s ‘Glow Up’ Can Appeal to Makeup Artists and Non-Makeup Artists Alike

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The reality show competition offers content that can entertain even those who know nothing about the art.…

October 9, 2021

An illustration of a Toddlers and Tiara contestant, dressed up in a gown and tiara under two bright spotlights.

‘Toddlers and Tiaras’: Gross or Glam?

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

TLC’s hit reality TV show followed young pageant girls’ journeys to stardom — but it wasn't always pretty.…

September 20, 2021

An illustration depicts some famous shots from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, featuring several of the Kardashian women.

‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’: Looking Back on Their Most Memorable Moments

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

With their 10th and final season airing this year, let's take a look back on this famous family's best headlines.…

August 6, 2021

In a show about "Making It," actors Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler stand beside each other in a warehouse.

NBC’s ‘Making It’ Is Brimming With Humor, Heart and Crafting

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

By fully embracing its innovative makers and their one-of-kind designs, this reality competition show has successfully built an environment in which creatives can thrive.…

August 2, 2021

Even After Eight Seasons, ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ Remains Iconic

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

To quote the patriarch of this reality TV family, 'Crazy runs deep.'…

July 26, 2021

‘Big Brother’ Season 23 (Mostly) Demonstrates a Commitment to Diversity

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

The reality show has had a scandalous history, but its latest season reflects a 'new era' of combating racism, misogyny and homophobia in its casting.…

July 25, 2021

Illustration of the cast of "Vanderpump Rules"

Why Bravo’s ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Reigns Supreme

Michael Boland, DePaul University

The hit reality TV series follows the staff of Lisa Vanderpump’s LA Restaurant, Sur, as they indulge in alcohol and adultery, all while waiting tables.…

March 23, 2021

‘Next In Fashion’ Is a Lesson in Collaboration and Passion For One’s Craft

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

What can Netflix's one season runway competition, led by Alexa Chung and Tan France, teach us about imperfection, artisanship and representation?…

February 18, 2021

In an article about The Real Housewives franchise, a person with a TV on their head featuring four members of the show's cast

‘The Real Housewives’ Franchise Reveals the Cost of Wealth and Publicity

Michael Boland, DePaul University

The long-running reality television series shows the downsides of a decadent life on camera and their lasting implications.…

February 16, 2021

Article about Matt James as the first Black bachelor on "The Bachelor." (Image via Google Images)

Matt James Has Made a Good First Impression on ‘The Bachelor’ Season 25

Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

Fans of ABC’s hit reality dating competition are in love with Matt James, the show's first Black lead.…

January 18, 2021

Bachelorette Season 16. (Image via Google Images)

‘The Bachelorette’ Finale: Tayshia Adams Saves Season 16

Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

ABC's hit reality dating show was rescued from Clare Crawley's poor fan reception by a new star.…

December 29, 2020

Nepotism Continues To Reign in ‘The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’

Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

These four film industry spouses show off their fantastic lives, but how much of it is just branding to get their children into the business?…

December 28, 2020

The Latest Season of ‘Are You the One?’ Features an Entirely LGBTQ+ Cast

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

The first few seasons of the series started off like every other reality dating show. But the inclusive cast of the newest season is paving the way for the future of reality TV.…

December 25, 2020

‘I Live Alone’ Is a Comforting Show for Those Who Might Be Flying Solo

Laura Song, Biola University

The unscripted reality show gives an unfiltered look at the lives of Korean celebrities as they live their lives as single adults.…

December 24, 2020

Image of the sharks on the show Shark Tank. (Image via Google Images)

‘Shark Tank’ Will Teach You How To Become an Entrepreneur

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

Watch ABC's hit reality business show to learn more about the world of venture capital.…

December 9, 2020

Image of Julie Chen Moonves on the show Big Brother. (Image via Google Images)

5 Ways To Restore the ‘Big Brother’ Reality Show to Its Former Glory

Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

The CBS reality game show is in need of some major improvements to keep viewers entertained next season.…

November 20, 2020

Top 10 ‘Survivor’ Contestants Who Never Won the Million

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

Winners of the show are revered by fans worldwide, but some players who couldn’t pull out a victory are just as deserving of praise.…

November 8, 2020

Image of Clare and Dale on the Bachelorette. (Image via Google Images)

Will Clare Replace Peter Weber as the Most Hated in Bachelor Nation?

Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

Peter Weber holds the title for least favorite 'Bachelor' contestant, but the current bachelorette might steal his number-one spot.…

November 3, 2020

Selling Sunset. (Illustration by Eri Iguchi, Minneapolis College of Art and Design)

What Is ‘Selling Sunset’ Really Selling?

Benjamin Chen, Columbia University

This Netflix reality TV show focuses on the lives of West Coast real estate agents, but the social issues buried within it are anything but glamorous.…

October 29, 2020