Hey guys, back again for another week of explaining my and America’s favorite interesting reality TV programming, this week I’m shaking it up a bit. I normally find myself focused on dating reality TV, as I have written about before time and time again. However, today I’m reviewing a classic, something that SCREAMS the first-world problems of upper-class America, The Real Housewives franchise. Up-and-running since 2006, with eleven different versions in the United States alone, and over a decade of drama to precede it, there is no doubt this is a series that must be discussed. Similar to many of the other shows I have discussed, the interest and allure of this show is most definitely not from the plot, but instead the drama between the upper-echelon women showcased.

Shown above is the first ever case of The Real Housewives franchise, set in Orange County, California, and which went on for 17 seasons. 

Now, although each region’s version of The Real Housewives presents its own unique flair, it would be impossible for me to cover them all in one post. Given that, today I’m focusing on the Atlanta sector, which is “regularly one of Bravo’s highest-rated series of the franchise.” This program premiered in 2008 and is the third of the franchise, so although it isn’t the classic, it still is part of the “greats.” The original cast showcased five extremely affluent women, with a passion for what many feel is only two things: money and drama. Now, you may be thinking, how could a show surrounded by shallow behavior be even remotely entertaining? Well, I’m here to tell you that the shallow nature is EXACTLY what makes this fun to watch.

This specific sector focuses on both the personal and professional lives of the women shown, but often most of the drama clearly comes from personal life drama, as well as money problems. Because the series is so many seasons, and there are so many cycles of housewives that come in and out, I have decided the best way to sell the show to you is through a series of memorable quotes from the Atlanta franchise that made me come back each episode for more!

Shown above is the original cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, a true memorable cast that can never be forgotten (even if viewers may try.)

Below I have included what I attribute as the most memorable and outlandish quotes from the Atlanta sector of the series (in no particular order), which each represent exactly why each and every one of you should be starting the series ASAP.

• “Don’t come for me unless I twirl for you” -Kenya

• “I’m a Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Put Some Respect on My Name!” -Drew Sidora

• “I’m an Icon, You’re an Ex-Con.” -Kenya

• “Beauty fades, class is forever.” -Cynthia
• “Why be so nasty and so rude when I can be so fierce and so successful?” -NeNe
• “Don’t check for me unless you got a check for me.” -Kandi
• (One of my personal favorites) “I won Miss USA not Miss Congeniality.” -Kenya

After just a short list and taste of the attitude and drama the show has to offer, I hope you are running to Peacock or Hulu to start unveiling this iconic franchise. Until next time, happy watching!

Hey guys, back again for the review of yet another reality television show that is guaranteed (or your time spent reading this article will be returned) to give you maximum satisfaction. This week is focused on drama and conflict on the open sea, specifically on very tasteful and expensive yachts. This is a show near and dear to my heart, and quite the hidden gem if I do say so myself.

The above image shows the captain and servers that work as the crew on the yacht during the television show, the same crew that is the source of drama throughout the show. 

The show skillfully follows “activities of a yachting crew during a charter,” which although may seem monotonous, serves as quite an entertaining plot to follow. Drama brews among the staff, naturally as they are fighting to get the approval of the yacht guests, and in addition the guests themselves create their own alternate drama. This combination is guaranteed to create a one-of-a-kind dynamic that could ONLY be successful if it was on a large scale, flagrant boat.

Since its premiere in 2013, it has taken the crown as one of the most acclaimed reality television shows on air. As much as it focuses on the drama between members, it also shows the ins-and-outs of how to run a yacht; the combination of the inner and outer deck crews.

Pictured above are the crewmembers from Season 2, a perfect combination of the attraction and drama that tv viewers crave. 

Now, what exactly goes on in this alternate reality on a yacht? Essentially viewers watch crew members collaborated or disagree, strange love triangles come about between members, and even open disagreements with the wealthy guests that come onto the boat. The most interesting part of the show is the way the crew members are placed in the forefront, not the guests on the yacht. Viewers are so used to the main characters of reality television being wealthy, or stereotypically attractive in nature, but on this program it defies those norms and still has broken records worldwide.

The twists and turns that plague crew members linger throughout the season, whereas the “passengers – and their crazy antics – come and go.” Although at this point you shouldn’t need another reason to run toward the TV, think about the beautiful scenery the yachts themselves travel to. A drama filled yacht, with filthy-rich guests, twists, turns, and love stories, but all with a beautiful view. I don’t know about you, but that’s all I could ask for from a quality reality TV show.

The combination of all of the qualities from the TV shows America raves over, but the complexity from following the controversy of the workers opposed to the guest, is what truly makes this program a hidden gem. This isn’t your usual Keeping Up With the Kardashian family controversy, but instead something that begs questions of society in addition to providing endless entertainment for viewers all over.

So go on, your at sea reality TV awaits you!

Hey guys, another week, another riveting reality television show that has taken America by storm: Big Brother. Most people have heard of the dystopian novel 1984, written by George Orwell, which follows a totalitarian state ruled by the overarching eyes of “Big Brother.” As simple as the concept of this reality television show may sound, it incorporates the complex idea of always having eyes on contestants along with plenty of classic reality drama.

Host of the show for over 19 years, Julie Chen Moonves, stands in front of the iconic Big Brother logo on the first episode of the show. 

Now, this show doesn’t follow the classic dating show mold that most of my other posts have gone by, it is truly one of a kind. The allure of this show comes with one idea (not to mention an overwhelming amount of drama), but the idea that someone is ALWAYS watching. Over the 20 seasons (and running) the show has illustrated a social experiment questioning how people change their behavior in a competition with the knowledge they are constantly being watched. The answer, although this isn’t even a spoiler because it is what most would expect, is that contestants will do whatever it takes to take home the $500,000 prize money at the end of the season.

So, let’s get down to what actually goes on in this mad house. At the start of each week the head of the household (HoH) is chosen by “Big Brother” (not a real person just a figurative ruler of sorts). The HoH essentially is the contestant that resumes power and control over the house for their residing week, and especially the power to nominate two other contestants to be eliminated at the end of the week.

The image above illustrates an endurance competition from a season of Big Brother, where the winner of the competition was crowned Head of the Household by “Big Brother.”

Now, although I may have made winning HoH an easy feat, often it comes with its challenges and much drama, as you would expect from any reality television program. Competitions are lead by the host in each episode at the beginning of the week which dictate who is worthy of the title and the power in the house that accompanies it. These competitions typically come in three categories, each more entertaining then the next. They are broken into skill, endurance, and quiz competitions, each which combined determine who is most deserving of the title for the coming week. 

Ultimately, the HoH holds the power to determine who will be eliminated at the end of the week based on their two nominations, but occasionally they can nominate more if there is a twist in that weeks episode series. The show itself is relatively straight forward, but what adds the dramatic reality TV flair is truly the knowledge that only one houseguest holds the power for that week. Contestants who generally know they are in danger of elimination often do all they can to stay in the running to win the poised prize money, which creates the much needed dramatics to keep viewers coming back for more.

So, as the show alludes to along with the infamous George Orwell, “Big Brother is watching you.” (Orwell) 

A world where dating has no dependence on physical appearance is a world that seems like a distant reality in the 21st century. However, the Netflix original Love is Blind has taken a stab at creating truly emotional connections, without the “tropical islands or mansions serving as the backdrop.” 

The hosts of Love is Blind Nick and Vanessa Lachey, posing for the show cover of the revolutionary dating reality television show. 

In the current reality television show landscape, casting has a lot to do with choosing stereotypically attractive candidates to attract viewers and to ensure there is physical attraction on the dating shows at the VERY least. So you may be asking, how has a tv show based solely on interpersonal connection gained as much attraction as the more orthodox programs? The proof is in the reviews from viewers who claim the show as both enticing and relatable at the same time, and oddly a change from the traditional dating shows are what attracts viewers in the first place.

This image highlights the pods that allow the two contestants to converse with each other in a way that follows the plot of the program, but without letting their physical portrayal get in the way. 

The show follows a similar pattern each season. 30 contestants, week and a half time frame, and a series of dates that lead to engagement. The engagement is the only way contestants can be freed from the pods and granted the ability to finally see each other face to face, but it also means a wedding only a month later. This places conflict on many contestants who grapple with whether they can form true connection without physical attraction, and whether they are prepared for such an advanced timeline of engagement and marriage.

The image above illustrates a female contestant awaiting seeing the man she has agreed to be engaged to for the very first time. 

Ultimately, even though the landscape of the program is so different from what viewers are used to, they are still able to form the same “para-social and relationship connections” with what they feel are real people. The show also represents an archaic theme of dating, that love can truly be based only on personal connection without any physical interaction or connection at all. The recall of this theme is what inspires viewers that there is still hope for truly romantic and emotional connections, which is what makes the program relatable ultimately.

Both dating experts and psychologists have weighed in on the allure of such a reality television program, and the results are similar across the board. Viewers enjoy the unrealistic standard of “soulmates” based only on “what’s on the inside.” Although this is not the way connections are normally made in the real dating scene, it does resemble a physical representation of a dating app when you consider the similarities. On dating apps, like Tinder for example, although participants might know vaguely who they are meeting up with, they could similarly be completely mislead. The idea of uncertainty is surely represented in both, and that is truly the type of drama that keeps the viewer coming back for more.

So, I will leave you all with the question, is love TRULY blind?

Back again for another week and another highly anticipated referendum of another reality television show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. 

Photograph of the stars of the television show from 2022, fifteen years after the stars premier that made waves in the industry. 

2007 on Entertainment Tonight was revolutionary year, one that normalized the idea of being “famous for being famous,” which also doubles as being famous for being rich. Americans and people all over the world find themselves infatuated with watching the everyday lives, trials, and tribulations that come with being a multi-million dollar empire of a family. Originally pitched by the head of the empire, Kris Jenner, the Kardashian mogul was born and hit the ground running quickly in the reality television community.

Many may wonder what separates this plot-less series from reality dating television shows, how could they possibly both be successful? The Kardashian family shockingly hypnotizes viewers with their oblivion to modern day issues and the way they normalize extremely flagrant behavior only the extremely wealthy can afford. Although there are more examples of this then one could count, possibly the most iconic is in Kim’s Fairytale Wedding episode. This was many years ago, but the family spent over three million dollars on the event, all for just her wedding. 

A Kardashian-Jenner throwback picture at the premier of the famous show in 2011. 

The show itself had no physical plot, which is confusing for viewers that aren’t familiar with the show. Each episode represents another peak into the lives of the mega-wealthy, viewers finding entertainment out of the “unrealistic-ness” of it all. Just as all of the other television shows I have reviewed so far, the beauty of these programs are the ability they give viewers to escape from their everyday monotony.

Now, many news outlets and critics had many concerns regarding the show’s launch. The New York Times, as just one example, feared that “the program was ‘purely about some desperate women climbing to the margins of fame.’ This type of harsh criticism focuses on the idea that the perception of the women in the show could foster an incorrect narrative with viewers that could present itself as dangerous.

Regardless of the concerns of critics everywhere, the majority of America finds themselves obsessed with the lavish lives of the Kardashians, and especially keeping up with them (get it?)

Although the show itself has enough mindless content to keep the average viewer engaged for weeks and weeks on end, let’s talk about the impact of the show. As simple minded as these women may seem, its important to realize the entire show is extremely intentional. The Kardashian-Jenner empire is much more intellectual then what might meet the eye. Everything from the way they dress, to what they post, to the way their show is framed is all decided on with their eyes on the money. And that is something no one can take away from the family, they are extremely capable of maximizing their empire.

So next time you think of clicking past the infamous Keeping up with the Kardashians, I challenge you to watch and see just how many interesting brand and business tricks you can pick up on the ladies utilizing.

Until next week, keep watching!

Annnnnnnddddd I’m back again. This time to discuss a cult classic, a fan-favorite if you will.

The Bachelor. 

An image from one of the world’s favorite seasons of The Bachelor (and their favorite man), and a clear view of what exactly the show is all about. 

Now I’m not one to pick favorites, but this reality television show has been running since 2002, for 28 seasons (and running) for a reason. The concept is simple. One bachelor man (normally very conventionally attractive if you were wondering) is thrown into a pool of women with the expectation that by the end of the season he will have a new fiancé. Sounds simple and not drama filled at all…right?

You could imagine that a group of women fighting over an attractive eligible bachelor could get pretty messy, and season after season this proves to be true. To the viewer, this show is the perfect trilogy. First, plenty of attractive stars to go around. Second, enough drama to keep the audience coming back every week and wanting more. And third, arguably the most important aspect, the idea that at the end of every season, despite the roller coaster that may occur, there is a opportunity for a happy ending. That last part, to me, is exactly what has kept this franchise churning for 28 seasons (and counting).

Let’s get into some of the history and allure of The Bachelor franchise though, because there is A LOT to unpack here. The time when the show debuted, 2002, was a hot and heavy time to be entering the field of reality television. Producers were facing competition from some of the newest and most popular shows, like Survivor, Big Brother, Fear Factor, and American Idol. These are household names of extremely popular and profitable shows that are household names now, so it begs the question, what gave producers the confidence that it could be successful?

Producers liked the idea that this was something different and unheard of in dating shows: only one possibility for the girls that agree to the show, and yet so many ways that things could go wrong. Those endless possibilities for mayhem, combined with viewers naïve desire to somehow see love prevail is exactly what has kept this franchise in business and relevant through the many up-and-coming reality television programs.

Enough about the producers of the show though, the dating and conversations are the true star of the show. What is interesting about the way love is depicted on the show is that it is clearly orchestrated to create a whimsical dating show, where the stars and the viewers are on a “‘journey’ together, on a never-ending search for ‘clarity’ and a ‘forever’ ‘connection.'” Although the idea of one man dating over a dozen women would traditionally be a sign of infidelity, producers paint a different picture that instead illustrates a world of possibility for connection.

Although there are dozens of events in the show that viewers fan-girl (or boy) over, by far the most iconic is the rose ceremony. I mean, just listen to that title, rose ceremony. Doesn’t that make you want to tune in?

The Rose Ceremony from The Bachelor’s 2015 season, pictures the Bachelor handing the rose to a woman he is choosing to keep on the show for another week. (romantic right?)

The ceremony essentially is the Bachelor deciding who will stay in the running to be his fiancé for another week, and who will have to leave the show. As the season goes on, these ceremonies get more and more emotional, and thus more and more addicting to watch.

Enough from me, but as host Chris Harrison puts it, “The show is escapism.” For that fact alone, it comes highly recommended as a must watch, classic reality television show.

Too Hot to Handle. Where do I even begin?

The Season 2 cast of Too Hot to Handle posing for what is supposed to be a candid photo-op. 

This show has taken the world by storm, combining sensuality with relationship drama and casting some of the most interesting individuals (arguably) of all reality television “dating” shows. I have watched every season of Too Hot to Handle, and that’s something important to remember, because a sign of a truly compelling show is whether viewers keep coming back for more. SPOILER ALERT: I kept coming back for more.

Too Hot to Handle truly epitomizes raunchy relationship drama, but still is surprisingly relevant and attractive to viewers worldwide. It serves as a direct contradiction to most soapy relationship shows and instead focuses on a shocking ban to an physical forms of attraction between a villa of objectively attractive contestants. Participants are chosen in what I like to identify as two very important categories. Number one, attractive. Number two, and possibly more important to the dynamic of the show, is each of them have expressed difficulties with loyalty and genuine relationships. Despite the clearly unnatural way these singles are forced to interact in, the show has been coined as “surprisingly relevant,” to viewers.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of this arbitrarily shocking program its time to attack the narrator and my personal favorite character of the show: Lana. An automated cone shaped speaker oversees the contestants throughout the show, confronting about rule-breaks and reminding them of the money on the line. Wow-I didn’t even mention the incentive keeping the contestants physical attraction at bay. There is a shared prize fund of $100,000 at the beginning of the program which dwindles each time there is a rule break depending on the severity, which is determined by Lana. This adds a competitive side to the seemingly mindless show, often turning contestants against each other and creating incentive for them to keep their hands away from each other.

Pictured on the left is the comical “rain on the parade” of contestants on Too Hot to Handle: Lana. 

Now, I know what your thinking. This sounds like a spin-off of every other show that’s all over everyone’s timeline. But truly, that is a rude and disrespectful understatement. Why is it so interesting to me? Well, as The Ringer puts it, it is because “the group does not do very well [in following rules]” That is truly the best part. As much as Lana enforces the rules of the show, the contestants cannot help themselves and create a constant cycle of losing money and apologizing that never ends.

To sum up this amazing and mindless program, it is yet another example of a cast of attractive reality TV stars interacting in a hilarious and mindless way. However, this claims one of my top three spots for entertaining reality television based primarily in the humorous rules they are forced to abide by, but consistently overlook.

If you were still looking for a reason to start watching, I will take a famous quote from Season 3’s gem Harry: Start watching, “you naughty little possum.”