Trust me, I thought it was all real and natural too....
Reality television gives a different type of entertainment and energy. From the Kardashian family, to the Real Housewives and even down to Cake Boss or 90 Day Fiancé, it is a genre of television shows that caters to every niche possible. Most people love reality TV because it gives all of us something relatable and interesting, mirrors our everyday lives. But it's not as perfect or natural as they show us.
Here are some things that'll show you the real reality TV.
10 There is SO Much They Don't Show
Reality TV shows have so much un-aired footage that never sees the light of day. If a scene doesn't make the cut, it is either because it isn't relevant or interesting enough and in some cases it is because that footage does not fit the narrative the producers have already set in motion.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta spend at least 12 hours filming everyday for 6-8 months at a stretch. If you do the math, that's over two thousand hours of filming on average just for around 23 hours of footage actually making the cut to make up the whole season.
9 Editing is Pure MA-NI-PU-LA-TION
The production team of every good reality show knows exactly what to cut and put together to make it juicy to watch.
I too was shocked to realize that even down to phone calls and conversations, everything was being cut apart and put back together.
But then again, it was fun to watch because it gives the plot of these shows a good flow.
8 Mind Games and More Mind Games
Right from the point of casting for Big Brother UK, the production team immediately gets to finding the right people to fill the shoes of their heroes, villains, favorites and basic space fillers for the season.
Instead of randomly selecting based on their individual personalities, they purposely pick characters they know the viewers will either love
or hate. They intentionally look for personalities that will clash to ensure there is as much drama as possible. And on shows that require some type of technical skill, like Gold Diggers they intentionally pick the worst person for the job out of the bunch.
The aim is to keep the people watching, and watch we do!
7 Low Budget, High Income
Contrary to popular belief, most reality shows are produced on a very low budget. When you see a scene taking place in a park, in the street, other public places and places you don't need to pay for filming, just know their budget is next to nothing.
This somehow works for them though. Viewers feel 'regular' locations and set ups make the show feel more relatable and natural. People still tune in and they still make their coin.
6 But Your Favorite Stars Still Leave Broke
With all the cost cutting and heavy viewership, generally you would think everyone involved in reality shows are filthy rich!
Well, they kind of are, only the companies though.
The cast members make more money off magazine interviews, talk show appearances, personal businesses and brand sponsorships than the actual show. In fact, most reality shows on MTV make the cast members sign 10-15 percent of the royalties received from external gigs to the show. This is on the grounds that it is the show that launched them into stardom.
5 Under the Influence
During filming on shows like Bad Girls’ Club and Jersey Shore, alcohol is used very irresponsibly.
During events like parties, everyone is invited and everyone is most likely drunk enough to say
and do dramatic things.
Of course, the production team actually encourages this behavior in hopes of something being dramatic or violent enough to keep viewers watching.
4 Medical Care is Withheld
On some competition shows like America's Next Top Model or MTV's The Challenge, sometimes
proper medical care is not taken seriously or not given at all.
They may use immediate first aid and get in with filming the show but the injured or sick contestants don't get the proper care they need, except in extremely severe cases.
3 Weaknesses are prayed on
The casting and background check processes for most shows are very intense and extensive. It is not only for the castmates' basic information, but also to expose their weaknesses, triggers and buttons.
And of course production pushes them, and they do it quite well too.
Have you seen the drama on shows like BET's Love and Hip Hop?
2 The Producers Have the Final Say
This one is going to cut deep for Love it or List it fans.
The house hunting / real estate flipping show gives participants two options. Between renovating their homes and moving out, we all want to know if they love the new renovati
on or if they list the house for sale and get another one.
Turns out, we never really find out if they do. They actually film both possible endings and then production decides to air the ending they feel will go down best with the viewers.
It is this way for Say Yes to the Dress too. I know, it's heartbreaking.
1 Talent Shows Don't Really Look for 'Talent'
Remember when I wrote that the producers have the final say?
Yeah, on shows like America's Got Talent and X Factor they decide the talent, not the judges.
The contestants have three auditions with the producers prior to the one on stage. That's why some people look genuinely shocked and o
ffended when Simon Cowell tells them they can't sing.
The producers know that it's entertaining for the audience to see people be embarrassed on stage so they allow the poor performers, big personalities and strange acts through so that the viewers have something to laugh at and make the competition feel more natural for them.
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