Some homeowners said they were promised a dream house if a crew remade their homes for TV. The lawsuits they filed later told a different story.
Tag Archives: Reality Television
A Broker With a Hometown Advantage Talks About ‘Selling the Hamptons’
JB Andreassi, a real estate agent on a reality TV show, said a lack of inventory has toughened the market for buyers and renters in the popular summer resort area on Long Island.
A Gay Icon From Reality TV’s Early Years Makes a Hesitant Return
Danny Roberts, a star of “The Real World” on MTV, brought a sense of possibility to the pop culture landscape during a fraught time for gay representation.
American Children Can Handle a Little More Freedom
Let’s take a few baby steps toward teaching independence.
On TV, the Truth Hurts
Television is hooked on scripted dramas based on real life. But they rarely measure up either to actual life or to actual drama.
Lizzo’s ‘Big Grrrls’ Asks Big Questions
The singer wanted a new kind of backup dancer. Along the way, she ended up making a new kind of TV show.
Spice Could Make History at the Grammys. But She’s Already Won.
The Jamaican singer Spice is the first female hard-core dancehall artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Reggae Album category.
Traci Braxton, Television Personality and Singer, Dies at 50
She was perhaps best known for her appearances on the reality show “Braxton Family Values” with her siblings and their families.
Can a Reality TV Show Sell You on a $2,298 E-Bike?
Welcome to “Bike Hunters,” a Dutch YouTube series that promises to recover stolen e-bikes — but really makes you want one of your own.
Reality Stars Are Just Like Us
In “True Story,” the sociologist Danielle J. Lindemann parses the enduring appeal and effect of the TV genre.
Hollywood’s First Family of Putting It Out There
In a book, web series and music, Will, Jada, Jaden and Willow have remade a star household for the new era of reality-driven celebrity.
China’s Anti-Graft Show Is Educational, With Unintended Lessons
A documentary created to celebrate the success of China’s anti-corruption campaign instead has aired the dirty laundry of the Communist Party.
On Joe Rogan and Spotify, Roxane Gay Takes a Stand
Joe Rogan can continue to air misinformation. Spotify can continue to look the other way. Today at least, I won’t.
For This ‘Great Pottery Throw Down’ Judge, It’s All About the Clay
Keith Brymer Jones has judged amateur ceramic makers’ work on “The Great Pottery Throw Down” since 2015. When it’s good, it still moves him.
How Exercise Affects Metabolism and Weight Loss
A new analysis of data from “The Biggest Loser” highlights the complex ways the body compensates when we drop pounds.
On the Citizen App, Even the Happy Videos Can Be Unsettling
However the “personal safety” app adapts its message, it’s still toying with how you feel about your own community.
How ‘2 Lizards’ and Meriem Bennani Captured the Essence of 2020
With the animated video series “2 Lizards,” Meriem Bennani and Orian Barki captured the essence of 2020. Now, Bennani’s at work on a documentary about living in limbo.
Josh Duggar of ‘19 Kids and Counting’ Goes on Trial in Child Pornography Case
Prosecutors say Mr. Duggar used the internet to download explicit material showing the sexual abuse of children. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Colton Underwood Comes Out and Comes Clean
The former “Bachelor” star announced he is gay on national TV in April. A new Netflix reality series seeks to share his journey and address the criticism.
The Art of Botox
How facial muscle paralysis insinuated itself into our emotional and creative lives.
Ex-‘Apprentice’ Contestant Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Trump
Summer Zervos accused former President Donald J. Trump of sexual assault and sued him after he said she was lying.
Li Yundi Is Detained in China on Suspicion of Prostitution
Li Yundi, a famous performer, was accused of soliciting a woman, state news outlets said. Officials often use such accusations against their enemies.
How Erika Girardi Dominated ‘Real Housewives’ This Season
Erika Girardi is famous for her lavish lifestyle. Now her husband’s law firm has been accused of misappropriating millions of dollars. It’s all unfolding on TV.
‘FBoy Island’: A Raunchy Dating Show in on Its Own Joke
“FBoy Island” is in on its own joke as it helps women separate the good guys from the louts. “Why not admit on the air that it is dumb and ridiculous?” said the host, Nikki Glaser.
In ‘My Unorthodox Life,’ Julia Haart Bares More Than Just Her Knees
Less than a decade after fleeing a repressive ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Haart heads a global talent empire. Her next challenge? Letting viewers peek behind the curtain.
Lance Loud Was an Early Reality Star. He Was Also a Gay Punk Pioneer.
Loud was part of “An American Family” in 1973, but his wild band, Mumps, never signed a record deal. Now their songs are being released on the 20th anniversary of his death.
Space Station May Host Wave of TV Shows and Films
A Discovery reality TV competition, a Russian medical thriller and more productions could be heading to the orbital outpost in the next year.
Shows Like ‘Cops’ Fell Out of Favor. Now Texas May Ban Them.
Lawmakers passed a bill named for Javier Ambler II, who died in 2019 after officers arrested him in front of a “Live PD” television crew. If the governor signs it, this would mean the end of police cooperation with reality TV shows.
Their Fascination With ‘Real Housewives’ Is Anything but Fake
A cadre of Yale drama graduates have followed up a first streaming hit with “This American Wife,” a reality-blurring look at the long-running reality TV franchise.
Netflix Chronicles Byron Bay’s ‘Hot Instagrammers.’ Will Paradise Survive?
Tensions between protecting and capitalizing on the image of the famous Australian beach town have exploded over a new reality show.
Joshua Duggar of ‘19 Kids and Counting’ Pleads Not Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Mr. Duggar was featured in his family’s reality show until 2015, when the show was taken off the air after allegations that he had molested girls. He was also active in conservative politics.
Bethenny Frankel Is Back on TV Because ‘I Know What People Want to See’
In “The Big Shot With Bethenny,” on HBO Max, millennial strivers will compete to help Frankel run her Skinnygirl empire.
Colton Underwood, ‘Bachelor’ Star, Comes Out as Gay
The 29-year-old former football player had written about questioning his sexuality in a memoir, published in 2020.
My Ridiculous Dating System Totally Works!
There’s just one catch.
Two Ex-Deputies Face Manslaughter Charges in Black Man’s Death in Texas
The former Williamson County deputies were indicted on charges that they repeatedly shot Javier Ambler with a Taser during a traffic stop despite his pleas that he could not breathe.
Forget ‘Succession.’ You Can Watch ‘90 Day Fiancé’ for 100 Hours Straight.
Discovery’s new app has taken off largely because viewers love watching people fix houses, tour diners and bicker about their relationships.
Kim Kardashian West Files for Divorce From Kanye West
A tumultuous seven-year marriage lived largely in the spotlight.
Pat Loud, Reality Show Matriarch of ‘An American Family,’ Dies at 94
The mother of five unapologetically laid bare the drama of her family life as the first star of the first reality show — and paid a price for breaking new ground.
The Narcissist in Chief Brings It All Crashing Down
An ending as terrible as it was predictable engulfs the president and the country.
Netflix’s ‘The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives:’ Review
As reality TV, it’s boring. But in its unguarded moments, the show reveals universal truths about the idle rich and their need for attention.
Andy Cohen is Really Ready to Ring in 2021
Bravo’s main man bids adieu to what may have been the twenty-twentiest 2020 ever.
Parents of ‘Balloon Boy’ Are Pardoned by Colorado’s Governor
Richard and Mayumi Heene were accused of concocting a hoax after their 6-year-old son was feared to have floated away in a balloon in 2009. The boy was found safe at home.
Mobster Pleads in Plot Against ‘Real Housewives’ Boyfriend, U.S. Says
A man who was dating a former New Jersey “housewife” was beaten up. Her ex-husband asked a Lucchese crime family member to commit the assault, prosecutors say.
Brittanya Karma, German-Vietnamese Social Media Star, Dies at 29
She used her social media clout to preach and model self-confidence. She died of complications of Covid-19 in a Hamburg hospital.
‘Loser’: How a Lifelong Fear Bookended Trump’s Presidency
The president’s inability to concede the election is the latest reality-denying moment in a career preoccupied with an epithet.
‘Survivor’ and Other Reality Shows Will Feature More Diverse Casts, CBS Says
The network announced this week that its reality shows, including “Big Brother” and “Love Island,” would include more diverse casts starting next season.
Nikki McKibbin, ‘American Idol’ Finalist, Dies at 42
Ms. McKibbin, who finished third on the inaugural season of the reality talent show in 2002, died on Sunday because of a brain aneurysm, her husband said.
Watch What Happens When Real Housewives Don’t Wear Masks
Some research suggests the public health behavior of reality stars and influencers can affect viewers.
Donald Trump Is Losing His Touch. So Is the TV Producer Who Shaped His Image.
Mark Burnett helped turn Donald Trump into a national figure with “The Apprentice.” But since 2016, his impact “has kind of gone bust.”
Looking for Escapist TV? Try Home Design Shows
We’re home all the time now, so watching home improvement television can give us tips on what to do and what not to do.