The most popular reality shows attract millions of viewers, thanks to the winning formula
of drama, tears, and the occasional fistfight or two.
"(incoherent) TRAAYSH!"
It's pretty well known that these shows are sometimes scripted and not actually "real,"
but here are some other messed up things you may not know about reality TV.
Payment
Some people think getting cast on a reality TV show is their ticket to becoming a millionaire.
But the truth is, many of the people who appear on these shows aren't even getting paid.
In an interview with Today, an insider revealed that contestants on American Idol audition
and appear on camera free of charge.
It isn't until a singer becomes a finalist on the hit show that they're able to earn
a paycheck.
A television producer told Reader's Digest, "We're always trying to get as much talent
as possible while spending as little money as possible.
Ninety-nine percent of the people on reality TV get their expenses covered and maybe a
daily stipend of $20 or $30, but that's it."
Some people could really use that thirty bucks. "... said you'd never hurt me!
But you know you lied…"
Heavy testing
By the time the cast films their first scene, they've already gone through rigorous tests
behind the scenes to determine their eligibility.
Leslie Hughes, a former contestant on the hit ABC show The Bachelor, told The Daily
Beast she was subjected to multiple tests before appearing on the program, including
an STD test and a psych evaluation.
"But my dad DID want me to send you a message…"
"What's that?"
"He said if you break my heart, he's gonna break your legs."
In an interview with Reader's Digest, producers revealed that most of the bigger shows run
background checks, conduct drug tests, and interview the contestants' family and friends
thoroughly.
Contestants must sit through lengthy interviews and physical examinations before they're given
the green light.
Loosened up
Everyone reacts differently after having a few drinks…
"I want them to braid my hair!"
...and reality TV producers hope to get any range of emotions out of their cast by allowing
them to guzzle liquor at all hours of the day, according to Hughes.
On the set of The Bachelor, Hughes said it wasn't uncommon for their house to be fully-stocked
with alcohol, explaining, "It's how they get you to be more talkative,
more sensitive.
When I came in for the producers' weekend, I remember it was like 12 noon, and they were
like, 'You want some champagne, wine?'
And I was like, 'It's 12 p.m., noon!'"
"WOO!"
Isolation
According to Hughes, upon entering The Bachelor mansion, each contestant had to hand over
their cellphones, computers, magazines, music, and even books — and disconnect from the
modern world.
She explained to the Daily Beast,
"The only things I was allowed to keep were my journal and my Bible.
We have nothing.
We are completely cut off from the world.
We have to talk to each other — we have nothing else to do."
Big Brother and Survivor also isolate their contestants while filming, and since the cast
is around each other 24/7, it heightens the level of drama.
Rachel Reilly appeared on Big Brother and The Amazing Race, and she told Today,
"We have no communication with the outside world, so [the show] becomes your world."
Playing a part
If you thought reality TV casting directors just happen to choose people who have dynamic
personalities, we have news for you.
According to one producer, after hiring specific people, they actually tell them which role
they need them to play, whether it be a villain, a sweetheart, a tattle-tale — whatever they
decide.
In an interview with Reader's Digest, the producer stated,
"I sat [the cast member] down and said, 'Listen, you were cast in this role.
If you want to make good TV, if you want the series to come back and make more money next
year, then you need to play along.
If you don't, you're going to be cut out entirely.'
It worked."
What's most troubling is the producer's admission that this woman was, quote, "the nicest lady
ever," but they encouraged her to play the role of a villain.
Sacrifices
A reality TV star should consider themselves lucky if all they have to do is alter their
personality to ensure the success of their show.
Other stars actually put their bodies and their health on the line.
On The Travel Channel program Man versus Food, Adam Richman traveled across the U.S. to compete
in food-eating challenges at various restaurants.
Viewers loved to tune in and see him scarf down any food that was placed in front of
him.
But after four seasons, the competitions caught up with him, and he revealed to People that
his extreme eating made him gain 60 pounds.
He stated,
"I could see my belly, It was unflattering.
It sent me into depression."
Discrimination?
In 2012, a class-action lawsuit was filed against The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
for racial discrimination, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In the suit, Nashville residents, including African-American football players Nathaniel
Claybrooks and Christopher Johnson, claimed the programs had not featured a person of
color since The Bachelor first premiered back in 2002.
NPR revealed the lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a judge in October 2012, but Claybrooks
and Johnson's efforts didn't go to waste.
After 33 seasons, Rachel Lindsay was cast as the first black woman to star on The Bachelorette,
and in the end, she found love and got engaged.
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