Reality TV

A viral nine-month world cruise saw plenty of drama, but not the kind you'd expect

7:03am September 19, 2024

The "Ultimate World Cruise" consumed social media, with many comparing it to a reality show. But what was it really like? Passengers spoke with NPR, nine months and 60-plus countries later.

I played 'Survivor' in someone's backyard. Now I'm hooked on live reality games

6:00am September 18, 2024

Live reality games, or LRGs, are low-stakes, DIY versions of TV shows like 'Survivor' and 'The Mole.' A three-time player tells all!

Jerrod Carmichael in Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.

Arts

In pursuit of radical honesty, 'Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show' delivers ambiguity

7:01am May 18, 2024

by Aisha Harris

The comedian's HBO Reality Show has been called invasive and narcissistic. But it's also a natural progression of Jerrod Carmichael's work.

Luke Valentine was removed from CBS' Big Brother after using a racial slur in conversation.

Arts

'Big Brother,' 'Below Deck' show reality TV improves by handling scandals publicly

5:24pm August 21, 2023

by Eric Deggans

A contestant uttered the n-word and in response, he was ejected publicly — a first.

In the car racing show Extreme E, electric SUVs try to outpace each other in remote parts of the world hit hard by climate change. Above, the Extreme E drivers pose for a photo on the Russell Glacier in Greenland.

Arts

Climate change is our reality — so why wouldn't it appear on reality TV?

5:02am July 07, 2023

by Chloe Veltman

Scenes modeling sustainable behaviors or highlighting the impact of climate change have been cropping up lately in everything from cooking shows to extreme sports series.

Economy

HGTV Celebrates A Quarter-Century Of Real Estate Inspiration, Escapism

10:10am December 01, 2019

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

The channel was launched 25 years ago today. Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Ronda Kaysen, contributor to the New York Times, about why the network first caught on and is still going strong.

Queue Listen Now

Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley have been arrested and charged with rape and assault. Authorities say there may be hundreds of victims based on the video footage they have examined.

National

Doctor, Girlfriend Charged With Drugging, Raping Women; Hundreds Of Victims Possible

3:22pm September 19, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

Grant Robicheaux, 38, is an orthopedic surgeon who appeared on a 2014 reality TV show. Prosecutors say videos found on his phone show the apparent assaults of many women too intoxicated to consent.

Invisibilia: Inspired By 'American Idol,' Somali TV Show Aimed To Change The World

7:20pm March 16, 2018

by Alix Spiegel

Reality TV is popular around the world. It's also roundly mocked as formulaic and contrived. But can that kind of fragile fantasy meaningfully influence the real world?

Queue Listen Now

In this picture of the cast of the 22nd season of ABC's hit romance reality series "The Bachelor," Rebekah Martinez, known as "Bekah M" on the show, is second from left in the back row.

Woman Reported Missing In California Found On 'The Bachelor'

4:32pm February 03, 2018

by Amy Held

Police in Humboldt County did not have to look far to remove Rebekah Martinez from their missing persons list; she has been appearing on TV weekly since Jan. 1.

Born This Way is produced by Jonathan Murray, the co-creator of MTV's Real World. Above, cast members Cristina Sanz (left), Rachel Osterbach, Steven Clark and Sean McElwee (top).

A Cast With Down Syndrome Brings Fresh Reality To Reality TV

4:32pm July 22, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

With the Emmy-nominated Born this Way poised to begin its second season July 26, the cast, co-creator and fans explain why the show has become such a hit.

Queue Listen Now