Pawn Stars
Reality television shows often contain elements of acting, even though the actors are real people. One of the most scripted of these programs is "Pawn Stars." The lead characters, like Rick Harrison, are rarely seen working at the counters, as other people take their place for filming.
Customers who appear on the show must sign consent forms, and any items they bring in are thoroughly cleaned and inspected before filming begins. All of the conversations and exchanges between characters are meticulously pre-planned. They are surrounded by a team of experts and professional appraisers who are the ones doing all the work. The Harrisons are just there to provide entertainment.
Love It or List It
The show’s producers also have a big hand in making "Love It or List It" seems like a real series. They give the homeowners a limited budget and short timeline to work with, which is impossible to pull off in the real world. The homeowners are usually of the same demographic, and the renovations are done while they’re away, making it easier to script it.
The whole idea is to make the audience feel like they’re watching a real-life home transformation, but that is far from the truth. It's entertaining but if you're looking for an accurate portrayal of the home renovation process, you're better off watching a documentary.
Duck Dynasty
The highly acclaimed reality television show "Duck Dynasty" has made history by becoming the most-watched nonfiction series in the world during its fourth season. However, many viewers were shocked to learn that much of the program is scripted and many of the heated arguments are planned before filming.
The producers even add censored expletives to make the series more believable and to ensure that the characters can properly incorporate the pre-planned arguments. While this method has been successful for the duration of the series, avid fans may likely feel betrayed by the elaborately staged production.
House Hunters
The popular HGTV program "House Hunters" has been a staple in many households for years, and many people can relate to the premise of the show. After all, we’ve all been in the position of searching for the perfect home. However, the premise of the series is built on deception.
The majority of the families featured have already purchased a home by the time the series is filmed, and many of the homes they are shown are not actually available. Furthermore, the producers often inflate the budgets of the program, and the conversations between the hosts and customers are scripted.
Jersey Shore
The hit reality show "Jersey Shore" follows eight housemates from New Jersey as they party, fight, and tan their way through the summer. But don't let that fool you. This show is about as real as a can of spray-on tan.
The cast of characters is all larger-than-life caricatures of what the producers think a typical person from New Jersey is like. The housemates are always getting into ridiculous situations and their reactions are often over-the-top and overacted. The producers will often take a situation and add dramatic music, slow-motion effects, and editing tricks to make it seem like a bigger deal than it is.
Long Island Medium
"Long Island Medium" is a popular reality show on TLC that follows the life of Theresa Caputo, a self-proclaimed psychic medium. The program follows her as she meets with clients, giving them readings and messages from the dead. While the series is entertaining to watch, it's important to remember that it is not a true representation of the world of psychic mediums.
For starters, many of the readings that are featured on the production are heavily edited and often feature overdramatic reactions from the clients. Scientific skeptics have deemed mediumship performances to be a con, with critics such as magician James Randi.
Fixer Upper
If you're a fan of the reality show "Fixer Upper," you may be under the impression that the hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, can turn any run-down house into a stunning, luxurious home. You'll realize that "Fixer Upper" is just a bunch of smoke and mirrors.
The Gaineses only ever work on houses that are already in decent condition. So while they may be able to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, they're not making any major repairs. Plus, the majority of their renovations are done by subcontractors and teams of professionals that they hire to do the majority of the work.
Bargain Hunt
"Bargain Hunt" is a reality series that follows people as they search for their perfect beachfront property. It's a perfect show for those of us who dream of owning a beach house, but it's not true. The program focuses on the process of finding a beachfront property, but the reality is that most people can't afford a beachfront property unless they have an extremely high budget.
The prices that the people on the show pay for their properties are way below the market value, and it's highly unlikely that anyone would be able to find such a bargain in real life.
Mountain Men
Mountain Men is a reality show that follows a group of rugged, outdoorsy individuals as they brave the elements and live off the land. While there are certainly some aspects of the series that are true to life, much of what we see on the program is highly exaggerated for the sake of entertainment.
For example, the mountain men often make it seem like they’re living off the land 24/7 when in reality they often have access to modern conveniences like running water and electricity. Plus, they are often able to get supplies from nearby towns that they don’t mention on the show.
Designed to Sell
"Designed to Sell" is a popular reality show on HGTV that gives all the hopeful homeowners out there the false notion that they can make an absurd amount of money quickly by making a few simple changes to their homes. In reality, sellers typically spend a lot of time and money to make their homes look beautiful and attract buyers.
On the show, they make it seem like it only takes a few days and a few hundred dollars to make a home look amazing. But in reality, it takes a lot of time, energy, and money to get a home ready for the market.
Keeping Up With The Kardashians
"Keeping Up With The Kardashians" is a reality show that follows the lives of the Kardashian family. It may seem like it’s real, but let’s face it, it’s about as real as Kim Kardashian’s lips. Not only is the show heavily scripted, but it also focuses on the most dramatic and sensational moments of the family’s lives.
It’s like watching a never-ending soap opera. Even the most mundane activities are somehow made into a dramatic or comedic events. Who goes grocery shopping while dressed to the nines and with a full camera crew? Plus, a lot of the drama is manufactured and exaggerated for the sake of entertainment.
Catfish
"Catfish," a reality show about connecting people who have never met in person, is not as accurate as it seems. The program features people who have formed relationships and even become engaged without ever meeting in person. Unfortunately, more often than not, it's revealed that the people they've connected with are not who they say they are.
There have been reports of people being recruited and paid to appear in the series which makes the whole thing even less believable. So if you're looking for a show that accurately portrays the world of online dating, "Catfish" probably isn't it.
American Pickers
"American Pickers" is a reality show that follows two men, Mike Wolfe, and Frank Fritz, as they travel around the United States searching for interesting objects to purchase and resell.
The series makes it look like Wolfe and Fritz are uncovering rare treasures and striking gold with every pick, but the reality is that most of their finds are nothing more than rusty old junk. Some of the items featured on the program have been found in regular stores and were not even picked by the selectors! This makes it feel more like a game of haggling rather than a true exploration of the United States of America.
Cake Boss
"Cake Boss," a popular reality show, has been a mainstay on television for over a decade. Sure, it's filled with drama and excitement, but that's only because the producers have kept it that way. From the perfect lighting to the clean and professional baking environment, the program is far from a realistic portrayal of the life of a baker.
The reality is that most of a baker's day consists of painstakingly measuring ingredients, carefully decorating cakes and cupcakes, and doing a lot of other mundane tasks. Plus, the cakes created on the show are often too elaborate and over-the-top to be realistically achievable in a professional bakery.
The Biggest Loser
"The Biggest Loser" is a popular reality show where contestants compete to lose the most weight. While it’s a great series to watch and cheer contestants on, it’s important to remember that it’s not entirely a true representation of weight loss. For example, the contestants only have a few weeks to lose extra pounds, but that’s not realistic in the real world.
Furthermore, the show is often edited to make it more dramatic and entertaining, which means it doesn’t accurately reflect the journey that many people go through when trying to lose unwanted fats. This isn't exactly a healthy approach and it's certainly not sustainable.
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway
"The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway" is a reality show that's anything but real. It's the dream of many people to own their own home, but the reality of winning this show is far from what it seems. It looks like the contestants have a chance to win a luxurious dream home.
But the truth is that most of the time, the home isn't even built yet so the winner is just winning an empty lot. Plus, there's the fact that contestants have to pay taxes on their winnings. So even if they do end up with a house, they're still out of pocket for thousands of dollars.
Deadliest Catch
"Deadliest Catch" is a popular reality show that follows a group of crab fishermen as they attempt to make a living in the Alaskan waters. In the series, the fishermen are shown as brave, hard-working individuals who risk their lives in the pursuit of their livelihood. However, what the program doesn’t tell you is that the fishermen get paid quite well for their risky venture.
It conveniently edits out all the times when the fishermen are just lounging around and eating chips. After all, what is the point of having a reality sitcom if it doesn’t play any actual reality?
Storage Wars
"Storage Wars" is a popular reality show that follows a group of bidders as they compete to win storage units filled with unseen items in an auction. However, the program isn't a realistic representation of the storage auction process. The show often features unlikely finds like valuable antiques, expensive cars, and rare collectibles. In real life, this is a rare occurrence. Most storage units contain everyday items like furniture, clothing, and appliances.
In real life, bidders don't get a peek inside the unit beforehand, so they have to make decisions based on what they can see from the outside.
BridezillaBridezilla is a term used to describe a bride-to-be who is overly demanding and difficult to please. The term has become popularized thanks to the reality TV show of the same name, which follows the lives of brides-to-be as they plan their weddings. However, it's important to note that the show is highly dramatized and is not representative of real life.
The hit reality series "Bridezillas" first aired on WE tv on June 1, 2004. The series follows the lives of brides-to-be as they plan their weddings and juggle the demands of their hectic schedules humorously and dramatically.
Bachelor In Paradise
"Bachelor In Paradise" is a reality show that promises viewers a chance to watch true love blossom in an exotic and romantic setting. Unfortunately, no matter how romantic the setting may be, it's clear that the program is anything but true love. First of all, the show doesn't exactly reflect reality when it comes to the Bachelor himself.
Sure, he may be good-looking and loaded with cash, but let's face it, the odds of finding true love when you're surrounded by 25 other women are slim to none. The series also doesn't portray real relationships. Instead, it's all about drama and manipulation.
Chrisley Knows Best
"Chrisley Knows Best is a reality show that follows the outrageous antics of real estate tycoon Todd Chrisley and his family. While the series is entertaining, it's important to remember that it does not represent real life. For starters, there are Chrisley's unrealistic expectations for themselves and their kids.
On the program, he is constantly trying to micromanage his family's lives, and his children are expected to live up to his impossible standards. On the show, they have enormous houses, designer clothes, and a seemingly endless supply of money. In reality, most families would not be able to afford such luxury.
Ice Road Truckers
"Ice Road Truckers" is a reality show that follows the lives of truckers who drive on icy roads in the Arctic. The drivers tend to drive at speeds far beyond what is safe even on icy roads. In reality, this would result in a catastrophic accident, yet somehow they seem to get away with it without any consequences!
The roads are much less icy than what is depicted on the show. Many of the roads are just normal roads with a few patches of snow and ice. The long hours, cold weather, and dangerous road conditions are all glossed over in favor of dramatic storylines and conflicts.
The Bachelor
"The Bachelor" is a reality show that has been running for many years and it is hard to deny its popularity. The premise of the show is that one man must choose from a group of beautiful women to be his wife.
Every episode is filled with catfights, backstabbing, and manipulation. The man often seems to make his decision without really getting to know any of the women. He'll give out roses to some contestants and then break up with them a few weeks later, without really getting to know them. This is not how relationships work in real life.
N**ed and Afraid
"N**ed and Afraid" is a show that has viewers ogling at the spectacle of two contestants being placed in a remote location, completely and utterly unclothed, and forced to survive for 21 days. They're given a few essential items to help them survive.
This usually includes a machete, a fire-starting kit, and a few other items that aren't essential, but still quite helpful. The contestants are accompanied by a camera crew, which means they likely have access to food, water, and medical care if they need it. Plus, they're constantly monitored by producers and medics, so if anything goes wrong, they're never really in true danger.
Property Brothers
"Property Brothers" is a reality show that follows a pair of identical twins, Jonathan and Drew Scott, as they help homeowners purchase and remodel homes. The brothers have an unlimited budget and access to a seemingly infinite number of contractors and materials.
Most people don't have unlimited budgets and the ability to hire the best contractors in town. It seems like the brothers can complete entire home renovations in a matter of days. In reality, it takes much longer than that. It can take weeks or even months to complete a project, depending on the size and scope of the renovation.
American Idol
"American Idol" has a long history of scouting for potential contestants. The show's casting team visits cities around the country to find talented singers before the official auditions even start. The scouts then invite the contestants to the audition, where they can showcase their talent in front of the judges.
This helps fill the audience with people who are already talented, and it helps create an exciting series. However, it also means that some of the contestants who made it to the stage didn't make it through the challenging audition process. Instead, they were selected by the scouts for entertainment purposes.
Breaking Amish
"Breaking Amish" is a reality show that claims to portray the lives of Amish people as they break away from their traditional lifestyles and explore the modern world. However, the series is anything but accurate. In reality, the program is nothing more than a dramatized version of what life is like for them.
The show claims that the Amish are completely unfamiliar with modern technology, yet the cast members are all seen using iPhones and computers. The television program has been accused of misrepresenting the relationships between the cast members and of fabricating numerous details which do not accurately reflect the reality of the situation.
Mystery Diners
"Mystery Diners" is a reality show that follows undercover mystery diners as they investigate restaurants for various suspicious behaviors. Unfortunately, it is anything but true. The surveillance of the restaurants is staged, and the diners are actors hired to create drama.
The show's producers also heavily edit the footage before airing, often constructing a narrative that does not reflect what happened. This means that the program's version of events may be wildly different from the truth. To make matters worse, some of the restaurants featured on "Mystery Diners" have sued the telecast for defamation, claiming that it negatively misrepresented their businesses.
South Beach Tow
The American television series "South Beach Tow" depicted the daily operations of Tremont Towing, a Miami Beach family-owned business, and South Beach Towing, a company in Gladeview, through dramatized reenactments. The show portrays the company as a wild and wacky outfit that takes on all sorts of outrageous tasks, such as searching for stolen cars, battling other tow truck companies, and rescuing exotic animals.
Unfortunately, the reality bites and the program is not nearly as exciting as it seems. It has been reported that the company has hauled cars without proper permits and has even damaged vehicles in the process.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
"RuPaul’s Drag Race" is a popular reality show that takes the art of drag to a whole new level. The contestants on the series would have us believe that they’re the best at makeup, fashion, and lip-syncing. But in reality, there’s no way any of them could put together a look in ten minutes with just a few sheets of tin foil and a glue gun.
In real life, these drag queens would probably be too busy getting ready for their next show. Let’s not forget the wigs. The program would have us believe that wigs just magically appear on your head and stay in place.
Basketball Wives
"Basketball Wives" is a reality show that follows a group of women who are all connected to basketball players, either through marriage or as an ex-partner. Unfortunately, the show does nothing to portray the real lives of these women and their relationships. The program gives us the impression that all these women are constantly fighting and bickering.
It's probably not a very accurate portrayal of the typical day in their lives. Plus, it's unlikely that they all have the same shade of weave and the same designer handbag. It's important to remember that it is not an accurate depiction of what it's like to be a basketball wife.
The Real Housewives
"The Real Housewives" is a reality show that is anything but real. It's like a world where people are living in some sort of alternate universe where money and drama are the currency. The show does a great job of making the lives of its participants look glamorous and luxurious, but the truth is much different.
The participants are often wealthy and well-connected, but their lives are far from normal. They have a team of writers and producers crafting their storylines and creating drama. The conversations that take place on the program are often scripted and exaggerated, so much so that it's hard to tell what's real and what's not.
The Voice
"The Voice" is a popular reality show that claims to be about discovering undiscovered vocal talent. Contestants may enter with no prior experience or training, but they are still competing against people who have spent years perfecting their craft.
Audience members are asked to vote for their favorite contestant, but how can they possibly know who the best singer is? The judges are all famous singers in their own right, and they seem to be constantly at odds with each other, making great television. They are not there to find hidden singing talent. They are there to boost their celebrity status.
MasterChef USA
"MasterChef USA" is a cooking reality show that has been around for quite some time now. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as real as it claims to be. Plus, the contestants always seem to be able to make dishes in a matter of minutes that would take even the most experienced chef days or even weeks. It’s like they have a magical kitchen where they can just snap their fingers and the dish is done!
The show does provide some entertainment, and watching Gordon Ramsay yell at people is always fun. But if you’re looking for a reality cooking series, then MasterChef USA is not the one for you.
Chopped
"Chopped" is a popular cooking competition show on the Food Network, hosted by Ted Allen. Contestants compete for a chance to win $10,000 by preparing dishes using surprise ingredients in a limited amount of time. The show first aired in 2009. The program is where four amateur cooks compete against each other and a ticking clock to create a delicious dish with strange ingredients.
The ingredients are often pre-selected by the producers and the judges are hand-picked to be as biased as possible. Plus, the contestants are often coached by the producers to make sure they get the desired outcome.
Geordie Shore
"Geordie Shore" is a British reality show that follows a group of young adults who all live in the same house and party their way through their days and nights. But don't let the description fool you - there's nothing real about this show.
At first glance, it might seem like the series is all about the wild lifestyle of the young people living in the house. But the editing is the only thing wild about this. Every scene is carefully crafted to ensure that the drama and partying are always at their peak. Many of them are played by actors who are hired to portray a certain type of person.
Made in Chelsea
"Made in Chelsea" is a reality show that follows the lives of a group of wealthy, pampered young adults living in the affluent area of Chelsea, London. It’s a world of designer clothes, fancy restaurants, and glamorous parties.
The truth is that most of the cast members live in much more modest apartments than what's shown, and their jobs are often less glamorous than their lifestyles would suggest. With constant drama, it’s like they’re playing a game of chess, plotting and scheming against each other. So if you're looking for a program that accurately reflects the lives of the rich and famous, you might want to look elsewhere.
Alaskan Bush People
"Alaskan Bush People" is a reality show on the Discovery Channel that follows the Brown family, who claim to live an Alaskan bush life. This show is known for its exaggerated storylines and unbelievable plotlines, so it should come as no surprise that it's not true at all.
However, the Brown family lives in a mansion on a private island in Washington, and not in Alaska. Furthermore, the producers have been accused of staging events and situations to make them look more rugged and adventurous. The family has been accused of faking their native Alaskan accents for the program, as well as lying about their ages and backgrounds.
The Island
"The Island" is a popular reality show where a group of people are stranded on an island and must survive without any of the modern comforts of home. The show has been around for a few years and is a favorite of many viewers. However, those of us who pay attention to the details know that the program is not a true representation of what it would be like to be stranded on an island.
From upmarket seafood dishes to gourmet pizzas, the contestants are certainly well-fed. This is not only unrealistic but also very unrealistic. When you're stranded, you don't get to choose between sushi and pizza.