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Reality TV shows claim to be real, but how much of it actually is? All these dramatic dating shows and high-stakes competitions - some of them feel totally unscripted, while others seem just a little too perfect. We’ve gathered 26 popular reality TV shows, and now it’s your turn to judge them. Do you think they’re really real, somewhat authentic, or completely staged? 

Cast your vote and let’s see what people really think about reality TV! 📺

#1

Hell’s Kitchen

Chef in a white uniform on "Hell's Kitchen" promo, arms crossed, with the text "Heads Will Roll" and fiery background.

A. Smith & Co. Productions Report

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    #2

    The Amazing Race

    “The Amazing Race logo with globe and yellow airplanes highlights TV show authenticity theme.”

    Jerry Bruckheimer Films Report

    #3

    The Great British Bake Off

    Host smiling on "The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice" set, surrounded by baked goods.

    Love Productions Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sad to see so many failing to realise that this one is the exception - regular watchers will know it's pretty much all genuine, with just the very occasional touch of added drama, but that's only in the presenting, not the events unfolding on screen.

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    #4

    Man vs. Wild

    "Man vs. Wild host climbing a cliff, showcasing survival tactics in a rugged outdoor setting, aired on Discovery Channel."

    Diverse Productions Report

    Michael P.
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Les Stroud is a thousand times better than Bear Grylls. If you ever watched "Survivorman", he can survive anywhere with minimal supplies and no camera crew. Whether its the Canadian boreal forests to the Amazon rainforest to the Australian outback.

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    #5

    Below Deck

    "Below Deck TV show promotional image with man using binoculars reflecting ocean activities."

    51 Minds Entertainment Report

    Ixanga Cancun
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live on the island where it was filmed in the Caribbean. The boat had the owner's engineer (never seen)actually running the boat. When they were filming the bar scenes they turned on bright lights and wouldn't allow music because of copyright All the cast with exception of the captain and the chef were actors trying to break in to tv. They used to make them go over scenes like eating a plate of food and chatting endless times, suggesting what they could say. The crew were totally snotty, but the cast used to drink and occasionally chat to us locals. One night a scene went on being filmed so long a guy got really drunk, fell off a swing and had to go to hospital. It was in the show and it was real!

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    #6

    Storage Wars

    "Cast of a TV show holding cash with floating bills, showcasing themes of authenticity and reality."

    Original Productions Report

    Bogdan C
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some bits are scripted! I read articles where producers acknowledged they put valuable items in storage spaces for certain buyers to find, but stated that some times what they found was actually real and not staged!

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    #7

    Married At First Sight

    Man in tuxedo with hand over eyes; text reads "Married at First Sight." TV show authenticity concept.

    Kinetic Content Report

    #8

    Shark Tank

    Cast of reality TV show standing on a floor covered with money, promoting new season.

    Sony Pictures Television Report

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    #10

    The Bachelor

    Collage of scenes from "The Bachelor," focusing on the show's authenticity and memorable moments.

    Warner Horizon Report

    BeKind&Rewind
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They should rename this show to "How to get la!d 20 ways to Sunday"

    #11

    90 Day Fiancé

    Couple posing in front of large illuminated "90" sign for TV show 90 Day Fiancé.

    Sharp Entertainment Report

    #12

    Duck Dynasty

    Cast of Duck Dynasty emerging from giant eggs, posed creatively against a rustic background.

    Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This has to be scripted. There's no way that many people can be that stupid.

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    #13

    The Voice

    Four judges from "The Voice" standing together, dressed in formal attire, in front of the show's logo.

    ITV America Report

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    #14

    Rupaul’s Drag Race

    "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars promotional image, featuring drag queen in turquoise outfit; new season streaming May 17."

    World of Wonder Report

    #15

    Mountain Men

    Ice-covered face with the words "Mountain Men" and "Stay Wild," assessing TV show authenticity.

    Warm Springs Productions Report

    #16

    Deadliest Catch

    "Deadliest Catch Season 8 cover showing a fishing boat battling rough seas, emphasizing TV show authenticity."

    Original Productions Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can't have the ocean quit when you yell "cut".

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    #17

    Cops

    Police car lights with "COPS" text, related to TV show authenticity.

    Fox Entertainment Report

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    #18

    Bonus Round: WWE

    Wrestling superstars posing, showcasing authenticity of TV shows.

    Europosters Report

    #19

    Survivor

    Show host stands with arms crossed in front of island backdrop for TV series "Survivor."

    MGM Television Report

    Summer Days
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't believe it's scripted, can you script all of the injuries, etc.? Yeah it has some editing, but scripted? Idk

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    #20

    Alone

    Authenticity: TV show "Alone" poster featuring a roaring grizzly bear.

    Leftfield Pictures Report

    Noname
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe that this is definitely real as each contestant is actually alone, equipped with a couple of cameras that they have to use to document their daily actions (hunting, gathering, building their shelter) and they get a wellness check every week (with camera crew) to determine if they are healthy enough to continue. They're not given any information about the status of other contestants, and are placed in areas far from the others so the only drama is their own travails and emotional state. If they feel they can't mentally manage, or get sick or injured, they have a satellite phone to call the producer and "tap out". It's an impressive program because these are tried and true survivalists who have to prove their bushcraft and hunting skills before being considered as a contestant (and some have YouTube channels demonstrating their skills). Sure, they're also chosen for their personality on camera, but otherwise I feel this is an authentic show.

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    #21

    Too Hot To Handle

    Young cast of "Too Hot to Handle" in swimwear, lounging by a tropical pool, showcasing TV show authenticity.

    Thames Report

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    #22

    Selling Sunset

    Reality TV show Selling Sunset cast posing in front of a modern house.

    Done and Done Productions Report

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    #23

    Love Island

    Group of contestants on the beach for "Love Island Games" TV show, promoting reality TV authenticity.

    ITV Studios Report

    #24

    Big Brother

    TV show host in a red dress for "Big Brother" promotional image, with digital background.

    Endemol Shine Group Report

    #25

    Love Is Blind

    Woman in pink dress at a purple-lit wall with the title "Love is Blind Season 5" promoting TV show authenticity.

    Kinetic Content Report

    and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We’re watching Love is Blind Mexico in Spanish class lmfao. It is… very much not honest.

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    #26

    The Real Housewives

    Cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills posing glamorously in elegant dresses.

    Evolution Media Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think it's exactly scripted, but the producers do egg on drama and want the cast to fight. If someone is being too neutral or refusing to get in on the drama, they are not coming back for the next season, or quickly cut from the show.

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    #27

    The Kardashians

    Six women pose elegantly for a promotional image of a TV show, featuring the keyword "TV shows."

    Bunim Murray Productions Report