Trigger Warning: violence and sexual assault
For years, reality TV shows have been a relatively socially acceptable outlet for human interest. Viewers will watch strangers marry in weeks or throw drinks in each other’s faces. There’s no question why people watch these episodes unfold that are so far from reality. Yet, how often do viewers consider the interworking of how these shows are made and if these people, who bring us so much entertainment, are treated fairly?
Reality shows are a magnet for lawsuits whether they’re of the survival variety or not. Big Brother is a reality competition show that was popular in the early 2000s. In 2002, Big Brother contestant Krista Segall sued CBS for allowing Justin Sebik on the show who held a knife to her throat and spoke about killing her. According to The Guardian, Sebik had been arrested on charges of assault twice before appearing on the show, which a quick background check would have told producers. He was removed from the show due to threatening behavior. She sought reimbursement for counseling after the event, a resource not uncommon for former reality show contestants.
Reality dating shows have captured the interest of many over the last few years. A particularly popular one is Love is Blind, where two people get engaged before meeting in person. After a former season two contestant, Jeremy Hartwell, sued Netflix for lack of mental health support and inhumane working conditions, contestant Danielle Ruhl confirmed her experiences with a similar issue.
Ruhl said she disclosed her mental health history in the screening for the show including a suicide attempt. According to Rolling Stone, Ruhl said two producers pressured her to stay on the show after sharing that filming was worsening her anxiety. She remained on Love is Blind through the full season due to the $50,000 fine for leaving.
Contestants on Love is Blind and many other reality dating shows are also contractually obligated to participate in reunion episodes for up to three years after their original season.
TV producer, Chris Coelen, said they wouldn’t have continued to film with Ruhl had she told producers about suicidal ideation. However, fans find it hard to believe that the producers weren’t aware of her mental health struggles when the released footage of the show included Ruhl experiencing various forms of mental distress such as panic attacks.
“Some [reality TV shows] feel very scripted and others are like directly seeing someone’s life, which feels like invading their personal space,” said Lola Gibbons, a senior at Ida B. Wells High School.
In later seasons, the $50,000 penalty was removed and contestants were free to leave the show at any time.
While dating shows are often associated with high-end living conditions and exotic vacations, the working conditions aren’t always ideal. “From the outside, it looks like they probably have a great hotel room they’re staying at,” said Maddie Pillsbury, a sophomore at IBW and Real Housewives enjoyer.
According to former Love is Blind contestants, filming days often last up to 20 hours, not to mention their sleeping arrangements don’t always match what you see on screen. In the first season of Love is Blind, female contestants were instructed to sleep in an RV with cockroaches before being moved to a hotel. Contestants also spoke of limited availability of food leading to kitchen conflicts.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, season one contestant, Danielle Drouin said, “The sleep deprivation was real. I feel like they did it on purpose because they’re trying to break you. They want you to feel on edge.”
Survival shows prove to have physical consequences. For example, Squid Game: The Challenge, a reality competition show based on the Squid Game drama, ended with multiple contestants considering legal action for their injuries. According to NPR, these alleged injuries included hypothermia. This is likely due to the limited warmth of their uniforms in the cold conditions.
These shows need to have more health and safety regulations on set, not to mention preventative measures for sexual violence.
In 2023, season five Love is Blind contestant, Tran Dang sued Kinetic Content and Delirium TV for sexual assault and negligence. Dang’s filing against the Love is Blind producers accused them of having recorded content of Thomas Smith sexually assaulting her.
In a joint statement, Kinetic Content and Delirium TV wrote, “We document the independent choices of adults who volunteer to participate in a social experiment.” While Dang may have signed a contract to be filmed, she did not sign off on sexual violence. This is just one of many examples of victim blaming within the reality TV industry.
This leads to the question, “What about unions?” There are hundreds of reality shows, but according to Stevie Meicke, a SAG-AFTRA senior director, a lot of reality TV show contestants are not covered as performers in the contract. Due to the fact that contestants play themselves on TV, they are not considered performers.
In 2023, Bethenny Frankel, a former Real Housewives contestant, encouraged reality stars to strike and unionize. A union could require safer working conditions and limit NDAs that prevent contestants from sharing negative experiences during the filming process. However, this rough concept has yet to become a norm in the reality TV industry.
Harmful treatment is not limited to contestants. In 2017, Becky Steenhoek, a former producer for The Bachelor, sued Warner Bros. producers for sexual harassment. According to Vanity Fair, Steenhoek said that after complaining about sexual questions from her coworkers, she was cut from production meetings and eventually terminated.
Ultimately, the entertainment we get from reality television comes at the expense of the mental or physical health of the stars. With long filming days, limited food and a lack of mental health resources most would not be acting stable. What makes these shows so entertaining to watch is the lack of common sense held by those being filmed. For reality television to be an ethical form of media, working conditions need to improve significantly.
