The problem with “open secrets”
Also this week: Netflix tackles the Corby toxic waste scandal and polyamory admin.
ByReality TV
The paradox of Molly-Mae Hague
The influencer can post hundreds of pictures of her life online, and still avoid sharing her real self.
By
I love the Traitors – but hate its cliffhanger endings
The show’s teasing, abrupt credit rolls just make me feel cheated. In the age of streaming, the TV cliffhanger should…
By
The complaint that could change reality TV
The National Labor Relations Board’s case against Netflix series Love is Blind could have significant impacts across the industry
By
The dark heart of Strictly Come Dancing
The show, once celebrated for its wholesomeness, is now emblematic of an uncomfortable truth in TV entertainment.
By
The decline of wedding reality TV
The highly anticipated release of Love Is Blind UK has met a surprisingly tepid response. Is this the death of the…
By
The reality TV rehabilitation machine
Controversial celebrities from Matt Hancock to Alec Baldwin are turning to the genre to transform their public image. Is it…
By
The Jury: Murder Trial and the misogyny of the British public
This disquieting Channel 4 series reveals the shocking way some men still talk about women.
By
Is The Traitors really “ethical reality TV”?
All reality TV is just fun and games – until it isn’t.
By
The problem with The Rehearsal and Jury Duty
An emerging genre blurs the lines between reality TV and scripted comedy. But who is the butt of the joke?
By
The rise of reality star documentaries
Former cast members from Love Island or Made in Chelsea have a new route to relevance – presenting “serious” factual…
By
How Alison Hammond charmed Britain
The new Great British Bake Off presenter’s greatest strength is that she never seems to be presenting at all.
By
Even Claudia Winkleman can’t make The Traitors watchable
The BBC’s latest stab at a reality show, with a murder mystery-style twist, is a convoluted extravaganza of tedium.
By
The pandemic was a communal trauma, and we need culture to help us process it
I loathed the idea of lockdown novels or TV. In its own tragicomic way I’m a Celebrity has changed my…
By
Matt Hancock is sanitising his image on I’m A Celebrity. Everyone watching is complicit
Hancock is shamelessly deflecting from his political record by cheerfully eating worms on camera – and the British public are…
By
Matt Hancock joins “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”… and loses the whip
The disgraced former health secretary was running for chair of the Treasury Select Committee just 24 hours before.
By
How Married At First Sight became the biggest reality franchise in the world
Why the TV show is a breakout hit in 14 different countries.
By
Will this be the most feral Love Island yet?
For years, we have lamented Love Island as commercialised and insincere. But after the past 15 months, who actually cares?
By
The secrets that make The Circle the best reality show on television
On paper, The Circle shouldn't work. So how did it become TV's most unique reality series?
By