The end of June brought us these reality TV gifts!
Dear newsletter friends,
Confession: I cannot stop watching Below Deck! I just rediscovered it, and it's on in the background as I type.
The Bravo show premiered a a decade ago tomorrow, and I watched some back then, but other shows took preference, I guess.
Work-related drama, rich people behaving like monstrous assholes, all very low-stakes—it's perfect low-stakes TV.
I'll write more about it, but for now I just want to appreciate it.
Reality TV is there for us, whether it's a 10-year-old show or the absolute shock of the premiere of a new show. Speaking of...
😍 Reviews and recaps
A review + recap:
ABC's Claim to Fame season 2, which had an absolutely WILD ending (spoilers are at separated at the end, if you haven't yet watched)
Two reviews:
A recap and 👀 interview:
The joy of bleeding pandas—and Project Runway’s unconventional materials challenge
My interview with the eliminated designer, who has some thoughts about Christian as a mentor
🗞️ Reality TV news
I published my June round-up of newsworthy and interesting links:
🗓️ Coming up
I sent a preview of this week and next week's reality TV to you on Sunday, so I won't duplicate that, but two things of note:
🚨 Starting Saturday, PlutoTV is adding 24/7 streaming channels for:
Antiques Roadshow
Hollywood Squares
Next week, I'll review/recap:
The new Tough As Nails season, which starts Sunday
Hack My Home, which will be on Netflix next Friday
💬 Comments of the week
The Padma video made my day, especially with Kristin Kish looking awkward and like she might want to dance but she just can’t be sure. Oh, and Amar eating.
—John, on this story
That meltdown was wild! I felt bad for her until she continued screaming after moving inside. Then I laughed and couldn’t stop
—Patrica, on this recap
🤩 I recommend
This show, and the bonkers conclusion to the premiere
This show, for the host and format
I hope the end of June and start of July bring some reality TV delight to you, and happy Fourth of July to those in the States!
best,
Andy
🌄 This is issue 343 of reality blurred’s weekly newsletter, first sent 30 June 2023, and it wants more camera time, too
📸 Photo of a lake in Finland by Vivian K