How Survivor producers stole an advantage & recreate scenes • Amazing Race...
Dear newsletter friends,
It's the time of year when suddenly it feels like the year is almost over. I don't want to erase two months, but November and December tend to move quickly for me.
That's why I've never fully done NaNoWriMo in the past (good luck to those of you who are!).
Anyway, the end of the year means I start thinking ahead to the new year, and that means asking for your help with my annual feedback survey.
If you have a few minutes, could you please answer these 10 quick questions? I appreciate it!
And now, on with what I covered this week...
🔥 Survivor and Amazing Race
I checked in on The Amazing Race 35 at mid-season:
I recapped Survivor 45 episode 6:
Survivor’s spectacular merge episode needed this one change to make it even better
And wrote two behind-the-scenes stories:
🗓️ This week's premieres
The week's reality premieres include Planet Earth III; Love Island Games; and new seasons of The Real Housewives of Miami, Selling Sunset, and Ink Master.
Documentaries on TV this week included The War on Disco; McConnell, The GOP & The Court; and NFL Icons: Charles Woodson.
💬 Comments of the week
For me, Big Brother US became unwatchable (Seasons 19-22) due to the pervasive racism, sexism, etc. even though I was a big fan of the franchise ( my favourite is BBUK). After casting diversified the cast on Season 23 I was able to watch the show again and enjoy it. (Sadly though although racism is greatly lessened due to casting and strict anti-racist policies, misogyny still is very prevalent).
The evolution of Big Brother in the past 5 years demonstrates the importance of diversified casting as key part of a anti-racist agenda. Thank you to those in casting who are understanding this and providing representation for so many groups who have been marginalized in the past!
—Eveline, on this interview
I'm glad they decided to entertain their actual audience once again. It's a boon to fans and it serves as an example to those in the TV industry that viewers often actually do understand what they want out of a program. They don't have to be told or steered.
—Whitlock, on this review
🗞️ Reality TV news
The blockbuster expose on Real Housewives, with some wild details
Below Deck’s David Bradberry sued Abercrombie & Fitch
Dancing with the Stars pros Lacey Schwimmer and Cheryl Burke discussed Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Louis van Amstel's public body shaming of them
Food Network renewed Bobby's Triple Threat
Also in the news:
Max announced The Jinx Part Two is coming next year. Do we need a Jinx Part Two? Of course not. Did anyone ask that question? Of course not.
Former American Ninja Warrior star Drew Drechsel was scheduled to be sentenced last week (he already pled guilty), but so far, there's been no word in court documents about what happened.
Show updates:
There will be a Dance Moms reunion on Lifetime next year
Magnolia Network is developing four new shows, including Human vs. Hamster (which is exactly what it sounds like), a roller skating competition, and a show that is basically like 1900 House except set in the 1800s.
Schitt's Creek star Jennifer Robertson will host CBC's The Great Canadian Pottery Throw-Down, while Seth Rogen will be a guest judge, in addition to producing through his production company.
🤩 I recommend
This joyous competition, which is heading to Canada
This weird competition, renewed for a third season
This game show, which CBS just pulled off its schedule
That's it for this week! See you back in your inbox next Friday.
best,
Andy
🌄 This is issue 360 of reality blurred’s weekly newsletter, first sent on 3 November 2023, and it's trying MiniNano this year
📸 Photo of an owl flying by Richard Lee