The best new reality show of the 2023 is already here
Dear newsletter friends,
A major milestone in reality TV history occurred this week, and involved a show I'd never heard of when I started reality blurred in 2000.
The show: An American Family, which turned 50 on Wednesday. It directly inspired The Real World, and we know what happened after that! More reality TV! 🎉
I wrote a commemoration of it—and in particular, its break-out star, Lance Loud, and how he did something that we need even more today just by being himself.
This essay got a little personal for me, and I do hope you read it!
And if you've never seen An American Family—or just want to revisit it!—I included links to clips. It's of its time, but still remarkably compelling.
Okay, on to newer stuff!
The Traitors
I reviewed:
The Traitors, which is absolutely outstanding—and my review is spoiler-free! (Be careful when Googling the show, though, since all 10 episodes dropped Thursday.)
I interviewed:
Cirie, Stephenie, and Cody about The Traitors (no spoilers)
I will recap the show's 10 episodes in two batches of five, with the first recap piece out this weekend. I look forward to talking with you about it!
News & this week
I recapped:
In reality TV news:
Claim to Fame was officially renewed! I'm a fan so I'm thrilled it's coming back
The new Jeopardy! Masters will have these six winners facing off
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Jen Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison, or 6.5 years, after pleading guilty last summer to "conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing"
The claim that Netflix's Kaleidoscope was based on a true story? Total bullshit, as Best Evidence reports. I did love the show, though!
Here are the:
reality TV shows that premiered this week besides The Traitors
specials and docs on TV, such as The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker and I Didn't See You There
🤩 I recommend
This show, without question or hesitation. It's fantastic!
These four podcasts, or three new podcasts and one new episode, really
Watching Phil Keoghan try to produce his dad
That's everything for this week. Have a fantastic weekend!
best,
Andy
🌄 This is issue 321 of reality blurred’s weekly newsletter, first sent 13 January 2023, and it is faithful to The Traitors.
📸 Photo of a blue jay on snow by Amy Reed