Why cable TV is dead • Survivor's auction • holiday shows • The Apprentice
Dear newsletter friends,
Greetings on this muggy Friday morning. It’s been a week/month/year/decade, huh?
I don’t have any insight to offer into the reelection of a former reality TV host.
What I do have is gratitude for you.
We're a community of reality TV fans—smart, savvy, and funny people with a range of opinions and ideas about what we watch together—never mind the world itself!
And I know we’re all here for each other, especially in times that feel cold and dark for some of us.
In the 1990s, reality TV gave me an escape and lifeline as a closeted teenager. Today, I hope the shows we watch and discuss—and my writing about them—can do the same for you here, in a digital space where all people are welcome—well, all people who welcome all people. 😆
I absolutely love that we come together around our shared love for this corner of pop culture, in a space where we support each other as human beings who are worthy of happiness, safety, and love.
Thanks for being here. 💜
📺 A producer’s perspective
I interviewed reality producer Patrick Caligiuri, who you may know as Producer Patrick on social media, where he shares behind-the-scenes stories and insight about the industry.
We talked about:
cable TV’s death this summer
what NDAs cover up
why good producers wait, they don’t manipulate
and so much more! Read the full interview.
🔨 Recaps and reviews
🐛 Survivor 47:
Behind the scenes:
Meet Survivor’s tailor, who creates things like bags, flags, and that giant gecko
The origin of Survivor’s theme song, and why its composer left the show
🏔️ The Summit:
⛵️ Below Deck Sailing Yacht:
🔪 True crime
The former host of The Apprentice has won another term as president of the United States, so it may be a good time—or the worst time!—to watch this film.
But it’s always a good time to read Sarah’s analysis:
A review of the film The Apprentice: Killer means winner
📚 Need a distraction instead? Do some reading!
Browse true-crime books — and get 15% off with that link 🎉💰
🗓️ Reality TV premieres
Shows that premiered this week include Holiday Baking Championships, Christmas Cookie Challenge, and Holiday Wars—how is it that time of year already?!—plus Eat, Slay, Love; a new season of Gold Rush; and Love Village, a show on which older people date.
Specials and docs included what Netflix describes as “intimate access to” colossal assholes Jake Paul and Mike Tyson before they punch each other live on Nov. 15; The Real Housewives of Orange County’s reunion; and San Diego: America’s Wildest City.
💬 Comments of the week
On this recap, Parker wrote:
Poor Tiyana didn’t even make the caption for the group photo above. Bad week for her.
On this review, Claire wrote:
Like you, I think Kobek’s should really be the last word on the Zodiac, so I was not planning on watching this at all. I’m glad you pointed out the value in this one.
On this recap, Geri wrote:
Am I the only person who is thrilled Pati has FINALLY been cut loose. Yes, I liked her personality, but week after week my husband and I have been screaming at the cast to use their common sense and vote her out. For the life of me it makes no sense why they aren’t cutting the SLOOOOOOW players.
🗞️ Reality TV news
Nick Brown, a former US attorney and cast member on Survivor: The Australian Outback, was elected Washington state's attorney general on Tuesday. He's also the first Black man in the role; he previously told TheGrio, “I love the idea of making history. Not just to be the first but to bring perspective as a Black man to the office to try to improve the way that we do justice in this state.”
Food Network chef and star Tobias Dorzon was shot by people using semiautomatic handguns during a robbery in Maryland on Tuesday night. Thankfully, he "has already recovered well," a county councilmember said on Instagram.
Police said the suspects “attempted to rob a man and woman as they returned from dinner," The New York Daily News reported, noting that police "were now looking for five suspects spotted in a white SUV with a sunroof."
The Amazing Race 33 and Unlocking the Truth’s Ryan Ferguson—the activist who was convicted of a murder he didn't commit and incarcerated for 10 years—won his lawsuit against an insurance company, and a jury awarded $38 million.
Josh Altman is quitting Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles after 11 seasons, telling People that he and Heather are “just at that point in our lives where our family comes first and our kids are growing up so fast.”
Coincidentally, Josh Altman is the reason I quit MDLLA! (I just couldn’t stand his bad acting and mugging for the camera.)
🤩 I recommend
These 6 classic Bravo shows, for escapist, comfort TV. Well, if Tabatha Coffey yelling at people counts as comfort!
This show, about how art has the power to change the world, streaming free
Reading Producer Patrick’s insights
Trashing any black plastic spatulas because they might be made out of recycled electronics and leaching flame-retardant chemicals into your food 🤢
That’s this week! Next week: a review of Finding Mr. Christmas, a story editor’s insight into the impact of a show’s cancellation, and more.
best,
Andy
🌄 This is issue 396 of reality blurred’s weekly newsletter, first sent on 8 November 2024, and it thanks you for being here, and for being you.