So Reality TV Is Bougie Now

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When it was revealed that Mike White would be coming back to the Survivor show for its 50th season, there was quite a lot of surprise within the entertainment industry.

From a contestant on the reality show Survivor in 2018 (who also participated in The Amazing Race 14 with his father in 2009), to an Emmy-winning mastermind behind prestigious TV series like HBO’s The White Lotus, was seen as the epitome of a Hollywood success story. But returning to the island? That’s like swapping a first-class ticket for a confined seat in economy class, isn’t it? Even the show’s producer and host, Jeff Probst, seemed taken aback by this decision. (Probst commented on CBS Mornings in May, “I thought, ‘Well, he’ll never play again [after The White Lotus]’.”)

However, White’s action symbolizes a broader shift in the entertainment industry. Just as the boundary has vanished for A-list actors performing on both films and television (as seen in every Taylor Sheridan production), performers are now transcending the line between scripted and unscripted performances. This transformation is redefining the perception of stardom among viewers, and perhaps even Emmy voters.

Ponder over the growing number of actors who are no longer hesitant to participate in reality television shows, much like Alec Baldwin and Sylvester Stallone venturing into Kardashian-esque documentary series (their shows being The Baldwins and The Family Stallone, respectively), Selena Gomez hosting a cooking program (Selena + Chef) or Martin Short becoming the game show host (Match Game)).

Consider the growing number of talents that have transitioned from reality TV into scripted roles, such as former reality star Kim Kardashian appearing in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story,” or “American Idol” graduates excelling beyond expectations, with stars like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson dominating daytime television, and breakout Jackie Tohn making a name for herself as a top scripted talent, first on “GLOW” and this season on “Nobody Wants This,” potentially earning Emmy nominations.

As a gamer, I’m seeing the walls between scripted and unscripted content crumbling left and right. It’s no longer about who’s on top; it’s about finding ways to be present in all these diverse realms. What truly matters is how my passion can guide me to navigate across them effectively. (Sydney Kobil, WME nonscripted TV agent)

There were several significant factors that contributed to this situation. Notably, celebrities are becoming increasingly skilled at establishing their own production companies. These endeavors frequently involve them in unscripted productions, even if they don’t appear on camera (as was the case with Oscar winner Emma Stone executive producing HBO’s recent documentary The Yogurt Shop Murders). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 writers strike may have blurred the lines between different genres. As Kobil explains, “Because people weren’t able to work in their usual spaces, they had to explore new ones.

While it’s true that reality TV has managed to shake off some of its lesser-regarded image, as the response to White’s situation shows. Considering that White is currently stranded on an island during Emmy nomination season, one might question whether this choice could impact his chances with voters. Even a three-time winner like him missed a recognition event in Los Angeles to jet off to Fiji for the “Survivor” filming. In a video message, he humorously explained, “I’m sorry I couldn’t attend, but these days, this is how I get my vacation.

White’s move strays from the path of celebrities like Stallone and Baldwin with reality shows, as these seemed more like money-making ventures and exploiting a format that often showcases calculated artificiality and self-promotion (Stallone’s Paramount+ series received decent reviews, but it’s been waiting for months to secure a third season renewal, while Baldwin’s TLC project was promptly canceled).

Instead of White participating in ‘Survivor’, it signifies a relinquishment of control that could potentially tarnish his prestigious reputation (especially when compared to other reality TV competitors). Some might even view this as a descent into less noble pursuits. However, there’s an undeniably rebellious allure in abandoning highbrow award politics for the chance to endure public embarrassment on a game show, competing for a prize money that likely pales in comparison to his annual earnings from his HBO drama. White himself has expressed his fascination with ‘Survivor’ to ‘The New Yorker’, stating “I still feel like, even on the most contrived reality show, the people are human and they’re more interesting than some of the most well-scripted drama.

Let’s discuss another significant development that’s made the distinction between scripted and unscripted content less clear: The increasing popularity of digital media such as YouTube, TikTok, and podcasting. Traditional Reality TV now appears more polished and glamorous in contrast to the free-spirited wildness of digital content creation, especially among younger viewers. Today’s concept of fame has expanded so much and encompasses various mediums that many people view a Survivor contestant and a White Lotus actor as simply two celebrities lounging on beaches, not too dissimilar from each other.

Initially, this tale was published in the independent June edition of The Hollywood Reporter’s magazine. If you’d like to get the magazine, you can do so by clicking here to subscribe.

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2025-06-18 21:55