This chapter explores the restrictive contracts and conditions faced by reality TV show contestants, including giving up personal belongings and being unable to leave the set without permission. It also delves into the manipulative tactics of producers to exploit contestants' triggers and insecurities, leading to negative impacts on mental health.
Taking cues from striking actors and writers, reality TV stars are lobbying for better treatment from networks like Bravo and Netflix.
This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sam Sanders.
If you liked this episode, check out Sam’s pop culture podcast Into It from Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/intoit-tex
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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