An anniversary, and three recommendations, plus a way to really stay up to date

July 15, 2019July 15, 2019

First, I just realized it’s been 10 months since I updated the updates part of the web site, which perhaps I should rename to “occasional news.”

While I don’t update this part of my site that much, I do send a weekly newsletter with links to my writing and also newsletter-only content, so if you like updates, you should subscribe here; it’s free!

On to the actual updates!

Last week, reality blurred turned 19. That number seems so large I can’t quite fathom what happened to those years, though I’m thankful I don’t have to pay for its college education.

I’m really enjoying—and recommend!—these three summer reality shows: Holey Moley, Love Island, and Press Your Luck.

A few other recent highlights:

I reviewed Facebook’s revival of The Real World.
I wrote about the disgraceful editing on CBS’ Big Brother.
I also profiled Big Brother’s production designer, who’s designed sets for other shows, such as RuPaul’s Drag Race and Guy’s Grocery Games.

Three magazine articles, one cheesy appearance

September 20, 2018

I’ve published three stories recently:

In Pacific Standard‘s September/October issue, my in-depth look at how humor can help persuade people—through the lens of the truTV show Adam Ruins Everything.
In Vulture, I explored about what the departure of Project Runway host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn means for the show, and whether reality show hosts matter more than formats.
For Grub Street, I reported on Netflix’s entrance into Food Network’s space. Who will win the food reality TV wars?
I discussed the Food Network/Netflix article on Cheddar Live. Watch the segment here.

A few recent reality TV show reviews

March 24, 2018

A few shows I’ve reviewed so far this year:

American Idol, now on ABC
Rose McGowan’s Citizen Rose
Tabatha Coffey’s Relative Success
A&E’s Undercover High
Netflix’s The Big Family Cooking Showdown

Same Trump, more consequence

April 27, 2017July 4, 2018

Before former Apprentice star Donald Trump reached 100 days in his presidency, The Washington Post asked me to write about Trump’s presidency as compared to his time on television.

Here’s the resulting essay:

Forget 100 days — we’ve been watching this Trump for years

What’s wrong with reality TV?

November 2, 2016November 2, 2016

The genre known as reality TV is suffering from a lack of breakout hits. Why? It comes down to one word: fear.

I explored that in a long feature story, which appeared on the cover of The Los Angeles Times’ Sunday Calendar section:

Why there is less reality TV on television this fall

And there are some outtakes that didn’t make it into the piece in a follow-up piece I wrote for reality blurred:

How fear has infected the reality TV industry

Lifetime’s UnReal may have been a one-season wonder

August 12, 2016August 12, 2016

One of my favorite scripted shows last year was Lifetime’s UnReal, which used the setting of a Bachelor-like show to satirize reality television and tell soapy stories starring two strong female protagonists.

When it returned for a second season, the show had lots its way, and the first season seemed like a distant memory. I wrote about that, and my review was cited in a Variety Q&A with UnReal’s creators.

Read the story, and let me know what you think, of my take and season two:

UnReal season two fails, as a drama and reality TV satire
A review of season two of Lifetime’s UnReal, which has lost its way in season two, and instead has become just like the worst of reality TV.

Reality TV relationships can work

March 15, 2016

For my first story in Pacific Standard, I explored the fascinating way reality television seems to have helped to marriages thrive, and explored research that suggests elements of reality shows can benefit all relationships.

‘Married at First Sight,’ Now in a Lasting Relationship: What couples who stick together after starring on reality TV can teach us about enduring romance

Read, listen, and watch, all about another great season of The Profit

February 21, 2016

CNBC’s The Profit just wrapped another season, and I reviewed the show and also talked about it on the radio. Check out the story, the podcast, and the show:

Stay informed about the best reality TV shows

February 15, 2016February 7, 2016

Last fall, I launched a new newsletter to help people keep up with the latest news in reality television—and, more importantly, the best shows. There are so, so many shows now that it’s impossible to watch them all, so I highlight the best (or sometimes, the weirdest, or funniest, or most dramatic).

Join me, will you? Subscribe here, free.

(No spam, I promise, and you can unsubscribe any time, of course—but I hope you will be with me for a long time!)

Reality TV in 2015

December 31, 2015February 7, 2016

At the end of the year, I looked back at the year in reality television:

I wrote about the best reality TV of 2015 on reality blurred.
I talked to Paul Harris on KTRS about the best—and worst—of the genre.

Happy New Year! I hope 2016 brings joy to you and yours.

Andy Dehnart

I tell the stories behind true stories.

Category: writing