30+ Behind-the-Scenes Facts From Our Favorite Reality TV Shows

Netflix // Squid Game: The Challenge

Reality TV burst onto our screens with MTV’s The Real World in the early 1990s. Fast forward to today, and talent shows and ‘documentaries’ like America’s Got Talent and The Kardashians rule the airwaves, even if we all know they’re as fake as WWE wrestling. So join us as former contestants, crew members, and industry insiders spill the beans on all the best behind-the-scenes secrets from your favorite reality TV shows.

The Kardashians

The Kardashian family made $100 million for their latest Hulu series. But did you know that the notorious family has a list of behind-the-scenes secrets? Kris Jenner keeps a stack of NDAs by her front door.

The Kardashians // Hulu

Kendall has a strict rule about how long she dates someone before they appear on the show, and the girls have the final say on what makes the final cut! Kris Jenner has revealed she tells editors, “Take that out, my hair looks like sh*t.’ I’m too vain to leave really ugly, ugly angles in.”

The Bachelor

Did you know that The Bachelor and The Bachelorette producers purposefully cast villains and keep them in to cause friction? Execs also ensure the most popular contestants from going home. But don’t take it from us; take it from author and Los Angeles Times pop culture journalist Amy Kauffman’s book.

The Bachelor // ABC

Bachelor Nation states that former exec producer Scott Jefferies would tell popular participants, “We’d like you to keep this one because she’s good for TV, and this other one we’d like you to get to know better.”

Jersey Shore

Everyone knows that Jersey Shore and its various spin-offs are semi-scripted. But did you know that producers rule the show with an iron fist? Series regulars are not allowed any contact with the outside world, are forbidden from passing notes to each other, and have to ask permission to leave the set.

Jersey Shore // MTV

Fan favorite Snooki once said they’d have no idea if the president passed away! Snooki also once confessed that filming Jersey Shore was like “being in jail for two months.”

The Masked Singer (UK)

Fans called “fix” when the judges correctly identified legendary singer Dionne Warwick during her first episode of The Masked Singer (UK). Disguised as “Weather,” the 83-year-old performed on New Year’s Eve 2023, but the celebrity judges quickly saw through her disguise.

The Masked Singer (UK) // ITV Studios

Dionne said, “It’s kind of hard to disguise my voice, unfortunately, in this case, and they recognized my voice, there’s nothing I can do about that.” But the reality is she only signed up for one episode. And, yes, she left left under a cloud!