All reality show and documentary TV reviews on reality blurred by TV critic Andy Dehnart. (Learn more about Andy.)
The Big Shot with Bethenny is not The Apprentice. It’s such a mess that it made me long for the original format, and we all know how that turned out. Sometimes her new series resembles the chaotic, unprofessional workplace of Bravo’s Flipping Out; sometimes it’s one of Bethenny Frankel’s Real Housewives’ spin-offs; and sometimes it’s like one of those flat, failed Apprentice clones from the late 2000s.
Independent Lens’s enthralling PBS documentary reality series Philly D.A. watches from inside to see what happens when someone tries to change the system.
Showtime’s phenomenal and perfect reality TV series Couples Therapy is back for an even-better second season, during which Dr. Orna Guralnik works with three new couples in New York City.
The Real World Homecoming: New York was perfect, a look back that was firmly grounded in today. It celebrated the original show while also offering something new. The Challenge: All Stars, not so much.
There is some drama, suspense, and tension in The Circle season two’s first four episodes. Yet it’s also very disposable reality TV.
The Masked Singer’s staged bits—like Kermit’s appearance, or Nick Cannon’s reappearance—have undermined the very-important foundation that’s holding up this entire ridiculous show.
Wipeout has been revived on TBS, and has actually managed to make Nicole Byer and John Cena appear dull while turning its obstacle courses into a collection of GIFs rather than a coherent episode.
