reality check

Also returning this week: MTV Floribama Shore’s drinking and partying, and PBS’ POV’s free, acclaimed documentaries, which starts with a movie that followed one family for eight years.

Summer has arrived, the days are long, I’m sweating, and reality television offers plenty of reasons to stay inside: almost 20 reality shows debut or return this week.

These five stories—and two bonus stories!—offer insight into reality TV shows and how they’re produced. They’re worth your time. Enjoy—and if you come across a must-read story, or you’ve written one, my inbox is always open! The Most Hated Bachelor in America Explains Himself Rebecca Nelson profiles Arie Luyendyk Jr. for GQ, and covers everything from… continue reading

26 reality shows debut this week, including Chopped (with Martha Stewart), The $100,000 Pyramid, Food Network Star, Who’s Line is it Anyway?.

American Ninja Warrior, Beat Shazam, America’s Got Talent and other big summer shows are among those making their returns this week.

Bachelorette 2 star Meredith Phillips said on Reality Steve’s podcast that she was given a drug and sexually assaulted during production.

Ahead this week: Rose McGowan’s E! series returns, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding will be preceded by several specials, and there’s a new crafting challenge for kids.

The month-long Vanderpump Rules reunion starts tonight, the producers of Big Brother bring back their live stunt series, and more reality TV debuting this week.

American Idol and Dancing with the Stars: Athletes are airing shorter-than-usual seasons, and they’re wonderful. Time for other reality competitions to follow.

A round-up of news stories from the past few months, all of which focus on reality TV shows or people who’ve appeared on reality shows.

A look at what’s ahead on reality TV this week, including the final season of Welcome to Sweetie Pies and a new season of Naked and Afraid XL. Plus: Drag Race Thailand comes to the US.

Besides the start of RHOBH’s reunion, there’s a new game show for couples hosted by Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen, plus documentaries about Rachel Dolezal and Wendell Berry.

Also this week: an obstacle course spin-off for Forged in Fire, plus a new season of Netflix’s Dope and an entire week of weed-themed shows on Viceland because of 4/20.

Also this week: Chef’s Table and Worst Cooks in America return, Bravo shows Southern Charm New Orleans and Sell it Like Serhant debut, and more.