Following the shocking finale of ‘Bachelorette,’ most Americans believe reality TV has gone too far
Three in five Americans believe reality TV shows have gone too far, according to a new study.
A new survey of 2,000 people examined people’s perceptions of reality TV shows, and the results show that many feel unscripted shows take too many liberties in monetizing contestants’ traumatic moments.
Respondents were asked whether they felt reality shows had pushed contestants’ personal pain too far into entertainment, and just over half (57%) believe that has been the case.
The survey, conducted by Talker Research, comes after the controversial season 21 finale of “Bachelorette,” in which star Jenn Tran was forced to watch her engagement break up live on television.
The episode sparked a backlash from fans on social media, with online conversations questioning the ethics surrounding the network’s decision to air the incident.
The survey results show that half of Americans (56%) surveyed believe that reality show producers should be responsible for the mental health of participants.
Half of millennials surveyed (46%) said they are reconsidering watching the “Bachelor”/”Bachelorette” franchise, and 45% said the Tran incident made them reflect on the reality shows they watch.
“Viewers sympathize with reality show contestants,” said Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and reality show consultant. “But would they watch these shows if they were as warm and caring as the ones that put contestants in the most humiliating situations?”
Lieberman said that in addition to changing viewers’ minds about what they consider entertainment, other improvements should be made. “A good start would be to provide post-crisis care to participants in their hometown, rather than rushing them off the set and into cars to the airport.”
Asked what additional policy changes Lieberman would like to see implemented to protect reality show contestants, he said, “Reality show contestant contracts basically say that the production company is not responsible for anything that goes wrong, for anything the contestant doesn’t expect, or for any damage to their reputation or life. But it says this in veiled language, while dangling the promise of fame and fortune as a carrot.”
Lieberman went on to explain: “Reality shows should do more to assess the mental health of potential contestants. Some shows have a consulting psychiatrist, but most do not.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans from the general population; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between September 6 and September 11, 2024.
