“Reality TV is half reality, half entertainment.”
The most disappointing thing for me about the show I was a part of was that all of us shared our stories, but none of the really interesting things made it to air. There were stories of breast cancer survival, stories of being a part of a cult as a child and breaking free and heartbreaking personal stories that ended in courage and triumph. I personally shared the story of losing my mum when she was very young, and a very violent relationship I was in for a couple of years. Instead of any of these stories being shown, what aired on TV were very superficial interactions that meant very little.
Inevitably after every single reality show airs, someone complains about how they were made to look because of editing. I am not one of those people. Did the Australian public get a true idea of who I am? No. They did get to see one part of my personality, a very serious side that likes very honest and deep conversation. They saw a side to me that showed I wasn’t there on the show waiting for some man (any man) to pick me. They saw that I was there to see if there was a real connection on both sides. What they didn’t see was the funny, easy-going part of my personality. The part of me that laughs at every possible moment, the part of my personality that is self deprecating and sarcastic. The part of my personality that is just plain hilarious. I was a bit disappointed by the fact that people didn’t necessarily understand me but there was nothing shown that I didn’t say or do, or that I was ashamed or embarrassed by.
I’m a big believer that producers can’t make you say or do anything. Yes they can influence you and maybe steer you in a direction, but ultimately it’s up to you how you behave and what comes out of your mouth.
Reality TV is half reality, half entertainment. No the show is not scripted, but people are put in to very contrived and controlled situations and then filmed. You mix those situations with the depravation of anything outside of production, and having every emotion heightened and you end up with this TV show that people can’t seem to turn away from. There are sometimes numerous takes, because the cameraman missed something, or you did something unexpected. It’s interesting filming a romantic moment that isn’t so romantic when one of you is dying to pee so badly that they are in pain, but you need to get the shot.
People are so quick to judge anyone that takes part on one of these reality shows. Even I sometimes get caught up really disliking someone, and need to remind myself that we as the public are not being shown the whole story, and I know there is more going on then what we’re seeing.
Why share this? Because as consumers of reality TV everyone needs to be mindful of the fact that they are watching a TV show that is made for entertainment. Every person that goes on to that show you are watching takes a major risk by doing so. Yes, it is their choice to do it and they know the public will judge them, but nothing can prepare you for what will actually happen and the judgement, nastiness and scorn that follows. These are just human beings trying something new, exciting and different. They are taking a risk and having a once in a lifetime experience.
Do the friendships last? Some do. The declarations of we’ll be friends forever are always meant when they are said, and I definitely have a couple of the people that I met during that time that I am still friends with and who will remain in my life, the rest of them are Facebook friends who will always have a place because of our shared experience.
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Natalie Sady is a model and television presenter based in Melbourne. She was a contestant on the first season of The Bachelor Australia. For more on Natalie, visit her website by
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