Key Takeaways
- Reality TV shows provided a much-needed distraction from the real world, with scandals, breakups, and erratic behavior dominating the headlines.
- Shows like "Love Island USA," "Dancing With the Stars," and "Mormon Wives" proved that Americans can come together, even in the face of competition and controversy.
- The year’s best reality TV moments included a dramatic exit on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," a posthumous appearance on "Building The Band," and a heart-to-heart conversation on "Love Is Blind."
- Other notable moments included Huda Mustafa’s crash-outs on "Love Island USA," Meghan Markle’s explanation of her surname on "With Love, Meghan," and Kirk Cousins’ musical stylings on "Quarterback."
- The year also saw the rise of new reality TV stars, including Robert Irwin on "Dancing With the Stars" and Tom Sandoval on "The Traitors."
Introduction to Reality TV in 2024
Reality TV shows were a staple of entertainment in 2024, providing a much-needed distraction from the real world. With scandals, breakups, and erratic behavior dominating the headlines, it’s no wonder that shows like "Love Island USA," "Dancing With the Stars," and "Mormon Wives" were must-see TV. These shows proved that Americans can come together, even in the face of competition and controversy, as long as it involves a little bit of drama and people speaking their truths.
Dramatic Exits and Posthumous Appearances
One of the most dramatic moments of the year came on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," when actress and producer Garcelle Beauvais made a dramatic exit from the series after six seasons. Her fallout with the ladies, particularly her former BFF Sutton Stracke, has already been a talking point in the current season. Another notable moment came on "Building The Band," a Netflix reality competition series that featured a posthumous appearance by Liam Payne, a singer and songwriter who died in 2024. The series wrapped filming just months before Payne died, and when it aired in July, it opened with a dedication to Payne.
Love and Relationships on Reality TV
Love and relationships were also a major theme on reality TV shows in 2024. On "Love Island USA," Huda Mustafa’s crash-outs provided ongoing fodder for group chats and social media discussions. Her dramatic exits, which included a memorable moment when she started bawling after Amaya kissed her beau Jeremiah during a game, were some of the most talked-about moments of the year. On "Love Is Blind," conversations about class and race hit their peak in the Denver-set season, with couples ultimately deciding to call it quits before ever walking down the aisle due to disparities in their lifestyles.
Royal Reunions and Mormon Wives
Meghan Markle’s explanation of her surname on "With Love, Meghan" was also a notable moment, as she corrected her friend and guest Mindy Kaling on her new last name. The exchange was met with a brief pause from Kaling, whose real-time processing felt tailor-made to be dubbed with "the woman was too stunned to speak" viral TikTok audio. On "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," the women gathered to air out their issues and "take accountability" in a dramatic reunion. The assembly was an organized affair, with each woman snapping a glowstick around their neck after they’ve "spoken their truth" and a Barbie named Eve, who acted as the "talking stick," was passed around to avoid cross talk.
Music and Sports on Reality TV
Music and sports were also featured prominently on reality TV shows in 2024. On "Quarterback," Kirk Cousins’ musical stylings were a highlight of the season, as he explained how Tom Petty’s "I Won’t Back Down" fueled his comeback win for the Falcons. On "Dancing With the Stars," Robert Irwin stepped out from the shadow of his father, Steve Irwin, and became a certified reality TV heartthrob with his onscreen presence and slick routines with partner Witney Carson.
The Traitors and The Real Housewives of Miami
Tom Sandoval’s rise from rock bottom on "The Traitors" was another notable moment, as he went from being the adulterous villain from "Vanderpump Rules" to a sympathetic and entertaining contestant. On "The Real Housewives of Miami," an alleged affair between Julia Lemigova and Adriana de Moura was a major plot point, with De Moura claiming that Lemigova had previously cheated on her wife, Martina Navratilova. The season was marked by drama and controversy, with Lemigova’s admission that she slept with De Moura on a cast trip being a major talking point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reality TV shows in 2024 provided a much-needed distraction from the real world, with scandals, breakups, and erratic behavior dominating the headlines. From dramatic exits and posthumous appearances to love and relationships, music and sports, and royal reunions, there was something for everyone on reality TV this year. With the rise of new stars and the continuation of popular shows, it’s clear that reality TV will remain a staple of entertainment for years to come.
