Reality shows are thriving these days; viewers just love taking a look into the lives of other people’s dramas, whether it is catching alligators in a Louisiana swamp, living the bush life in Alaska or finding that one true soulmate for life. But, let’s face it: Some of the plots of these shows can leave the most avid fan wondering, “Can this be real?” Critically acclaimed Lifetime hit drama–and, let us stress, completely fictitious–”UnREAL” attempts to sneak a theoretical peek behind the scenes of so-called “reality television” and imagine what it must be like for all those involved.
There are different types of reality shows; some insist on referring to themselves as “docu-series.” Some come closer to that title, like the recent A&E series, “60 Days In,” which followed undercover “inmates” doing time with a purpose in Clark County Jail. Others, however, like WE tv’s hit reality dating competition, “Match Made in Heaven,” really seem to put the “show” into the “reality,” and push the boundaries of viewers’ total acceptance … but the drama and the tears make it easier to just not ask questions and enjoy.
“UnREAL” offers viewers a fictitious, behind-the-scenes look at what might be happening behind those dating competitions we all love. Is “UnREAL” over-the-top? Well, we hope so; it would be disturbing to think that producers are manipulating contestants’ meds to the point of suicide in the non-fictitious versions! But, on the other hand, the idea that producers, directors, etc. are pulling strings and pushing buttons is likely not a hard leap for most viewers to make.
Last season, viewers met flawed heroine Rachel Goldberg (Shiri Appleby), a young producer whose sole job was to manipulate her relationships with, and among, the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage that the program’s dispassionate executive producer, Quinn King (Constance Zimmer), demanded. Ups and downs–lots of downs–ensued, but somehow the worse things got, the better the ratings of the fictitious hit dating competition show Everlasting. This season, the outrageous world of unscripted dating continues on Everlasting, as “UnREAL” continues to push the limits of chaos with its highly anticipated Season Two return to Lifetime.
Co-created by Marti Noxon and Shapiro, UnREAL, having already tackled relevant matters of gender politics in Season One, will stir up the drama in Season Two when Everlasting casts its first-ever African American suitor. In addition to Appleby and Zimmer, returning as series regulars are Craig Bierko as Everlasting’s creator, Chet, who is on a quest to reclaim his full power on set; Josh Kelly as Jeremy, Everlasting’s director of photography; and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Jay, a field producer whose ambitions run far beyond the show. And, what’s a dating competition without a hunky prize? This season, B.J. Britt will star as Everlasting’s new suitor, Darius, an All-American football player and the show’s first African-American suitor.
Tonight on Lifetime, on Season Two Premiere episode “War”:
Quinn promotes Rachel in Season 14 of “Everlasting.” Rachel sets out to change history by casting the first African-American suitor. Chet arrives on set to reclaim control of the show.
“UnREAL” is produced by A+E Studios. Noxon and Shapiro executive produce “UnREAL,” along with Robert M. Sertner, Carol Barbee, Sally DeSipio, Stacy Rukeyser, Peter O’Fallon and Adam Kane. In following the mission of Lifetime’s Broad Focus initiative, this season of “UnREAL” also features four female directors including Shapiro, Appleby in her directorial debut, Janice Cooke and Nzingha Stewart.
“UnREAL” airs on Lifetime on Monday nights at 10/9c.
Image: Courtesy of Lifetime, Used with Permission. Photo: (L to R) Shiri Appleby, B.J. Britt and Constance Zimmer. Photo by Bettina Strauss.
Video: YouTube