Early 2000’s Reality Television Shows We Miss!

Often when times are tough our minds will wander back to peaceful and comforting memories. Maybe it’s remembering Nana’s crocheted blanket, maybe it’s recalling loving family vacations. For some of us, it’s revisiting the Dawn of Reality Television, aka, early America’s Next Top Model. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU, HOW DARE YOU! Studies (my personal studies) have shown binge-watching old favorites is serotonin at this point, occupying our minds for brief moments and providing a buffer for the unpleasantness we may be experiencing. So let’s get busy.

Currently Bravo has cornered the market on reality television because Real Housewives blossomed into a whole thing. But Bravo definitely did not start out with a client list of criminals, alcoholics, and people you wouldn’t want watching your kids. Per Wikipedia, “the channel originally focused on programming related to fine arts and film”. I think we can all agree it has drifted far, far away from the original concept.

If you want to talk “early” reality television, you have to look beyond Bravo and back to the old days. Like MTV old days – it used to be a music channel! MTV always had a stake in the game thanks to The Real World series, but in 2002 everything changed when Ozzy Osbourne and his family signed on for a show. The Osbournes (2002-2005) was a glorious display of an incredibly famous legend and his family who walked around sans glam, fully committed to the F-word, and provided an actual insight into what their lives were like. Sharon Osbourne throwing a ham into someone’s yard lives rent-free in my brain forever.

MTV also introduced Gen X and Elder Millennials to Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. From 2003 to 2005, we watched these two crazy kids navigate marriage and the brutal world of having Joe Simpson as a father the music industry. While Jessica Simpson’s career soared, poor Nick Lachey was often left doing handywork around their Calabasas home or singing back-up on one of Jessica’s albums. Priceless stuff, highly recommend.

Bravo woke up around 2003 and blessed us with Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. A group of stunning gay men using their industry powers and turning straight, feral guys into people you would go out in public with. While Carson Kressley might be the most famous spawn of the original show, it gave Extreme Makeover: Home Edition but with people, compassion, and actual results.

If you legitimately need to block out the world, find The Anna Nicole Show. It originally aired on E! and was… a journey. From 2002 to 2004, viewers were held captive by Anna and her incredibly bizarre antics. I dare say television has not been the same since this show was created. Go ahead and piggyback Being Bobby Brown, which appeared in 2005 on Bravo. BOBBBBAAAAY! Bobby Brown and Queen Whitney Houston should have NEVER EVER agreed to do this show. There are lessons to be learned in the content of this program, IYKYK.

The A&E channel, which is supposed to be Arts and Entertainment, was less about art when it introduced Growing Up Gotti. In 2004 we learned Victoria Gotti liked wearing white and super-long hair extensions. Speaking in a monotone was preferred and the downfall of society could be seen in the faces of her three boys. Ah, we were so innocent back then.

Obviously we can’t cover ALL of the early 2000’s in one article, but this is a good start. At least we have options to watch old favorites whilst hiding under a blanket.

TELL US- DO ANY OF THESE SHOWS BRING BACK MEMORIES? WHAT REALITY PROGRAMMING FROM THE EARLY AUGHTS DO YOU MISS? WHICH SHOW WOULD YOU BRING BACK?

[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]

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from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2022/07/13/early-2000s-reality-television-shows-we-miss/

90 Day Fiancé’s Pedro Jimeno Claims Chantel Everett Took 275K From Their Accounts 5 Days Before Separating

There may be no turning back now for TLC’s favorite 90-day Fiancé couple Pedro Jimeno and Chantel Everett.  TMZ reports that the two are headed for divorce court, as Pedro has filed for divorce after 6 years of marriage to Chantel. The newest season of the 90-day spin off The Family Chantel has foreshadowed their marriage being on the rocks, and when there’s smoke with reality couples, there’s usually fire.

In the court documents filed by Pedro in May, Pedro described his and Chantel’s marriage as “irretrievably broken” and noted the two had separated one month earlier. Unfortunately, in typical 90-day fiancé fashion, it’s not looking like an amicable split either!

On the same day that Pedro filed for divorce, he filed an order for an emergency hearing, claiming Chantel withdrew 275k from their joint business account just 5 days before their split. He then alleges that Chantel transferred that cash into an account in Chantel’s and her sister’s Winter Everett’s name.

Pedro alleges he tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue and is therefore asking the judge to force Chantel to transfer the money back into a joint account until the divorce is settled. The judge denied Pedro’s request for the emergency hearing but intends to hold a hearing later to address the siphoned funds.

Pedro is asking for half of all the marital assets between them. At this time, the case is ongoing and Chantel’s lawyer Jarett R Sliz has declined to comment. Viewers have certainly been prepped for this fall out, with recent episodes showing the two openly at odds, disconnected, and Chantel even asking Pedro point blank if he’s been cheating on her.

We’d wager we’ll get Chantel’s perspective soon enough, as The family Chantel never fails to capitalize on the family’s dirty laundry. Familial drama is after all, the very bankable premise of the show. It’s that vulnerability coupled with complicated family issues that’s made the two such a gold mine for TLC and a true standout in the 90 Day Fiancé series.

Regardless of what happened, we hope these two get back on good terms. we’re not ready to accept a reality world where we don’t get to hear Pedro and Chantel using their affectionate pet names for each other on our tv screens: Pinky Winky (Chantel) and Pepe Wepe (Pedro).

TELL US- DO YOU THINK THERE IS A CHANCE CHANTEL AND PEDRO WILL MAKE UP? ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THE COURT DOCUMENTS FILED BY PEDRO? DO YOU WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED PLAY OUT ON THE FAMILY CHANTEL?

[Photo Credit: TLC]

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from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2022/07/13/90-day-fiance-pedro-chantel-257k/

Andy Cohen Reacts To Jen Shah Pleading Guilty To Fraud

The reactions are starting to roll in. After asserting her innocence for months, Jen Shah did an about face and plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. This comes just days before her trial, which was scheduled for July 18th. Jen held a surprise court appearance to plead guilty to the count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges were in connection to an alleged telemarketing scheme that spanned years. The U.S. attorney prosecuting the case dropped the separate money laundering charge against the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star.

As reported by People, Andy Cohen shared his feelings on the latest episode of his SiriusXM show Radio Andy. He told guest Jonah Hill, “I don’t know how to feel about this, Jen Shah pleading guilty.” Jonah replied, “Right, well, when you say you’re guilty of something, it maybe means you’re guilty.” Andy countered, “All it means is she’s changing her plea.”

The Bravo executive admitted that he has become close to Jen, further complicating his feelings. He even revealed that Jen surprised his newborn daughter with a gift. Said Andy, “And I was like, ‘Jen Shah, with everything you have going on, that you thought to send to send Lucy a gift. I just thought that was so nice of her.”

A listener then called into the show to compare Jen to Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice. Teresa famously plead guilty to fraud back in 2014. Andy didn’t have the same take. He explained, “I also think what I’ve found regarding viewer response to some of these moments that have happened, some of the viewers are more outraged when there are — you know, when you look at Tom Girardi and what it looks like he did — actual victims that you can look at.” He added, “When you look at Joe Giudice defrauding the government of some tax money, I think you wind up getting more upset when you know that there are victims.”

In March of 2021, during production on season 2 of RHOSLC, Jen and her assistant, Stuart Smith, were arrested. While they both originally plead not guilty to the charges, Stuart was the first one to change his plea to guilty. He did so back in November of last year, causing speculation that he would “flip” on Jen. Stuart is currently free on bail and is awaiting his sentencing. He faces a maximum of 70 years in prison for his role in the telemarking scheme.

A Twitter thread from Inner City Press’s Matthew Russell Lee broke down what happened in court. Jen told Judge Sidney H. Stein that she had committed “wire fraud, offering services with little to no value.” She continued, “We used interstate telephones and emails. I knew many of the purchasers were over the age of 55. I am so sorry.”

 Jen also admitted that she had offered “misrepresentations, regarding the value of the product or service, of which it had little to none.” Jen went on to say that what she did was “wrong and illegal.”

So what does this mean for Jen? Her not guilty plea means she won’t have to stand trial. But she faces a maximum of up to 30 years in prison. In addition, she agreed to not appeal if she is sentenced to “168 months’ prison or few.” Which equates to 14 years.

Priya Chaudhry, one of Jen’s attorneys, told People, “Ms. Shah is a good woman who crossed a line. She accepts full responsibility for her actions and deeply apologizes to all who have been harmed. Ms. Shah is also sorry for disappointing her husband, children, family, friends, and supporters. Jen pled guilty because she wants to pay her debt to society and put this ordeal behind her and her family.”

But despite her legal issues, Jen will still appear on the upcoming season of RHOSLC said a source. The insider dished, “She’s had Meredith [Marks] and Heather [Gay] by her side, who have been very supportive of their friend during a difficult time. Obviously her legal troubles have not been easy for Jen, let alone making this decision to plead guilty.” The insider noted that her case is “a very big part of Jen’s story.” They added, “Producers don’t want us to stop following it now. They’ll keep filming with her as long as they can, just like they did with Teresa.”

Jen is out on bail and will face sentencing on November 28th of this year. In her plea, Jen asked for only 11 to 14 years in prison. In addition, she will pay restitution of up to $9.5 million.

TELL US -WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ANDY’S COMMENTS ABOUT JEN? DO YOU THINK SHE DID THE RIGHT THING TO DO? WHAT DO YOU THINK HER SENTENCE WILL BE? 

[Photo Credit: Bravo]

 

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from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2022/07/13/andy-cohen-reacts-jen-shah-guilty/

Kyle Richards Explains Why She Doesn’t Have A Wardrobe Stylist

Glam and wardrobe is a hot topic when it comes to the world of Housewives. And it’s most apparent on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The show has consistently served the most expensive and debatably stylish looks. Take Dorit Kemsley, who is the fashion queen of the show. While some of her choices might be questionable, she always shows out in a look styled from head to toe.

Despite the pressure to keep up, Kyle Richards just isn’t interested. As reported by Reality Blurb, she recently shared with Hello! that she doesn’t use a stylist. Kyle said, “I’m sure people are like, ‘Yeah you can tell!’ but no, never had one. I don’t travel with a glam squad either. When I’m working, I like to be well put together, I like colour. I go with my mood. Some days I want to be conservative, some days more edgy.”

Which serves her well on cast trips too. Kyle noted, “When I go on trips I feel like I do better. So when I’m away with the show on a trip, I’m like, ‘OK – this is our itinerary’, so I do my best, so I can really think something out. Plus, my husband isn’t with me, so he’s not judging me on how much luggage I’m bringing!”

Given how seriously her castmates take their style and glam, it’s caused fights in the past. Kyle previously came after Dorit for showing up late to Teddi Mellencamp’s workout camp in full glam. Kyle said in part, “I didn’t get the coming late for glam especially when it was an exercise and meditation retreat.” She added, “If she did not want to show up on time for Teddi I would have thought she would at least have to [show up] on time for her commitment to RHOBH. Like we all had to …”

But Kyle also contradicted herself the same season when she referred to Denise Richards, who was notoriously low-key about her style, a “ragamuffin.” Kyle ended up backtracking for presumably being vapid and horrible.

She said to Denise on social media,“Denise, you are absolutely beautiful. There is no doubt about it. I was exhausted, emotional, & felt everyone was coming at me. I got upset because I thought you of all people would get what I was saying because you yourself say you don’t get the glam thing and just wear a messy top knot. So, I didn’t get the sudden change.  With that said, I still regret the comment and was not the best version of myself that night.”

So whose style does Kyle admire? She confessed, “I love JLo, I love her style, but I also love Jennifer Aniston, and she’s more classic and simple. They are completely opposite, but I love them both.”

TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED TO HEAR KYLE DOESN’T USE A STYLIST? DO YOU LIKE HER STYLE? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HER THIS SEASON ON RHOBH? 

[Photo Credit: John Tsiavis/Bravo]

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'Married at First Sight' star Steve Moy fires back at Noi Phommasak's slams and divorce accusations against him

Married at First Sight alum Steve Moy has responded to Noi Phommasak's slams and accusations against him as their split continues to play out publicly.

from Reality TV World latest news stories https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/married-at-first-sight-star-steve-moy-fires-back-at-noi-phommasak-slams-and-divorce-accusations-against-him-31295.php

Clayton Echard and Susie Evans call 'The Bachelorette' premiere an "attack" and inspiration for cyberbullying

The Bachelor couple Clayton Echard and Susie Evans have admitted they didn't appreciate The Bachelorette premiere, when Season 19 suitors trashed Clayton in their entrances, because they think it was an attack and lead-in for more cyberbullying.

from Reality TV World latest news stories https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/clayton-echard-and-susie-evans-call-the-bachelorette-premiere-an-attack-and-inspiration-for-cyberbullying-31294.php

'The Bachelorette' alum Tyler Cameron reportedly dating model Paige Lorenze "on the down-low"

The Bachelorette alum Tyler Cameron is reportedly dating model Paige Lorenze about one year after his split from model Camila Kendra.

from Reality TV World latest news stories https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/the-bachelorette-alum-tyler-cameron-reportedly-dating-model-paige-lorenze-on-down-low-31293.php

Clayton Echard “Embarrassed And Disgusted” By His Actions On The Bachelor

Clayton Echard is claiming he got the “villain edit” and was “portrayed unfairly” during his season of The Bachelor. He may have a point, but I’ve always heard that they can’t show what he didn’t actually say or do. Villain? Maybe. Worst Bachelor ever? Definitely in the running.

“Watching [the season] back, I was embarrassed and disgusted by my actions and the way I was portrayed or seen on TV,” said Clayton, who was one of the least popular leads in recent years, in a recent Page Six article.

He went on to say, “Ultimately, I had to live with the fact that my narrative is what was shown. And that was hard because that’s not really who I am.

“I don’t feel that what I was on the show is who I truthfully am but I did those things, I became that person.”

Clayton further called his season “a train wreck” and added that he was “shocked” that “drama was prioritized over the love story.” Has he seen this show? They almost always prioritize drama over any love story. They’re making TV here. The love story may not (probably won’t) last, but everybody remembers the drama.

During the infamous “Fantasy Suite” episode, Clayton told each of his three finalists — Susie Evans, Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia — that he was in love with them, as viewers across the country were screaming at their TVs, “Dude, no! Did you learn nothing from Ben Higgins?!”

Furthermore, when he revealed to Susie that he had slept with both of the other two women after she told him that any intimacy with the other women would be a deal breaker for her, she abruptly left the show.

Distraught by her departure, former NFL player Clayton then immediately broke up with both Gabby and Rachel (who are co-leads on this season’s The Bachelorette), leaving viewers wondering how the show could continue, since there was nobody left to whom The Bachelor could offer a rose.

Susie and Clayton eventually rekindled their romance and went public with their relationship during the show’s reunion, “After the Final Rose.” But by that time, Clayton had lost the sympathies of most of his audience, and their pairing as a couple was pretty much anticlimactic.

To many fans, Clayton‘s turn as The Bachelor was pretty disappointing, to say the least. Most of us were ready to put him in our rear view mirrors and move onto the next season of exotic locations, champagne and roses.

Clayton may not have been a villain, but he was definitely a thorn among the roses.

TELL US- DO YOU THINK CLAYTON WAS THE WORST BACHELOR EVER? DID YOU THINK HE WAS A VILLAIN? 

[Photo Credit: ABC/John Fleenor]

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from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2022/07/13/clayton-echard-embarrassed-and-disgusted-the-bachelor/

Bethenny Frankel Is Returning To TV To Host A New Show With Kevin O’Leary

If you are missing Bethenny Frankel on your screen, I have good news for you. The former Real Housewives of New York cast member and Bravo icon is planning to make a return to TV. Unfortunately, it won’t be Housewives related.

As reported by E! News, Bethenny is going to team up with Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. She will join him as a co-host on his CNBC show Money Court. Bethenny has previously appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank. On the show, she was tasked with whether or not she wanted to invest in wanna be entrepreneur’s businesses.

But on Money Court, Bethenny and Kevin will help other business owners settle their financial issues and disputes. Bethenny released a statement, calling the show her “best television experience to date.” She added, “The range in reviewing small businesses where everything is on the line to the riskiest hundred-million-dollar conflicts, the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

She then spoke of the show in a broader sense. Bethenny stated, “We really are saving small and large businesses alike. Our sum is greater than its parts. There is nothing like this on television, and America needs a show that exhibits how to resolve business conflict in a creative, tactical, strategic and methodical manner.”

Bethenny is arguably the most well known and inarguably the most successful Housewife ever. But she has yet to have a real hit outside of Bravo. Her 2014 daytime talk show only lasted one season before it was cancelled. And her latest TV venture, HBO Max’s The Big Shot with Bethenny, struggled to pull viewers.

The new show is likely a big disappointment for Housewives fans, who were hoping she would come back for a RHONY reboot. Andy Cohen announced back in March that RHONY would add a Legacy series, hoping to bring back former RHONY all-stars. Of course, Bethenny was on their speed dial. But so far, she’s not interested.

She shared, “I got a text from, you know, the powers that be in the Bravosphere saying, ‘Is there a chance? Is there a chance? Just asking, is there a chance?’ Meaning, would I come back.” She noted on her podcast that she “didn’t really understand” what it was supposed to be. And called it a “half-baked announcement.” Bethenny concluded, “When asked, I say, ‘There’s a number, but I don’t think you can afford it.'”

TELL US – WILL YOU WATCH BETHENNY’S NEW SHOW? DO YOU THINK SHE SHOULD JUST COME BACK TO RHONY?

[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]

 

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Check Out the Stars of The Challenge: USA, Then & Now

It's about to get real. The Challenge: USA has brought stars from Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race and Love Island USA together under one roof to compete for the $500,000...


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