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It's not completely...real -

While there isn't a script, writers in the background of wildly popular reality shows are responsible for creating conflict and shaping stories, by crafting plotlines and adjusting footage. 

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It's not a very good paycheck -

Most reality TV participants only have their expenses covered and receive a small daily stipend. Producers aim to maximize talent while minimizing costs.

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Many things need to be redone -

On 'Biggest Loser,' participants are required to step onto the scale approximately five times in order for the producer to capture various camera angles.

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Many things need to be redone -

The website Cosmopolitan reports that when filming challenges on the reality TV show 'Love Island,' the cast often has to do multiple takes.

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TV's finest/worst magic on display -

Clips are frequently combined to give the illusion of a continuous conversation, altering the intended meaning or even fabricating entire sentences. This practice, known as "frankenbiting," is widespread in the industry.

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A sign of frankenbiting? -

If you witness someone speaking and then the camera abruptly shifts to another scene while their voice continues, it's probable that frankenbiting has occurred.

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Judges have less power than producers -

Most competition shows have a clause in the contract stating that the producer, rather than the judges, ultimately decides who gets eliminated.

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If you're uncertain about how that particular contestant stayed on... -

Producers have the power to intervene and retain contestants who attract viewers, despite the fact that judges typically make the selections in the show.

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Time bends -

Reality shows often exaggerate the time it takes to complete tasks, so don't be disheartened if you can't renovate your bathroom in 24 hours. It typically requires a team, and could take several weeks.

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Reality TV exploits vulnerabilities -

When applying for a reality show, make sure to emphasize your weaknesses, dislikes, and fears. Producers are attracted to potential drama for their shows.

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Celebrities love intrigue -

In reality shows with celebrity editions, it is said that contestants communicate with each other over the phone prior to the show to form alliances. However, it seems that a few participants betray their alliances before the competition even begins.

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No limitations -

Big shows thoroughly vet potential stars, conducting background checks that involve contacting their loved ones, performing substance and STD tests, and evaluating their mental and physical well-being.

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"Real" is a relative term -

Not all reality shows are identical, and certain ones are extensively scripted. On 'House Hunters,' it is said that a few of the homes viewed on camera were actually the residences of friends, which were not being sold.

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It's no mere coincidence -

Producers often stage unexpected appearances or on-screen accidents to create dramatic moments during events and entertainment productions.

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Cast members will modify their personalities -

When a producer casts a kind-hearted individual as the villain on a TV show, fellow cast members frequently play along to ensure their own survival and to provide engaging television content.

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Skilled manipulators -

Interviewing on camera usually involves getting inside the stars' heads, nudging them to think a certain way, or telling them something that will change their minds.

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Prompting inquiries -

A strategy involves asking a member of the cast, "Wasn't so-and-so rude last night?" and upon their agreement, requesting them to express it in a complete sentence for easier editing purposes.

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Ever heard of being "soft-scripted" -

On reality TV shows like 'The Hills,' cast members are not given scripted lines, but producers guide them on the topics to discuss.

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Unscripted doesn't mean much -

'The Only Way Is Essex' has acknowledged that although there is no scripted dialogue, the show follows a well-organized structure and the crew orchestrates the arranged conversations.

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Reaction shots are typically unconnected -

Reality TV often adds sassy or shocked reactions from unrelated moments, cleverly concealing the editing through dramatic music to create an impression that is quite different from reality.

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Budget location -

To quickly assess a show's budget, examine its filming location.

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You're witnessing a small portion of something -

In addition to the unclear nature of "reality," you are also presented with only a brief snippet of an event that took hours or even days.

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You're witnessing a small portion of something -

'The Biggest Loser' uses 11 cameras for eight hours every day, seven days a week, resulting in 616 hours of video for a single episode. This abundance of footage offers ample opportunities for creativity.

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Creating virtual currency for screens -

A writer from 'The Only Way Is Essex' has claimed that certain characters purposefully pursue relationships to gain more screen time.

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'Storage Wars' might be fake -

Dave Hester has filed a lawsuit claiming that the popular A&E show 'Storage Wars,' where participants bid on contents of storage units, is rigged, according to an article published on TMZ in 2012.

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Possible fake claims -

While the show denies his allegations, Hester exposed the show for intentionally placing valuable items in storage units. He also claimed that the interviews and auctions were scripted.

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'Geordie Shore' episode guide -

According to one member of the cast, the producers of this show based in Newcastle typically organize their bedtimes and daily activities. The information was shared in a link to Tellymix.

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Fan interactions -

According to the Daily Star, the IDs of fans who accompany the cast during filming are checked by producers and security. The purpose of this verification is to ensure that they are of legal age, provide their consent, and are sober enough to do so.

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'House Hunters' have already found their home -

According to an individual who appeared on the show, she revealed to EW that the producers altered her reason for wanting to relocate. She also admitted to having already selected a home before the filming took place.

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Remote survival or hotel retreat? -

In 2007, it came to light that one of the Discovery Channel's renowned personalities, Bear Grylls, known for "braving remote locations," was discovered to have sought accommodation in hotels instead.

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Crew vs. nature -

It was reported that the raft he appeared to have constructed by himself was actually built by a crew, and the wild horses he came across were brought in from a trekking station. 

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On-screen auditions are barely the first -

On shows like 'American Idol,' producers conduct several auditions before the actual show, intentionally selecting those bad singers to advance to the next round.

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Ingredients are rarely unknown or puzzling -

Contestants participating in programs such as 'Cupcake Wars' and 'Iron Chef' are expected to create a recipe spontaneously using unexpected ingredients. However, it is frequently the case that the theme and/or ingredients are provided to them in advance.

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No unexpected sneaking ever occurs -

In television programs such as 'The Bachelor,' while it may appear that impromptu hot tub dips occur, it is important to note that every scene undergoes careful arrangement and lighting. Additionally, the cast members are "strongly suggested" to position themselves in specific areas.

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No one loses in Judge Judy's courtroom -

Both parties involved in a case on 'Judge Judy' are considered winners, as the show covers the costs of the arbitration award, as well as the airfare and hotel expenses for the litigants, regardless of the final outcomes.

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Media bias in 'Big Brother' -

The show has faced allegations of favoring specific contestants in the airing of key moments. A video clip leaked on Youtube gives further evidence of a scripted scene on the show.

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Scripted secrets -

Tina Stinnes, a member of the 'MIC' cast, disclosed to the Daily Star that the well-liked series is not real and that the production crew guides the cast members' conversations and disputes.

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Talented individuals shine on 'Britain's Got Talent' -

In an interview, prankster Simon Brodkin disclosed that he had received instructions on his behavior and speech, as well as being requested to record various emotions to facilitate the creation of a coherent storyline. This information was divulged by Brodkin, who detailed his experiences. 

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The X Factor's long queues -

According to a report from Digital Spy, individuals waiting in line for the show 'The X Factor' must cheer for two hours in order for the camera crew to capture footage of the crowd. 

Sources: (Cosmopolitan) (Daily Star) (EW) (Digital Spy)

See also: Celebrities who love reality television more than you

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