The Real Cost of Reality TV episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 25 MIN

The Real Cost of Reality TV

from The Current

Since the dawn of reality television in the '90s, the genre has capitalized on the 'train wreck' appeal of its stars. Now, with recent abuse allegations against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, there are renewed calls for networks to stop prioritizing dramatic plotlines over participants' mental health. We talk to Theresa DeMaria from Netflix's 'Age of Attraction' and Danielle Lindeman, the author of 'True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us.'

Since the dawn of reality television in the '90s, the genre has capitalized on the 'train wreck' appeal of its stars. Now, with recent abuse allegations against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, there are renewed calls for networks to stop prioritizing dramatic plotlines over participants' mental health. We talk to Theresa DeMaria from Netflix's 'Age of Attraction' and Danielle Lindeman, the author of 'True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us.'

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The Real Cost of Reality TV

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This episode was published on April 16, 2026.

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Since the dawn of reality television in the '90s, the genre has capitalized on the 'train wreck' appeal of its stars. Now, with recent abuse allegations against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, there are renewed calls for...

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