Reality TV Picks
Hapa Mag - February 12, 2020
90 Day Fiancé
ALEX CHESTER
My husband loves 90 Day Fiancé. Since we live in a studio apartment, I ultimately end up watching it when he puts it on. It’s pure trash TV, and I have become so invested in these couples. Will they get the fiancé visa and come to America? Is he just using her for a green card? Most likely, yes. How will everyone get along when there are only 90 days to get married once they have that visa? So much drama, and I love it. It truly makes me appreciate my life.
Catfish
ALISON LEA BENDER
Catfish is so addictive! I’ve been in love with this show, and Nev Schulman, ever since I watched the 2010 documentary it’s derived from. It’s fascinating to see people who have formed relationships online finally meet the person behind the screen. Sometimes there’s a shocking twist, and other times there are real happy endings, but every episode has a very digestible and satisfying arc. I love the emotional, psychological journey it takes me on as well!
River Monsters
OLIVIA CHEN
I’ve loved this show since high school. It was actually, in part, inspiration for the topic of my senior thesis in college. Besides the obvious reason behind its namesake– the discovery of fresh-water monsters– the show’s host, Jeremy Wade, brings a human and cultural element as well. He travels to small villages and large cities all over the world, learning local fishing practices and oftentimes conversing in native tongues. On top of all of that, he puts a face to the monsters of myth, which is both humbling and comforting!
The Bachelorette (Hannah Brown’s Season)
REBECCA LEE LERMAN
I was drawn to watch Hannah Brown on The Bachelorette because of her smile, fun, positive energy and relatability. When she was sent home in Colton’s Season (crying in the backseat of the limo), she says, "The desire of my heart is to be loved so fiercely by somebody. I will not allow myself to not feel chosen every single day." That’s right, Hannah! I was hooked. During her season, she stands up for herself when a contestant slut-shames her: “I have had sex... and Jesus still loves me.” That’s right, Hannah! When it was discovered that the man she picked HAD A GIRLFRIEND at home the WHOLE TIME, and he was on the show to promote her music career, she dumps him as quickly as she had accepted his proposal. She is a strong female role model who doesn’t need a man, who is working on loving herself ,and enjoys being single. She wrote on one of her Instagram stories, “Trusting yourself to release what was and grow into what is deserves to be celebrated. Your ability to let go & accept is a superpower.” That’s right, Hannah!
Iron Chef America
NATHAN LIU
The Real World Season 1
MATT PARK
Terrace House
SAM TANABE
My favorite Japanese reality show where (almost) literally nothing happens. It’s basically “Real World Japan,” and the stakes are low. Everyone’s there to find true love, and the worst thing you can do is not work hard to achieve your dreams. I live for the assembly of hosts dragging these poor Japanese youths for every little thing. #TeamYamaSan
