The Power Of Diversity In Reality Television: Impact On Culture And Social Media
Reality television has become a dominant force, now one of the most popular types of entertainment media today. While the genre has made strides in embracing diversity, challenges such as underrepresentation and stereotypes persist. Read on to explore diversity in reality TV, the various marginalized groups being represented and underrepresented, and the role of social media in shaping the industry.
Diversity in reality television: an overview
However, the journey toward inclusivity has not been without challenges. Token representation and stereotyping persist, and some communities continue to be underrepresented. Although culture has progressed from the homogeneous casts of reality TV’s early days, there is still work to be done to ensure consistent, diverse, and authentic representation.
History of diversity and inclusion on television
Diversity and inclusion in entertainment has been marked by gradual progress. In the early days of film and TV, marginalized groups were often either excluded entirely or depicted through harmful stereotypes. The civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s and 70s brought change, with shows like Norman Lear’s The Jeffersons and Sanford and Sons breaking ground for Black characters and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and All in the Family including some LGBTQ+ representation.
Still, diversity in entertainment remained limited throughout the 1980s and 90s. Reality TV, which emerged in the 1990s, mirrored this lack of representation. Shows like The Real World were among the first to feature diverse casts; however, these efforts were isolated and stereotyping was pervasive.
Reality TV became more of a cultural phenomenon in the 2000s, with the Bachelor, Survivor, and Big Brother dominating network television. Despite their popularity, representation on these shows remained relatively homogenous. The Bachelor franchise, for example, did not feature a non-white person in the leading role until its 13th season in 2017, when Rachel Lindsay became the first Black Bachelorette. Big Brother has also received criticism for featuring predominantly white casts.
In 2020, television network CBS announced a diversity and inclusion initiative, pledging to ensure that at least 50% of the casts for unscripted shows would be Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). This move marked a significant step toward addressing long-standing representation gaps in reality television and set a precedent for other networks to follow.
Types of diversity in entertainment and their influence on culture: people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and more
Diversity in entertainment can refer to race and ethnicity but also to a range of identities and experiences that reflect the true complexity of society. Authentic representation of people from all backgrounds and lived experiences can help foster empathy and ensure viewers feel seen. Below are some key types of diversity that, despite there still being plenty of room for growth, have become more widely represented in reality TV.
Racial and ethnic representation for people of color
Although there’s still much room for growth, strides have been made in terms of racial and ethnic diversity in reality TV in recent years. In 2020, Eboni K. Williams became the first Black woman cast member on The Real Housewives of New York City, and in 2021, Matthew James became the first Black Bachelor—but both reported significant experiences of racism on their seasons, which overshadowed this progress for many. The same year, the Black contestants on Big Brother made history by forming a secret alliance to ensure a Black winner for the first time in the show’s 21-year history.
South Asian representation has also increased. In 2024, for example, Jessel Taank, who is of Indian descent, became the first South Asian cast member in the Real Housewives franchise. Similarly, newer shows like Singapore Social and Bling Empire highlight Asian and Asian-American cultures, while Reservation Dogs shows Indigenous experiences, which are deeply underrepresented in media in general.
LGBTQ+ representation and diversity in reality television
Since the early 2000s, reality shows have more often featured LGBTQ+ individuals than before. However, their representation has frequently been limited to token characters or stereotypical portrayals rather than showcasing the depth and diversity of queer experiences. That said, shows like Queer Eye and RuPaul’s Drag Race have been pivotal in breaking barriers, offering authentic and celebratory depictions of diverse LGBTQ+ people.
Representation of people with disabilities
Representation of people with disabilities in reality TV has seen some progress as well in more recent years. In 2017, for example, British Paralympian Jonnie Peacock competed on the UK talent show Strictly Come Dancing, helping raise awareness about amputees in competitive sports. Other examples include Christine Hà, a blind individual who won a season of MasterChef, and Nyle DiMarco, a deaf individual who won a season of America's Next Top Model and a season of Dancing With the Stars. Contestants like these are helping bring attention to the experiences and abilities of those with sensory impairments.
Neurodivergence in reality TV
Reality TV has also begun to embrace neurodiversity more than in the past. Susan Boyle, who rose to fame in 2009 on Britain’s Got Talent, was among the first individuals with autism to gain widespread recognition. More recently, Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, which showcases the dating experiences of those on the autism spectrum, has been praised by many for its empathetic portrayals of its contestants.
Socioeconomic diversity
Socioeconomic diversity remains an underexplored area in reality TV, with many shows focusing on affluent individuals. This may be due in part to the role of advertisers in network television, who may prefer their products be showcased alongside these lifestyles. However, there are some shows that break this mold. Undercover Boss, for example, brings attention to challenges faced by the working class, and Queer Eye often centers on individuals with more modest means.
Body diversity
Body diversity is another area where reality TV has struggled to achieve meaningful representation. Traditionally, contestants and cast members have adhered to narrow beauty standards, and producers have often favored trim, conventionally attractive individuals—particularly on dating shows. However, reality TV audiences are now calling for more body diversity to help normalize a broader range of body types.
Age diversity
Despite making up a growing portion of the US population, older individuals are underrepresented in reality television and in the entertainment industry as a whole. This effect is particularly pronounced for women, who often face ageism and tend to be denied casting at first sight or in the first round.
Reality TV, mass media, and social media
As reality TV has grown in popularity, its cultural impact has become more pronounced. Reality television has elevated many individuals to household names. Kim Kardashian, for example, rose to global stardom through Keeping Up with the Kardashians, while Donald Trump leveraged his role on The Apprentice to bolster his public image, which may have aided his path to the presidency.
Social media has played a significant role in shaping this dynamic. Through social media, viewers are able to take part in active discussions about their favorite shows, allowing the executive producer and other network executives to stay attuned to audiences. This may be especially impactful when reality shows address socially relevant topics, such as those related to diversity and inclusion.
In addition, reality stars often leverage their social media accounts to amplify their personal brands. Many use these platforms to land sponsorship deals, promote their art or business, and connect directly with their fanbase.
Challenges faced by diverse cast members in reality TV shows
For any public-facing individual, the limelight may feel overwhelming at more than a few times or instances. For reality television cast members and contestants, this pressure is often magnified by unfair treatment related to their identity. Some examples include:
- Underrepresentation: Many reality TV shows still fail to cast participants from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Racial discrimination: Cast members from diverse backgrounds may face bias, both within the show and from audiences.
- Stereotyping and tokenism in casting: Diverse cast members are frequently reduced to clichés or included as symbolic gestures.
- Cultural misunderstandings: Producers and audiences may misinterpret or sensationalize cultural traditions or behaviors.
- Online harassment and social media backlash: Cast members may experience trolling or negativity related to their identity.
- Pressure to conform: Cast members may feel pressured to downplay their identities to conform to mainstream narratives.
- Mental health concerns: The combination of these challenges can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being.
Inclusive mental health support is available online
Mental health challenges affect people from all backgrounds and communities, and it can often be challenging to find a mental health professional who understands your experiences. BetterHelp is an online therapy provider that partners with a large and diverse network of licensed therapists and counselors, making it easier to find someone who shares or understands your background and values.
No matter who you match with, you can expect evidence-based treatment approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which research suggests can be effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns. Studies also indicate that online therapy may be just as effective as in-person therapy in many cases. This format may be preferable for those seeking an affordable, convenient way to receive care, since it’s often more cost-effective than traditional in-person sessions and allows individuals to engage from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about diversity in reality television.
What percentage of TV characters are people of color?
As of recent studies, approximately 43% of TV characters are people of color, reflecting gradual progress toward more inclusive casting. However, this number still falls short of the diversity seen in the general population in real life.
How has social media impacted reality TV shows?
One way in which social media has transformed reality TV is by enabling real-time audience engagement. Viewers can discuss episodes, support contestants, and voice opinions, while producers use this feedback to shape future seasons—including addressing viewer demands for more diverse representation.
How does reality television influence culture?
Reality TV helps shape societal norms, highlight diverse lifestyles, and spark discussions on topics like relationships, identity, and inclusion. It often reflects and amplifies cultural trends, making it a significant driver of public conversation.
Why is diversity and inclusion in film and TV important?
Diversity and inclusion in the film and TV industries helps ensure that a broad spectrum of stories and perspectives is represented. This fosters empathy, breaks down stereotypes, and allows underrepresented groups to see themselves reflected in mainstream media.
How does reality TV impact mental health?
Reality TV could impact mental health in a number of ways. For participants, public scrutiny and online harassment can lead to stress and anxiety. For viewers, unrealistic portrayals and edited narratives may contribute to skewed perceptions of reality, body image issues, or self-esteem challenges.
Why is diversity in TV important?
Diversity in TV is important because it offers representation to more people who watch. Representation allows people to see themselves portrayed in the media, which can inspire more people to ultimately feel confident, love themselves for who they are, and go for their dreams in life, regardless of barriers. A production that features Black people can show more Black children that there’s a place for them if they’re interested in action. A show that has a cast member with a wheelchair can inspire fans with mobility aids to audition for a production they previously thought they wouldn’t have a chance to get into. Reality TV shows that explore finding love, such as Love Island, may inspire others by showing different races on the show, proving that anyone can be attractive and breaking down the stigmas and stereotypes about what makes someone successful or worthy of the screen.
How is reality TV affecting society?
Reality TV can be fun to watch. However, most reality TV shows aim to create drama, highlight worst-case scenarios, give some people an advantage, and pit people against each other throughout the show. For example, they might show best friends turning against each other or allow big fans to vote out people they don’t want on the screen. These messages can be toxic to imagine in theory, and reality TV shows often make viewers think the people on the screen aren’t real or aren’t like them, leading people to find a sense of joy in witnessing the hardships of others. Although people sign up for reality TV, some might not realize the full extent of their contracts or what they can talk about after, and shows may be highly edited, only talking about ideas or events from the show that could incite a higher viewer count.
How does reality TV affect people?
Reality TV affects viewers and actors differently. Depending on the type of reality show, the actors may not realize the extent of their contracts or may be treated unfairly on the show, such as not being given many meals or being given lots of alcohol to attempt to sway their judgment before filming. Viewers only see what is edited, which can lead to them assuming that anything shown on the screen actually happened, leading them to form real and intense opinions about the actors. People who are disliked on reality TV might end up being socially ostracized when they return from filming, which can be painful for them if many of their actions are edited to be more intense than they were. Reality TV also often only shows people from a specific demographic, such as those considered conventionally attractive in a certain culture. If a show only shows a particular type of person, other groups of people might not be seen as attractive or worthy of being viewed on TV unless it is a joke or pity marketing scheme.
When did TV become more diverse?
TV is still not fully diverse, especially in the reality TV world. However, as more people are calling for representation, more channels are trying to offer it. Some shows are adding multiple races to their casts. However, others are still calling for people with disabilities or those in larger bodies to be represented more often instead of only on TV shows where they are given pity or talked about as if they are animals to be viewed in a zoo. When diverse people are represented without their identities being the core purpose of their participation in the show, that is when representation is achieved.
What are the diversity statistics in television?
Diversity statistics show that people of different races and ethnicities are being shown in major TV shows more now than in the past, with 36% of major broadcast TV shows featuring a diverse cast. However, disabilities are still represented in only a few major TV shows, and these disabilities are often not highly visible. Other areas of focus for potential diversity in future TV shows could include more body types, sapphic love or love between women, transgender characters, and people with visible physical differences, even if they aren’t disabilities.
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