The Interlude

In a year filled with mass deaths, a global racial justice reckoning, and a grueling election cycle, it’s understandable if you’ve felt underlying anxiety every single day. It’s been hard to find a brief escape or even an outlet to get out our thoughts, as we’ve kept away from our friends and family to keep from adding to the U.S.’ dismal COVID-19 infection rate and death toll. We’ve found momentary relief through little things: Zoom calls, baking, and quarantine walks. But one universal escape became more essential in 2020 — this year, we needed reality TV, for better or worse.

Here’s what has gotten The Interlude staff through the pandemic.

Andie Kanaras, Culture Editor

I cannot fathom choosing just one, but for the purpose of this blog I will. The one reality show that’s gotten me through the beginning of quarantine to now is Survivor. With 40 seasons to choose from, you will remain entertained for years to come (depending on how you binge each season). I purchased not only a CBS All Access account to access the show’s archive, but also a 50-inch TV to witness the beautiful shots of diverse terrain. I’ll put it quite bluntly: if you like the drama of Real Housewives, the antics of RuPauls’ Drag Race (this is a stretch, but sometimes a season’s cast gets along very well!), the adventure and physical toughness of The Amazing Race, and the psychological challenges of Alone, this is THE show for you. All fans of reality television will be fed. You have villains and heroes and clowns and antiheroes and JEFF PROBST (the chaotic king!!). Anyway, you can’t go wrong with this show. Hope this convinced you!

Rachel N-Blair, Writer

In terms of what I’ve been watching since the panoramic started (this is a joke people, I know it’s called a pandemic), my favorite reality show has been Too Hot to Handle. First of all, the fact that the cast were on an island resort comforted me, as I watched from my mom’s couch in mid-Atlantic USA after having my undergrad graduation celebrations stolen from me. It was an escape. Each of the cast members’ personalities were fun to pick at. Anyone cast for this show would lean toward the conceited and ditzy side. Yet the show developed each cast member’s capacity for not only genuine human connection, but also plain ol’ simple self-control. Of course, the cast members with the most sense were eventually sent home. But it was fun rooting for them. I highly recommend you watch this show to have an opportunity to laugh and not think too hard.

Cameron Oakes, Investigations Editor

Below Deck is my favorite reality TV show. I should caveat that I am obsessed with the Bravolebrity world in general (Andy, please sponsor me). But something about yachties stuck on a boat in the middle of an ocean with some of the most obnoxious rich people in human history really does it for me. Add Captain Lee to the mix, and I become a high seas simp.

Maggie Chirdo, Copy Editor

A piece of clothing can change your life. At least, that’s the promise of Say Yes to the Dress, the half-hour show that follows engaged people searching for their perfect wedding dress at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. How tantalizing the belief that if you only agree to this fabric, this Vera Wang, this veil with that embroidered belt, you will weep with relief! Say Yes to the Dress was my first fashion love, and it soothes me to this day, even with its pricey dresses and dramatic customers, because it gives into the (correct) notion that material goods are imbued with so much more than can ever be put into words. Nearly every episode ends with someone turning towards a three-paned mirror and really seeing themselves, past the tulle and bows and bouquets, as a person agreeing to a long life with a partner, commenced by slipping into an outfit they met just moments ago.

Megi Meskhi, Lifestyle & Social Editor

Mine is Survivor! Survival/castaway shows always have allure for us, comfortable, spoiled 21st century first-worlders, but it’s not just that. It’s a show that always keeps you guessing, always has twists and turns you’re not expecting — and not all because they have good writers or producers. It’s because of just human nature: what one is willing to do to be the last one standing. Because of the amount of social play and physical strength one has to exhibit to win and because of this incredibly delicate balance, you need to keep on playing everyone while making it seem like you’re the one being played. When one does manage to win it’s always very impressive. It’s incredibly entertaining, telling, and even educational. And because of the show’s 20-year history, it’s almost become its own world.

Manahil Zafar, Features & First Person Editor

The Amazing Race has been my favorite show for a while. I love puzzles, traveling, and living vicariously through people I’ve never met before. Add in a sprinkle of team drama, friendly (and occasionally toxic) contestant rivalries, and Roadblocks cast members who just can’t hack, and you’ve got great reality TV. The show brings me comfort and lets my mind wander in a time when the most adventurous thing I do every day is check my mailbox. The Amazing Race combines all of my favorite things into one package. And it’s always fun watching my siblings debate who amongst us would make the best duo to apply for the show.

This story is part of Reality TV Week. Check out the other stories here.