From survivors to sharks to supersized families and singles looking for love, the ground reality series covers just keeps growing. What unscripted trends are on the horizon? We asked the experts.
And get a deeper dive at the Cynopsis Big TV Conference, where the future of reality shows is just one of the timely topics we’ll explore.
Laura Michalchyshyn, Chief Creative Officer and Co-President, Global Production, Blue Ant Media
“There’s been so much great reality TV developed over the last few years that I’m in awe of… the next big thing may be ‘The Real Life White Lotus’ or a show based on ‘Funniest Grandmas On Tik Tok’ or a reality show about the crazy things rich people do. We’ve seen a lot of that in the news lately.”
Loren Ruch, Head of Content, HGTV
“I’ve noticed that audiences are craving bigger, bolder and more exciting shows than before. And since there are so many content plays to choose from, only the most sensational and memorable will rise to the top. For that reason, I predict we’ll be seeing more competition series, large-scale reality shows, and what we at HGTV call ‘tentpoles.’ Looking to 2024 and beyond, I think you’ll see more and more of these vehicles as opposed to the smaller and sweeter reality shows that have performed well in the past.”
Dale Ardizzone, COO, INSP
“I believe reality shows will increasingly narrow to competition formats that encourage viewers to pick favorites and tune in to see who will win. With the new and growing fascination in western culture and lifestyle, we foresee an alternate reality series where ‘city slickers’ saddle up to navigate the challenges of cowboy life; herding cattle, horseback riding, mucking out stables, etc.”
Peter Hamilton, executive producer and editor/publisher of Documentary Business
“I marvel at how reality series are a social mirror. ‘Pawn Stars’ nailed the return to thrift in the 2008 recession. ‘Duck Dynasty’ captured cable’s acceptance of Trump-ish values. 2024’s breakout will mirror America’s anger-tinged anxiety. I’d develop an urban survival competition that features likable but explosive characters.”
Luke Kelly-Clyne, co-head of Hartbeat Independent Studios, Hartbeat
“I think the next big thing in reality TV is going to be two- pronged. The first prong will be hybrid content—shows like Jury Duty—that subvert our actual reality in an unexpected way, turning seemingly familiar situations on their heads. And the second prong will have a lot to do with human vs. AI competition.”
Hear more from industry leaders like the above at this year’s BIG TV Conference, taking place September 27-28th in NYC. Find out more now.
