There have been a number of ' where are they now ' type articles about reality shows stars that focus on the careers (or not) of reality show contestants like American Idol or America's Next Top Model. Did their careers succeed, etc. A more interesting question would be to look at a wide cross-section of reality show participants from many different kinds of shows and ask how the experience affected their lives in a broader sense. Are they comfortable in the long run with the exposure? How did the process of filming disrupt their lives? What (if any) were the long-term consequences of being on tv? What would they change or do over? A good version of this article will require sorting through published interviews, but would be even better with original interviews if they could be obtained.
Cool article, you could focus on exploring the varying types of reality TV shows (cooking, acting, modeling etc.) and how their contestants could move further into their respected industries. – Thomas Munday10 years ago
Usually those shows are obsessed with people who chased fame relentlessly, whether through talent shows like X Factor or American Idol or through a pop act that never quite lasted, but it would definitely be far more interesting to talk to the ones who fame was sort of just a by-product. In England we have shows like The Great British Bake Off and The Apprentice where by and large, people partake not to get famous but to have fun or secure a job and an article that is more interested in that side of accidental fame would definitely be one I'd read with interest. – Marcus Dean10 years ago
I think you also might want to consider the fact that a lot of reality show contestants or stars end up getting a reality show dedicated to just themselves. What sparked that show? Why did they end up going from one show to the other? Did they get adjusted to a certain lifestyle? Did they just want fame? You also might want to consider that people like "Honey Boo Boo's" mother supposedly had the young girl on her own show so she could put money away for her college fund. – rzalmonds10 years ago