Yahoo Lifestyle 
Applicants 'second guessing' signing up for top rated reality shows amid major concerns
EXCLUSIVE: An insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that there have been more people worried about this than any other year.
While many reality TV hopefuls apply for shows in the hopes of expanding their career horizons, many of them find life on the other side of reality "fame" to be tougher than they anticipated. This can be especially true for people who receive a "bad edit" during their time on the small screen.
An insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that shows such as MAFS and The Block have seen participants fired from their day jobs after famously being given a "villain edit." The insider says this has led to networks now "feeling the pressure" from former reality personalities to give new applicants a warning.
"Applicants are suddenly seriously second guessing signing up for these high rating shows," one reality casting producer shares.
They continue, “We had more people expressing concerns about the impact reality TV could have on their professional careers than any other year before.”
'Talk of doom' given to reality TV hopefuls
It should come as no surprise that the reality shows that feature high drama and conflict have been the main culprits when it comes to their cast members struggling to go back to work once the season is over. Some participants have found themselves out of work for up to 12 months after their shows have aired.
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One Aussie producer, who has cast several reality shows, does try to make reality hopefuls aware of the risks involved by giving them "the talk of doom" before they agree to sign on, warning, "You will be too famous to return to your job but not famous enough to be famous."
"It can be a real limbo land in the aftermath," the insider says. "Especially if you have had memorable moments that haven't played out in the best light.
“There can be a lot of shame and rebuilding your life after your show has aired can take time."
Many reality 'villains' actually 'lovely people'
However, the insider also says that some of the best "villains" you see on TV are actually "really lovely people" and that you can't always believe what you see on the screen.
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"I wouldn't recommend using these shows as a reference point to future employers," they say.
The difficulty in going back to work (or finding new employment) once a reality show finishes is part of the reason more reality participants are turning to platforms such as OnlyFans to generate income.
"It’s no wonder so many people have joined OnlyFans after experiencing public backlash on ‘reality TV," a 2021 MAFS participant says. "People still need to pay their bills."
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