8 Most Memorable Reality TV Show Moments of All Time
Because of these moments, the shows have made it into pop culture history.
Whether you like it or not, reality series have influenced modern television as we know it today.
From Candid Camera and An American Family, which pioneered the format and showed that not only fictional characters could be compelling, to RuPaul's Drag Race and Queer Eye, which proved that reality shows could be inclusive and relatable for different audiences — all are now an essential part of our cultural memory.
But let's face it, we don't normally watch these kinds of shows for the profound ideas behind them. Just like in ancient times, people just need 'bread and circuses' for entertainment! And that's why the most memorable moments in reality TV are based on human drama — misunderstandings, breakdowns, inappropriateness, and more than real emotions.
Here's our Top 8 reality TV show moments that fans will remember for the rest of their lives.
8. Nancy Jo, this is Alexis Neiers calling
Many scenes from reality shows have become iconic because of the genius of the cameramen who captured them, ensuring that these shots would go viral. Such was the case with Pretty Wild — a show about three sisters who tried to break into the world of Hollywood by becoming models.
One of the sisters was Alexis Neiers, who would later become known as a member of the Bling Ring, young people who robbed the homes of celebrities. Alexis was arrested while filming, and an infamous article about her was published in Vanity Fair.
Alexis was unhappy with the outcome and immediately began calling the journalist. 'Nancy Jo, this is Alexis Neiers calling' — many people still remember that line. Alexis couldn't get through, as she was constantly interrupted by her mother and eventually snapped at her.
7. Paris Hilton being utterly out of touch
The Simple Life proved to be one of the most hilarious reality shows, as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were introduced to life beyond the red carpets — the everyday life of ordinary people of the US.
But beyond the awkward moments of them not knowing how to work or cook, there was one scene that made fans laugh their guts out, as Hilton said that she had no idea what Walmart was and thought it was a place that sold… walls. We wish we had such a carefree life!
6. That girl who didn't go to Paris
Another egregious case of mindless ignorance was a decision made by The Hills star Lauren Conrad. At the end of Season 1, she was given the opportunity of a lifetime. She was offered a summer internship in Paris for Teen Vogue — something that would have propelled her career to unprecedented heights. But instead, Lauren decided to stay in LA with her then-boyfriend, and that relationship ultimately didn't work out. Ouch.
5. The infamous 'snakes and rats' speech
The Survivor will always be remembered for the relationships between the contestants, ranging from friendship to outright hatred. And it's no wonder the show is on the list because it has had plenty of THOSE moments. Season 1 was memorable for the way Sue dissed her fellow castaways in the finale, comparing them to snakes and rats.
4. Table flip
Yes, you probably remember this moment because we are still using the gifs of this exact scene. It's when The Real Housewives of New Jersey member Teresa Giudice snapped at her castmate Danielle Staub by flipping over the restaurant table in a rage and yelling a slur at her.
3. Love can be blind
Now let's move on to more positive aspects of television and pay tribute to the moment of true and sincere love between the participants of a reality series (as opposed to scripted storylines). The year 2020 was memorable not only for the lockdown but also for two reality TV hits: Tiger King and Love Is Blind. How much did the moments of love between Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton brighten our terrible pandemic days! And it warms our hearts to know that the two are still together.
2. The most supportive mom ever
But moments of sincere affection can also be pretty cringe-worthy! No, not because our parents support us in front of dozens of people. It's because some of them do it when you pose for Playboy. Keeping Up With the Kardashians will forever be remembered for the way Kris Jenner hyped up Kim Kardashian as she posed half-naked in front of the camera lenses.
1. We were all rooting for her
One of the most popular memes is the infamous scene of Tyra Banks yelling at America's Next Top Model contestant Tiffany. Banks completely lost her temper, but her iconic 'I was rooting for you' still works for any fandom, as this is what often happens to fans — we root for people who then disappoint us!