Perhaps it was predictable that reality TV would become a pipeline into American politics. After all, political theater was the ultimate unscripted spectacle before reality TV became a genre unto itself. Modern programmed reality TV isn’t political theater, but it has become a springboard into modern politics for some stars of the genre. From President Trump to Dr. Oz, Caitlyn Jenner to Sean Duffy, campaigns and political offices are littered with the names of former cast members from reality series. An Olympic gold medalist long before reality TV fame, Jenner reentered public consciousness through a show about nothing.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 26, 2026 15:11 UTC