It’s common knowledge that reality shows are heavily produced and edited to create narratives and drama, but many fans believed that the artfully banal “Terrace House” was realer than most. In interviews, they said Fuji TV staff extensively consulted with participants about their feelings, and told them to have certain conversations or take certain action. Several cast members who spoke with The Times requested anonymity because participants all sign nondisclosure agreements forbidding them from talking about what happens on set. “I got pulled aside by multiple producers and they went off on me,” said one former “Terrace House” resident. Since cast members tended to have a more indirect and less confrontational approach to conflict resolution, as is common in Japan, the outburst likely seemed like climactic drama to many viewers.

Source: International New York Times July 17, 2020 20:24 UTC