Top 10 Banned Reality Shows
#10: “Naked and Afraid” (2013-)
The title of this Discovery Channel survival series certainly sums up the premise: two contestants, a man and a woman, must survive in the wilderness for 21 days, without any clothes. While the nudity is censored, it didn’t sit well with The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, which in January 2019 banned the program under a regulation that prohibits “indecent, obscene or pornographic content”. According to the institution, they’d received “complaints and wrath from the general public” over the show, spurring them to action.
#9: “Geordie Shore” (2011-)
Drawing inspiration from “Jersey Shore”, this British offshoot stars its own set of rambunctious housemates who party even harder than the guidos and guidettes we’ve come to love. According to the “Jersey Shore” cast, “Geordie Shore” has been “banned” in the US due to its explicit content. However, they were lucky enough to view some clips sent to them by MTV. Speaking on what she saw, Snooki explained that the series was too raunchy for American TV. Viewers in the States can experience the craziness via streaming services.
#8: “Topless Showgirls”
“Dance Moms” (2011-19) In one of the series’ most controversial episodes, infamous instructor Abby Lee Miller had her young dancers perform a rather risqué routine. She dressed the girls in flesh-colored costumes and gave them showgirl fans. This left many feeling like the number was too mature and suggestive. The shocking original title of the episode was renamed, “Costume Drama”, seemingly in an attempt to overcome the controversy. While the episode did air as planned, and wound up pulling in great ratings, it was later axed and made unavailable for viewing online or through streaming.
#7: “Where Are We Going, Dad?” (2013-)
Top 10 Worst Reality TV Shows
In 2016, China’s media regulator banned reality TV shows from featuring the children of celebrities. It was an attempt to shield minors from the perils of fame and ensure “normal” childhoods, but disappointed viewers of the hit show and national favorite “Where Are We Going, Dad?” The show followed famous fathers taking their kids on rural adventures throughout the country. The series ended up releasing a new season under a new name. However, regulations still seem to apply, as there’s only an international version available, and Chinese audiences can’t view it.
#6: “Big Brother Africa” (2003)
Top 10 Dumbest Mistakes on Reality Shows
Set in South Africa, this reality competition series was an international version of the famous “Big Brother” franchise. The show was broadcast to 42 of the continent’s countries and quickly became popular. But shortly after airing in 2003, Malawi lawmakers deemed the show immoral and banned the show from showing in the country. The ban was overturned within weeks however, allowing Malawians a chance to indulge in the competitive drama when the series was revived in 2007. The restriction was a bit of a surprise to the creators of the show, who consider it relatively tame viewing.
#5: “Jersey Shore” (2009-12)
Top 10 Surprising Facts About the Jersey Shore Cast
While the show itself wasn’t banned, the cast’s affinity for drinking, fighting, and getting arrested did get them banned from several locations. Many New Jersey towns have banned the reality show from filming. That includes Seaside Heights, the castmates’ original home, which allowed the cast to return, but only on short-term film permits. In addition to these location restrictions, former Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a tax credit for the show in 2011, and reportedly told the reality stars to leave his state. Despite being widely unwelcomed, the stars continued to party hard and bring the drama wherever they were allowed to go.
#4: “Raslan’s Shooting” (2021)
Prank shows are popular on Arabic TV channels, but several have crossed the line into very dark territory. In one such show, “Raslan’s Shooting”, Iraqi celebrities were kidnapped by actors posing as Islamic State fighters. They had explosives strapped to them, and were threatened with execution. How someone thought this would be funny is … difficult to comprehend, especially in a country where the Islamic State poses a real danger. One victim passed out in terror. Another begged for his life. As a result of public outrage, regulators suspended the show.
#3: “Hee Haw! Hee Haw!”
10 Reality Shows That RUINED Lives
“Fear Factor” (2011-12) This gross episode of the stunt game show never made it to air. Pictures leaked before its scheduled release date, giving viewers a glimpse at food challenges that involved bodily fluids from donkeys. The public’s disgusted reaction prompted NBC to pull the episode. Not only was the episode banned, the network cited confidentiality agreements to silence contestants who spoke out about it. Though it never aired, the official Youtube Channel of “Fear Factor” later released a clip of the controversial challenge. “Fear Factor” is certainly known for its nauseating food dares, but it's fair to say that this one went too far.
#2: “Cooking on High” (2018)
Top 10 Cooking Competition Shows
This American cooking competition premiered on Netflix in 2018 with a highly unique premise. Immediately differentiating itself from other reality cooking shows, the series saw chefs integrating cannabis into their dishes. However, the show’s focus led to its removal from Singapore’s Netflix platform. The country has a zero-tolerance stance against drugs and a strict content-code for drug-related media. Even though the U.S. is less opposed to weed and its exposure on TV, “Cooking on High” only lasted one season, as reviews were mixed. Netflix removed the show entirely in 2021.
#1: Every Reality Talent Show
Top 20 Craziest Reality TV Show Meltdowns
Idol development shows in China have enjoyed immense success. However, in September 2021, the National Radio and Television Administration banned them, citing “chaotic” fandoms, “abnormal aesthetics”, and “lapsed morals”. This ban applied to popular shows such as “Youth with You” and “Produce 101”, which depicted the creation of boys’ and girls’ groups. The regulatory body took special aim at so-called “sissy” men, as part of a broader push to promote more ‘masculine’ representations. As a result, these widely enjoyed favorites are no longer available on Chinese airwaves.
