Exploring the Exploitative Nature of Reality TV on Paramount+

I recently watched a new documentary called “Predators” on Paramount+, and it left me feeling uneasy. The film dives into the backstory of the NBC show “To Catch a Predator,” which first aired as part of Dateline in 2004. As I watched, it reminded me of a trend in reality TV from the mid-to-late 2000s, where shows like “Hoarders,” “Intervention,” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” thrived on showcasing people at their lowest moments.

While I can’t say for certain that “To Catch a Predator” directly influenced this wave of exploitative reality TV, the timing lines up. These shows often depicted individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction for viewer entertainment. At first, like many viewers, I was drawn in by the drama and spectacle. But after a while, I began to feel uncomfortable with the way these shows were exploiting real people for entertainment.

Unlike shows like “To Catch a Predator,” where sympathy for the perpetrators is hard to come by, series like “Hoarders” and “Intervention” showcased individuals who were facing genuine struggles. However, as I continued to watch, the line between entertainment and exploitation blurred for me. While these shows may provide some help to their subjects, it felt like viewers were primarily tuning in to gawk at their struggles.

Reality TV, by its nature, can be exploitative to some degree. But shows that focus on showcasing people’s lowest moments for entertainment value take it to another level. “Predators” serves as a reminder of how these types of shows can still be popular, especially in the true crime genre. While I’m excited for the upcoming TV schedule in 2026, these types of shows won’t be on my watch list.