I have to admit: One of my biggest guilty pleasures is reality TV. There’s something addicting about spending hours on a lazy Sunday watching dramatic confrontations and over-the-top confessions, something that feels like the ultimate comfort. For years, I thought I knew exactly what reality TV was supposed to look like: extremely chaotic, messy and very ‘American.’
But lately, my binge-watching sessions have looked extremely different. As streaming platforms globalize, my understanding of reality TV is no longer confined to the U.S. Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ have expanded their offerings, including reality TV shows from different regions all over the world, from South Korea to Dubai to India. While the genre may seem familiar and predictable, it actually plays out very differently based on where it’s made.
Single’s Inferno
This show is easily one of my ultimate favorites. I have watched every season since its release in late 2021, and, each time a new season releases, I’m struck by how different it feels from the American dating shows I grew up with. As an Indian American, I have often found the culture of American reality dating to be extremely liberal in the way intimacy and confrontation are openly put on display. Single’s Inferno, in my opinion, is notably subdued in its portrayal of romance and conflict. The most overt displays of affection rarely go beyond hand holding, brief hugs or sharing a bed, and even that can feel controversial within the show’s context.
For those who have never watched the show, contestants are required to live on an island without access to their phones, but their basic needs are covered, including proper shelter, bathrooms and meals, often featuring simple foods like potatoes and canned chicken or tuna. They must complete various games and challenges to have the opportunity to visit “Paradise” with another contestant they are interested in romantically. “Paradise” is essentially a fancy hotel, where they can lounge around, reveal their ages and careers and get to know each other on a deeper level.
I would describe this show as almost a slow-burn romance, one that focuses on pauses, glances and internalized jealousy rather than explosive confrontations or overt physical chemistry. I think this really makes for a more interesting watch, as viewers are forced to closely read between the lines: Who makes eye contact across the fire pit? Who hesitated before choosing a partner for “Paradise?” The tension is not loud, but it is nuanced, deliberate and extremely memorable! My next watch: Single’s Inferno Reunion, to see whether any of those final choices translated into real relationships once the cameras stopped rolling.
Dubai Bling
In a city defined by opulence and architectural innovation, Dubai Bling is really all about the WEALTH. The show follows a ‘supposedly’ tight-knit circle of wealthy entrepreneurs, musicians, influencers and socialites navigating friendships, marriages and business ventures in one of the world’s most extravagant cities. However, this show is marked by both physical altercations and intense emotional turmoil, creating an experience that feels volatile and keeps viewers constantly on edge. The conflicts rarely stem from money itself, as wealth is already assumed. Instead, tensions erupt over perceived disrespect, exclusion or threats to social status.
A striking example of this interpersonal conflict unfolds during the now-infamous confrontation between Zeina Khoury, a real estate executive who calls herself “The Queen of Versace,” and Embraheem Al Samadi, a young entrepreneur. The argument, which began over a simple misunderstanding, escalates to the point where a cup of coffee is thrown and all decorum is damaged. In that moment, the exchange becomes less about business and more about pride, ownership and reputation in a world where status is everything.
As a viewer, the show is undeniably captivating on a visual level, especially considering the couture, supercars, skyline views and overall extravagance. Every scene feels meticulously planned and immersive, pulling the audience into an environment where luxury is normalized. Even moments of conflict feel polished, with heated arguments occurring in ballgowns and tailored suits against the backdrop of humongous mansions or five-star restaurants. Voices may rise and insults may be thrown, but the setting remains pristine, and this juxtaposition is exactly what makes the show so incredibly compelling and prime rewatch material.
Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives
At first glance, this show looks really similar to popular American ensemble TV like The Real Housewives, with glamorous women leading larger-than-life lifestyles, throwing lavish parties and navigating intense interpersonal relationships. But, in this show, the stakes are entirely different. These women are living life adjacent to Bollywood royalty, offering a glimpse into the personal lives of people we usually only see on screen.
The show openly engages with the concept of nepotism, acknowledging the power of familial connections in determining opportunities and access to fame within the Bollywood industry. Rather than centering a strong work ethic or having a hustle mindset, the series glamorizes proximity, suggesting that legacy is integral to success. The show also highlights varying degrees of privilege within this circle of elite women. For some, financial security and social standing are already firmly established, allowing them to focus less on personal ambition and more on strategically positioning their children within the industry. This is exemplified by Maheep Kapoor’s visible support of her daughter Shanaya Kapoor’s entry into Bollywood as well as Bhavna Pandey’s direct involvement in Ananya Pandey’s career. Nevertheless, the cast is definitely not homogenous. Neelam Kothari, who is an extremely accomplished actress in her own right, represents a different model of fame, one built on personal success rather than familial proximity.
Ultimately, this series challenges the idea that reality TV is about hustle, upward mobility and ‘breaking into’ fame as visibility is inherited, curated and sustained across multiple generations. The show is definitely layered with a deeper cultural commentary at play, but more importantly, it’s a juicy watch that can be extremely addicting!
‘Are You Still Watching?’ is a column spotlighting what the Cornell community has been streaming. It runs every Wednesday.
Sahana Saravanan is a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She can be reached at ss4532@cornell.edu.
Sahana Saravanan is a member of the Class of 2028 in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She is a contributor for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at ss4532@cornell.edu.
