Reality TV has taken center stage in the 21st century. The genre has transformed from a niche, guilty pleasure to a mainstream media juggernaut with pretty much every streaming platform releasing their own unscripted programs. The genre has also become a launching pad for creatives to kickstart their social media career. Many reality TV stars have managed to make a living as a public figure thanks to their impressive social media followings.
If you’re interested in breaking into the genre, you’ve come to the right place. While the opportunities are plentiful, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to stand out to casting directors.
Here’s what you need to know about the reality TV casting process.
Where to look for reality TV castings
Reality TV castings are always taking place. To stay in the know about upcoming castings, check out sites like Backstage and AllCasting, which provide useful information about ongoing castings. Backstage also offers useful intel about what qualities casting directors are looking for such as age, gender, and experience level. Oftentimes, the site includes the pay structure of the gig as well.
In addition to casting sites, you can go to the show’s official page. For CBS reality shows, you can apply directly on the show’s website. Some shows like Big Brother recruit players in addition to accepting applications. Producers reach out to impressive candidates on social media, asking if they are interested in applying to the show.
How long is the reality TV casting process?
The length of the reality TV casting process differs from show to show. Usually, the casting process is quite extensive, requiring multiple interviews and a psychological exam. For example, Survivor’s casting process can take months due to the intense nature of the show. Producers need to make sure contestants are physically and emotionally suited to appear on the show. The casting site Casting Compressed breaks down the Survivor application process, estimating the whole process likely takes about four months. Other shows that are less demanding may require fewer steps, but you should expect to dedicate a significant amount of time to your application.
Helpful tips from casting directors
When applying for a reality TV show, the most important thing is to stand out. Be yourself and focus on what makes you unique. Casting directors are trying to build a dynamic cast of characters, so it’s crucial to show as many elements of your personality as possible.
Casting directors Rich Leist and Erin Tomasello shared some helpful tips during a 2022 appearance on the We Have the Receipts podcast.
Erin, who helped cast Netflix’s The Circle, encouraged listeners to be authentic.
“I know it sounds cheesy, but be yourself,” she said. “The thing that comes through the most [to casting directors] is when you’re just true to yourself. You’re genuine, you’re open, you’re sharing things about you … and not trying to be what you think we want.“
Rich agreed with Erin, telling listeners being yourself is the key to success.
“Authenticity, [even if] it’s crazy authenticity — you can still read it,” he said.
Love Is Blind Casting Director Donna Driscoll shared her tips for making it to the pods in an interview with People. She told the outlet that the LIB producers are looking for contestants who know who they are and what they bring to the table.
Stay the course when it comes to applying for reality TV
The reality TV process can be lengthy, so it’s important to stay confident and not get discouraged. In her interview, Donna said there is a lot of gray in the casting word.
“There are some periods and gaps and gray areas where you may not hear from somebody or you’re like, ‘Am I doing the right thing in this process?'” she told the publication in 2023. “I think my hope is to kind of reinforce and tell people that, ‘Keep your head in the game and stay focused and stay positive. And focus on you and your life and the things you have going.'”
Even if you don’t get cast right away, casting directors may reach out to you for another season. Some Big Brother and Survivor stars applied for years before eventually making it on the show. So, stay focused and don’t give up.
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