When it gets surreal
When things get real, they can get real weird and real memorable. And after 30 years of modern reality TV, there have been plenty of those moments. Here’s a look at three of them:
“THE REAL WORLD”
Pedro Zamora’s Struggle With HIV/AIDS (1994)
“He wanted the cameras to be present at the doctor’s appointments, and he found out the news that his T-cell count had dropped to 32 at the same time the camera guy, the director and audio guy all found out,” says “Real World” co-creator Jonathan Murray. “He was incredibly courageous.”
“THE OSBOURNES” Moving In (2002)
“They moved into their house on the first day of production, and the moving truck arrived with a box that said, ‘Dead Things,’ ” recalls “Queer Eye” executive producer Jennifer Lane, who was working on the crew of the show at the time. “It was like a comedy. I was obsessed.”
“REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY” Teresa Flips Out (2009)
During an argument between Teresa Giudice and Danielle Staub at a restaurant dinner party, Giudice went ballistic after she was told to “pay attention.” She banged on the table and ultimately flipped it over. “It was so shocking and wild and was a definitive moment in the ‘Housewives’ pantheon,” says “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” host Andy Cohen, who executive produces the “Housewives” series. “It made a mark.”