Reality TV Stars Dream Big: Obamas & Madonna Wanted

At Deadline's recent Reality TV Summit, prominent figures in reality television convened to discuss the genre's trajectory. Andy Cohen, Kristen Kish, Jay Pharaoh, and Joel McHale, alongside producers like Carlos King and Alex Baskin, engaged in discussions about their dream collaborators.

Producers expressed a desire to feature high-profile personalities, with Carlos King specifically mentioning the Obamas as ideal guests for his shows. Jeff Jenkins revealed a strong interest in a reality series centered around Madonna and her children, underscoring the appeal of such familial dynamics.

Beyond wish lists, the summit tackled misconceptions about reality TV. Cohen highlighted the immense difficulty in producing these shows, stating it's a significant feat in 2026. Producers like Baskin and Graham strongly refuted the notion that reality television is entirely fake or staged.

Kish emphasized the genuine nature of competition and experiences shown, drawing from her time on Top Chef. Mitch Graham of CBS corroborated this, citing extreme physical changes like significant weight loss on shows like Survivor as proof of authenticity. Jazzy Collins also touched upon the extensive casting process, noting the deep storytelling involved before filming commences.