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Neighborhood residents dish about their 15 minutes of reality TV fame

Running the gamut from voyeuristic trash to societal edification, reality TV shows have amassed over the past 15 years like old newspapers on an episode of “Hoarders.” The grand paradox of the so-called “reality” genre is its supremely contrived, controlled and cut-up content, which — while necessary for palatable programming — deprives us of those stories beneath the surface. We tracked down Lake Highlands people who have spent time on reality TV show sets. They share candidly about their experiences, what they learned and life after the cameras shut off.

“WITHIN EIGHT HOURS THEY KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU. THEY KNOW WHO TO PUT YOU AROUND — WHO YOU’LL FIGHT WITH.”

SEE “HE WILL SURVIVE,” PAGE 28