UnREAL (2015)
A razor-sharp drama pulling back the curtain on the ruthless world of reality television production, where manipulation is the job.
UnREAL - Series Information
- Original Title: UnREAL
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Marti Noxon, Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 43 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 38
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 1, 2015 (United States - TV-14), June 1, 2015 (Canada - 14+), June 1, 2015 (Germany - 12), June 1, 2015 (France - 12), June 1, 2015 (India - U), June 1, 2015 (Australia - MA 15+), June 1, 2015 (Brazil - 14), June 1, 2015 (Mexico - AA), June 1, 2015 (Spain - 13), June 1, 2015 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Lifetime, Hulu
- Alternative Titles: 镜花水月 (CN), Нереальный холостяк (RU), Εξωπραγματικό (GR)
- Production Companies: Wieden+Kennedy Entertainment, A+E Studios, Tiny Pyro, Frank and Bob Films II
- Production Countries: United States of America
UnREAL - Plot
Set against the backdrop of a hit dating competition show, Rachel is a young staffer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with and among the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage the program's dispassionate executive producer demands.
UnREAL - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the drama behind the cameras unfold:
Everyone will be exposed.
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UnREAL - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Marti Noxon
- Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
Main Cast
- Shiri Appleby
- Constance Zimmer
- Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
- Craig Bierko
- Brennan Elliott
- Genevieve Buechner
- Josh Kelly
- Donavon Stinson
- Adam Demos
- Alex Sparrow
Writers
- Ashley Sims
- Stacy Rukeyser
- Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
- Alex Metcalf
- Ariana Jackson
Executive Producers
- Marti Noxon
UnREAL - FAQs
Is UnREAL based on a true story?
UnREAL is not based on a specific true story, but co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro drew heavily from her own experience as a producer on The Bachelor. The series fictionalizes and dramatizes the manipulative behind-the-scenes tactics common in reality television production.
Why was UnREAL cancelled after season 4?
Lifetime cancelled UnREAL after its fourth season in 2018 due to declining ratings. The show had peaked critically in its first two seasons but struggled to maintain its audience in subsequent years. The final season was also shortened to eight episodes, signaling the network's reduced commitment.
Where can you stream UnREAL online?
UnREAL is available to purchase digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. All four seasons can be accessed via these platforms. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in UnREAL?
UnREAL stars Shiri Appleby as producer Rachel Goldberg and Constance Zimmer as ruthless executive producer Quinn King. The ensemble cast also includes Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Craig Bierko, Brennan Elliott, Genevieve Buechner, Josh Kelly, Donavon Stinson, Adam Demos, and Alex Sparrow.
How many seasons and episodes does UnREAL have?
UnREAL ran for four seasons and 38 episodes in total. Seasons 1 through 3 each contained 10 episodes, while the final fourth season was shortened to 8 episodes. The series aired on Lifetime from June 2015 through August 2018.
Did UnREAL win any awards or critical acclaim?
UnREAL earned significant critical praise, particularly in its first season, and was recognized by the Television Critics Association with a Program of the Year nomination. Constance Zimmer received a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination, and the show was widely lauded for its sharp feminist critique of reality TV.
What is UnREAL about?
UnREAL is a darkly comedic drama set behind the scenes of a fictional reality dating show called Everlasting. It follows producer Rachel Goldberg, who manipulates contestants and orchestrates drama to satisfy her demanding executive producer Quinn King, exploring themes of ambition, ethics, and exploitation in the television industry.
Who created the TV series UnREAL?
UnREAL was created by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro. Shapiro's firsthand experience as a producer on The Bachelor inspired the concept, while Noxon, known for her work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Mad Men, helped develop it into a full series for Lifetime.
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