Lara Sophia 
Reality Reckoning? Bethenny Frankel & other Real Housewives stars speak to “Impact x Nightline” about issues within the toxic reality TV industry.
A new reality TV documentary special on Hulu featuring former Real Housewives of New York stars Bethenny Frankel and Leah McSweeney dives into the discussion about whether or not a reality reckoning needs to occur within the reality TV industry or not.
Numerous reality stars talk about changes that need to occur in the reality TV industry to protect its stars better and ensure a safe and respectful working environment.
According to Bethenny, the entire reality TV industry must be overhauled as it is a toxic environment full of growing problems, including “exploitation, gaslighting, manipulation, and inhumane working conditions.”
Bethenny has made it clear that she thinks Bravo exploits its stars’ personal issues, including substance abuse, divorce, bankruptcy, lawsuits, and alcoholism, for the sake of a storyline and high ratings, which at the end of the day equals higher ad sales and profit.
However, one expert notes, “They are signing up for all of this.”
In the trailer for ABC News’ “Impact x Nightline: Reality Reckoning?” special, available on Hulu, Bethenny insists that Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen never made her famous.
The RHONY OG instead says, “[Andy] didn’t make me a star. He made himself a star on the backs of all these women.”
When asked if she is “biting the hand that fed her” all these years, Bethenny replies, “It’s time.”
Check out the trailer for ABC News’ “Impact x Nightline: Reality Reckoning?” special below!
Of course, fans had much to say about the trailer for Hulu’s Reality Reckoning.
“I’m sorry what? She was selling muffins in a grocery store before she landed RHONY (thanks to Jill Zarin),” one fan commented.
“I’d watch a ten-hour Teddi Mellencamp interview before I’d watch this garbage,” a second fan wrote.
A third quipped: “So weird that someone (B) would recommend her friend (Leah) to join a show that she was leaving if it were so toxic.”
“Let’s talk to some of B’s former employees and ask how she treated them. Now’s that’s something I’d watch!” a fourth fan noted.
“I’m sure it is all true, BUT…they signed up for it and came back year after year,” someone else commented. Another wrote in agreement, “She done enough of shows to suddenly hate it ???bethenny ever after, housewives, bethenny and Frederick the list goes on.”
Another fan commented: “I watched and she’s not wrong ????? lover her and Andy and bravo. No side to pick just better humane treatment, pay and conditions to be had.”
“They signed up for it! They all got to promote themselves,” a fan added.
“I can smell the desperation through the screen,” a fan quipped while another noted: “It’s interesting how she is repeating what Carol has said for years.”
ABC News’ “Impact x Nightline: Reality Reckoning?” special is currently available to watch on Hulu.
