Dark Side of Reality TV: Honey Boo Boo's Journey to Fame

Honey Boo Boo's rise to fame exemplifies the intriguing world of reality television. The 19-year-old star gained instant recognition after appearing in season 5 of TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras." VICE’s episode airing on November 12 for "Dark Side of Reality TV" focuses on her remarkable journey.

"She was captivating to watch," a woman reflected in an exclusive clip shared with Us Weekly. She noted how Honey Boo Boo engaged audiences by making outrageous yet entertaining statements. The woman's commentary emphasized how Honey Boo Boo's rise fueled an unexplainable surge in pageantry.

A former TLC executive, Jack Tarantino, shared insights, stating, "Viewers enjoyed the authentic dynamic between her, her mom, and her sister. Their authenticity drew viewers in, devoid of any pretense."

Kayla Sims, whose daughter EverRose appeared on the series, backed this sentiment. "Bless her heart. She is genuine," she shared. "They are not pretending. I hope people see how respectful we are and don’t misinterpret our personalities."

Honey Boo Boo, born Alana Thompson, quickly gained popularity on "Toddlers & Tiaras." The show's success paved the way for the TLC spinoff "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," which aired from 2012 to 2014. Even after the cancellation, the family continued to capture audiences on "Mama June: From Not to Hot," which debuted in 2017, completing its sixth season in June.

"Toddlers & Tiaras" premiered on TLC in 2009, running for six seasons before going on hiatus in 2013. It returned briefly in 2016 before its cancellation.

This show is now just one of the many reality series explored in VICE's "Dark Side of Reality TV." Vicki Gunvalson, a key figure from "The Real Housewives of Orange County," discussed her reality TV experiences during an October episode.

Vicki described her early reality TV experience as akin to "a deal with the devil." Referring to her first season pay, she revealed she earned no compensation, while her season 2 salary was around $5,000. "I didn’t have an attorney review my contract. I had no direction."

The founder of Coto Insurance, calling herself the OG of the O.C., attributed her divorce from ex-husband Don Gunvalson to her reality TV involvement. They were married in 1994 and divorced in 2014.

"People often ask if I regret joining the show, and regarding my relationships, I say yes," she confessed. "Being on TV definitely influenced our divorce. The pressures of reality television affect marriages deeply, and I believe we might have fared better without the show."

"Dark Side of Reality TV" airs on VICE on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Timothee Chalamet said he was asked to gain weight for 2 roles.