Taking a feminist media industries approach, this essay argues that sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are not incidental, but are built into, the mechanics of Below Deck as an exemplary reality TV workplace show. It argues that this recognition bears significance for critical discussion of how sexual misconduct is endemic to RTV and what needs to be done about it. Drawing from Andreas Chatzidakis and Jo Littler’s concept of corporate “carewashing” (2022), the essay explores how Below Deck relies on a performative idea of care to paper over its unsafe working conditions. The essay concludes by reflecting on the need to prioritize the welfare of all those who labor for reality TV productions, both behind and in front of the camera, suggesting that there needs to be preventative care measures in place.
Tanya Horeck (Mon,) studied this question.