People appear on reality TV all the time. They often look for fame and easy money. In return, these people bring drama, entertainment, and viewership to the shows. So, the relationship is profitable for both sides.
However, fans sometimes think that some ‘powerful’ networks often take advantage of their ‘cast.’ They accuse the networks of giving them low paychecks. Fans have accused TLC of the same.
Viewers have been using especially TLC Unexpected as an example. Fans say the network ‘uses’ the vulnerable without giving them their dues.
TLC Unexpected: Is The Network ‘Using’ Pregnant Teens? Not Paying Much!
Many people want to do reality TV for easy money. Such people really want ‘income’ as they might not have other sources. TV networks also accept them as they are easily impressionable. But more often than not, they underpay their people. The cast members accept such poor treatment as they need the money, which is true for the majority.
TLC has often come under fire for ‘maltreatment’ of its cast. Many times, the members say the shooting schedules get hectic. Some fans have also complained about some reality shows being ‘scripted.’ But now there is a new controversy in town. Apparently, fans believe TLC Unexpected takes advantage of teen pregnancies.
The show features teenagers who undergo unexpected pregnancies. It also documents their ‘journey’ and the ‘family’ relationships and dynamics.
Fans have often theorized that the teens on TLC Unexpected are often ‘financially needy.’ They believe that because of the unexpected pregnancy, the teens remain needy. Since the show gives them some regular income, the teens agree to be a part of it. But many show lovers now believe that they are severely underpaying its cast.
They believe it is preying on the vulnerable. A Reddit user even said that TLC Unexpected “definitely exploits the heck out of the participants.” Many think that the pregnancies on the show are also not ‘unexpected.’ They think that teenagers get pregnant to get money from the pity party.
Tyra Boisseau’s recent post about her income from the show started the controversy. She said she “made $425 per episode” in the first season. Her income increased to “$1000 per episode” in the 3rd season. However, this wasn’t a significant increase. In fact, many fans believe that as an expecting teen mom, the amount is nothing by “any stretch of the imagination.”
TLC Unexpected: Fans In Outrage, “TLC Definitely Exploits” Pregnant Teenagers!
When Tyra Boisseau first posted her show income, fans couldn’t believe it. One fan calculated how much the star might have made in season 1 of TLC Unexpected. Since there are 15 episodes on average for one season, her yearly income would be just “$6375”. Many people agree that this was too low for a pregnant teenager with no other income source.
A fan tried explaining why people kept doing the show even after getting such low pay. “Many of them are from hick towns,” so they really need this money. They also added that even though the money is low, “it seems like a lot” to “unwed underage teenage(ers).”
One fan was furious at the reality shows. They wrote that the “shows” love “locking up minors in poorly paid strict contracts.” Do you also think TLC is doing something like this? Let us know in the comments, and check out TV Season & Spoilers for more TLC Unexpected updates.