It's here! The Reality TV show that will help you advance your career.

Watch my reality show pitch* (scroll down)! It's 2026. We face endless societal challenges. And we have bills to pay! Doing that has become increasingly difficult for Americans who have lost their job, earn below market wages, work multiple jobs, or want one less thing to worry about…today. 

There is no shortage of reality TV programming, but most shows favor superficial, consumerist, wealth-obsessed narratives that are inaccessible (and even undesirable) to most of us. These shows are filled with contrived storylines and inauthentic, uninspiring casts who consent to embarrassment for a chance at fame, followers, and short term cash. 

With economic volatility, AI transforming…everything, and influencers telling us to do one thing NOW or risk being obsolete FOREVER, we need a pragmatic, educational view into the process that most people go through to get a job. 

Next Steps will counteract key forces at play including: 

1. The job search is more difficult than ever and changing quickly → behind the scenes insights into technology, decisions, and tactics without a sensational, predatory, or cynical edge
2. The people with the most advantages today will have even more tomorrow → access to experts, and information normally found behind a paywall, course, or coaching fee
3. Established career paths may no longer be viable → honest assessments, targeted feedback, and realistic redirection for candidates who aren’t finding success

Happy endings aren't guaranteed. Regardless, the storylines will reflect growth, perseverance, creativity, and humanity. 

I know a TV show can’t change the longstanding systemic issues we’re facing and companies will (understandably) continue to invest in agentic, ambient, AI-supported recruiting. And, I think we’re all in trouble if only the tech focused, chronically online crowd can navigate this new normal.

I want a true story…of ten strangers…picked to pursue their next career step…apply for jobs…and have the search taped…to find out what happens…when people stop scrolling…and start getting real.

Would you watch?

PS: I didn’t put in real experts, though I have a few in mind. I’m curious, who would you suggest?

PPS: Reality TV can be super problematic and have unexpected consequences (ahem). I don’t think shows have to follow that model to be compelling; we love an underdog story and people succeeding against all odds. 

*On the pitch itself. I watched one IG reel (@kristentepper) and skimmed Producing Unscripted’s ebook “How to Pitch A Reality Show” and pulled what I liked then added a 90s movie trailer intro and YouTube-esque thumbnail. It’s not the correct format or approach, the transitions are off and the edits imperfect.

You can watch the 2.5 minute video below (size will adjust!).