Too Hot To Handle: Why Fans Think The Show Is Scripted

The recent release of Too Hot To Handle season 3 establishes the experimental dating competition as one of the most entertaining series, but some fans aren’t sure how real the reality show is. Although the reality genre iis widely believed to be an exaggeration of the real world, it’s not always clear how much a show’s cast members are influenced by producers behind the scenes. From telling stars how to behave to editing misleading the audience, here’s why Too Hot To Handle fans think the unconventional dating competition is scripted.

Like the past couple of entries in the experimental love contest, Too Hot To Handle season 3 is another celebration of the triumphs and heartbreaks that come with fearlessly embarking on relationships head-first. The newest season finds a group of 15 hopeless romantics competing for their fellow competitors’ attention as well as the $200,000 grand prize. Regrettably, the massive award is subject to change as any sexual interaction between cast members results in a reduction from the prize money. Throughout season 3, couples were more tempted to ignore producers’ rules and exchange their reward for physical intimacy. During the tantalizing stay at the villa, fans couldn’t help but wonder if producers instructed the cast members to do more than abstain from sexual activity.

Although some fans might hope that everything that happens in Too Hot To Handle is legitimate and free of outside influence, viewers agree that the reality dating show is likely scripted. While many of the relationships formed in the villa seem to be pure-hearted, fans have noted that others appear forced along with other platonic cast interactions that feel unnatural. It might not be possible to know exactly how much of Too Hot To Handle season 3 is real and how much is fabricated for the cameras, but the reality competition’s alumni have given some clues as to how authentic their experiences on the villa were. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, season 1 star Harry Jowsey explained that producers do influence contestants’ actions to a degree. Harry confessed, “[Producers are] not forcing you to say or do anything… They just kind of help nudge you in the correct direction.”

While this answer might disappoint Too Hot To Handle fans that hope the season 3 stars are embarking on unfiltered romantic excursions, Harry’s confession asserts that the dating game show isn’t scripted. At its root, Too Hot To Handle‘s cast members are in control, but that doesn’t mean producers don’t meddle to create a compelling season. Although there might not be a script to follow, fellow season 1 winner Nicole O’Brien cemented that editing is another way the series’ reality gets warped. Instead of complaining that she was prodded by producers, Nicole was upset that pivotal moments in her romantic journey were omitted. Nicole told Cosmopolitan, “You don’t see everything… There were some parts of my personal growth that were missed.” Nicole’s recollection of her Too Hot To Handle experience suggests that while the season 3′ cast has complete autonomy, fans aren’t getting the whole story.

No reality show is a pure reflection of the real world, and Too Hot To Handle is no exception to the genre’s rule. Fortunately, alumni shared that they were in control of their stories throughout their stays at the villa and the producers’ impact was minimal. Hopefully, the Too Hot To Handle season 3 cast got a fair shot at love and a grand prize without meddling from behind-the-scenes influences.

Sources: Cosmopolitan, Cosmopolitan

About The Author

Christopher Davis
(915 Articles Published)

Christopher Davis is a freelance reality TV writer for Screen Rant. Since his graduation from Emerson College with a degree in visual and media arts back in 2019, Christopher has pursued the ever-evolving field of entertainment journalism. In his free time, Christopher loves to write, rewatch old seasons of RHONY, and work on his death drop.

More From Christopher Davis