Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter Season 2 Episode 7 Reality Showrunners

Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter is an hour-long roundtable discussion program that features some of the biggest names in entertainment. In this second season, episode seven, titled Reality Showrunners, the show brings together a group of the most influential and creative minds behind some of the most iconic and popular reality TV shows in history.

The episode features an in-depth conversation with seven of the most successful reality showrunners in the industry. They discuss everything from the challenges of launching a new show, to the thrill of capturing real people and real emotions on camera, and the obstacles they face in keeping a show fresh and relevant season after season.

The seven reality showrunners featured in this episode are Lisa Hsia (EVP, Digital Media, Bravo & Oxygen Media), Arthur Smith (Co-Founder, A. Smith & Co. Productions), Bertram van Munster (Co-Creator, EP, The Amazing Race), Matt Kunitz (Executive Producer, Wipeout, Fear Factor), Rob Mills (SVP, Alternative Series, Specials & Late Night Programming, ABC Entertainment), Patrick Jager (Partner and Executive Producer, Original Productions) and Tim Harcourt (Head of Entertainment & Factual, NBCUniversal International Studios).

Throughout the roundtable discussion, viewers get an inside look at the strategies, secrets, and creative processes that have helped these showrunners create some of the most talked-about and successful reality TV shows in history.

For example, Arthur Smith, executive producer of Hell's Kitchen and The Titan Games, discusses how he came up with the idea for his hit cooking competition show by drawing on his own experience as a chef in restaurants. Bertram van Munster, co-creator of The Amazing Race, talks about the challenges of producing a show that takes place in multiple countries and cultures, and the importance of casting the right mix of personalities and skills.

Meanwhile, Matt Kunitz, executive producer of Wipeout and Fear Factor, shares his philosophy on the importance of balancing the production value with the "wow factor" that comes from staging outrageous stunts and challenges. Rob Mills, SVP of ABC Entertainment, discusses the importance of representing a diverse range of voices and perspectives on his shows, and how he goes about finding fresh new talent for his reality programming.

Overall, the episode gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative minds shaping the reality TV landscape today. Whether you're a reality TV fan or simply interested in the art and business of television production, this episode of Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter will give you fascinating insights and perspectives on the immersive and constantly evolving world of reality programming.