From star power to relatable authority, reality TV broadens its host pool

Entertainment industry experts say the role of a reality show host has evolved significantly over time. Earlier, a big celebrity name was often enough to generate initial interest. Today, broadcasters and streaming platforms are paying much closer attention to whether a host’s personality is a natural fit for the format. Further, the biggest benefit is that they can bring audiences that may not otherwise immediately enter the show’s universe. A sportsperson, for instance, can bring in a sports audience, a business personality can attract younger, digitally savvy and entrepreneurial viewers, while creators can bring highly engaged online communities. From a media and marketing perspective, this gives the show additional entry points beyond its core audience.