7.5
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
UnREAL (2015)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.5
Overview
Set against the backdrop of a hit dating competition show, "UnREAL" is led by Rachel, a young staffer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with and among the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage the program's dispassionate executive producer demands. What ensues is a humorous, yet vexing, look at what happens in the world of unscripted television, where being a contestant can be vicious and producing it is a whole other reality.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Christianity: Negative
Overview
Set against the backdrop of a hit dating competition show, "UnREAL" is led by Rachel, a young staffer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with and among the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage the program's dispassionate executive producer demands. What ensues is a humorous, yet vexing, look at what happens in the world of unscripted television, where being a contestant can be vicious and producing it is a whole other reality.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The show's central thesis is an explicit, systemic critique of the exploitative and manipulative practices of reality television, highlighting issues of gender, race, and mental health within a corporate, profit-driven entertainment industry.
The series 'UnREAL' features a visibly diverse cast, reflecting the contemporary setting of a reality television production. Its narrative frequently critiques traditional power structures and identities, particularly through the negative portrayal of male figures and the exploration of gender and ethical manipulation within the entertainment industry.
Secondary
UnREAL generally offers a positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. While the fictional reality show's producers often exploit characters' identities for drama, the series itself critiques this manipulation. LGBTQ+ characters are depicted with complexity and agency, often finding affirming outcomes despite external obstacles, such as Faith embracing her identity or Alexi and Owen forming a genuine relationship. The show's narrative stance is empathetic and validating towards queer lives and love.
UnREAL features Alexi, a trans woman contestant, whose storyline critiques the reality TV industry's exploitation of personal identities for ratings. Despite facing prejudice and manipulation, Alexi is portrayed with dignity and complexity. The show's narrative stance is empathetic towards her experiences, framing the obstacles she encounters as external and problematic, thereby affirming her worth.
The show consistently portrays Christianity as a tool for manipulation and exploitation by reality TV producers. Adherents are often depicted as naive, hypocritical, or easily exploited for dramatic effect, with the narrative highlighting the superficiality or weaponization of faith rather than its virtues.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
UnREAL is an original series with no pre-existing source material or historical figures. All characters were created for the show, thus precluding any gender swaps from prior established canon.
UnREAL is an original series that premiered in 2015. All characters were created specifically for this show, meaning there is no prior source material or established canon from which characters could be race-swapped.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.7
6.6
Critic Ratings
8.0
7.8
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