13 reality TV legends tell us their first unscripted obsession, from ‘Flavor of Love’ to ‘Survivor’

Reality TV is hotter than ever, but everyone remembers the show that first got them hooked. Even the pioneers of the format themselves.

On the red carpet for Vulture’s Reality Masterminds event honoring the stars, podcasters and producers shaping the genre of entertainment that we can’t stop gossiping about, Yahoo spoke with 13 honorees and attendees about the series that first sparked their love of unscripted chaos.

It’s no surprise that The Real World was named several times — it’s often credited as the first true reality show, debuting in 1992. MTV was the network at the top of so many people’s minds, with shoutouts to their personality-centric dating shows like Flavor of Love, starring rapper and clock enthusiast Flavor Flav and introducing Tiffany “New York” Pollard to the world. Survivor, a reality competition show now in its 50th season, was also a popular title.

Here’s where it all began for more than a dozen reality TV legends.

‘Boston’ Rob Mariano, Survivor and The Traitors 

“The first was Survivor, right? That’s the one that started it all. I remember watching Colby Donaldson on the second season, being at home on the couch, and being like, ‘I would kick that guy’s ass.’ And my dad, looking at me, he’s like, ‘Oh, you think so? Why don’t you try?’ And I did. I sent in a videotape … The rest is history.”

Jonathan Cheban (aka Foodgod), Keeping Up With the Kardashians

“It’s always Big Brother. I’m a big Big Brother fan. I’m friends with [the host] Julie Chen, and I used to go to the sets.”

Brooks Marks, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

“Oh, it’s controversial now; I don’t want to say it! … It was America’s Next Top Model, but you know, I didn’t know all the ins and outs.”

EJ Johnson, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills

“It was probably America’s Next Top Model, if I’m remembering correctly, or American Idol before that, if we’re really going back. I think that was … fifth grade, and I was obsessed. I even went to the finale show taping, [when] Kelly Clarkson won!”

Taylor Hale, Big Brother

“I was watching A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila and Flavor of Love … you know what I really miss? Room Raiders. I miss Next, which is really just Tinder for the modern age. They really need to bring back Next and Parental Control. … MTV, listen. You canceled all your good stuff. … Put those shows back on and you’re going straight to the moon. Call me, I’ll host it.”

Jackie Goldschneider, Real Housewives of New Jersey

“Well, I love The Real World. You weren’t even born yet. [Author’s note: I was.] I loved the one with the guy who wore the clock around his neck … Flavor Flav! I loved all the MTV shows, even 16 And Pregnant. I loved those and the Real Housewives. I used to watch New Jersey on my couch in my pajamas before I was even on it. … I never even manifested it. I never thought there was a shot in the dark. The day I got the call, I was sitting outside my kids’ basketball practice, and I was like, ‘You sure you’re calling the right number?'”

Mia Calabrese, Summer House

“Flavor of Love.”

Mary Bonnet, Selling Sunset

“The Real World. You can tell my age. I’m old school, right?”

Rob Cesternino, Survivor

“My first favorite reality TV show was The Real World when I was very young, then Survivor came along and changed everything … in the summer of 2000, I would hang out with a bunch of fraternity brothers, and I would sleep on the floor and tell them, ‘I’m getting ready — one day I’m gonna go on Survivor’ … and within a couple years, I was there.”

Witney Carson, Dancing With the Stars

“Survivor … I love a good competition. I grew up competing, so it’s in my bones and my soul, and I love the extreme part of it. I got to meet Parvati [Shallow], which was like a dream come true for me. … I would absolutely annihilate. Just kidding! I would get there and one day be like, ‘I’m so hungry, and I wanna go home.’ … If they could just feed me, I would kill it. “

Jazzy Collins, casting director for The Traitors 

“My first favorite reality TV show was I Love New York. I also loved The Real World and A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila. … We don’t have [dating shows] like that anymore. Maybe someone should do it now. That would be fantastic. I don’t know, is Nene single? I would love to watch that.”

Margaret Josephs, Real Housewives of New Jersey

“Flavor of Love. Flavor Flav with New York. That was the greatest season.”

Jennifer Fessler, Real Housewives of New Jersey

“The Real World, right? That was No. 1. That was the first one.”