Have you ever watched Rock of Love and thought, “If only I were more like Bret Michaels, my romantic issues would solve themselves”?
Reality dating shows are wildly entertaining, but let’s be honest—if you’re looking for actual love advice, these shows are not the place to find it. In fact, taking them seriously might just set you up for disaster (not to be mistaken for a fool in love).
According to Cami Hadley at Cable TV, shows like Jersey Shore may glorify trashy romance, but if you’re taking cues from TV, avoid these dating shows at all costs.
Rock of Love
Bret Michaels—a thorn searching for his rose—was at the heart of VH1’s hit reality show Rock of Love.
On paper, it was simple: one legendary rock star, a house full of Poison-obsessed groupies, and a “search” for love. The problem?
Most of the competition was won in the hot tub or the bedroom.
💀 If Bret had it his way, he probably would have kept all of them around until the finale.
💀 One contestant was so dedicated she tattooed “Bret” on her neck.
💀 She didn’t even win.
So, if your idea of love involves tequila shots and catfights, Rock of Love might be the perfect guide. Otherwise… steer clear.
The Bachelor & The Bachelorette
If Rock of Love is too trashy for your taste, maybe you’d prefer something classier—like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
🌹 One lucky man or woman is courted by a pool of contestants, going on extravagant dates, sharing deep conversations… and ultimately choosing “the one.”
Sounds romantic, right?
Except—it almost never works.
🔹 Out of 24 seasons, only two couples have actually stayed together long-term (one engaged, one married).
🔹 Many break up within weeks of the finale.
🔹 A lot of contestants are more interested in fame than in love.
There’s no such thing as a crash course in love, but there is such a thing as dating for Instagram followers.
A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila
This one was… an experience.
Tila Tequila, a bi-curious MySpace model, was given her own reality dating show with a twist—the contestants were both men and women, and by the end, she’d choose not just a person… but a gender.
Where do we even start?
⚠ A major issue – The idea that someone can narrow down their sexuality in a few weeks was not well received, particularly by the LGBTQ+ community.
⚠ The deeper issue – Just like Rock of Love, most of the show’s “connections” were as meaningful as Bret Michaels’ groupies.
⚠ The final result? – She chose a man, and—shocker—they didn’t last.
So, if you’re looking for a reality TV love story that defies the odds… you might want to keep looking.
Flavor of Love
Now, let’s be honest.
If you’re looking for dating wisdom in Flavor of Love, you might need a reality check of your own.
This show wasn’t about love—it was about absolute chaos, and we were all here for it.
Instead of listing 100 reasons why nothing about it was realistic, just sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show. 🍿