The Dark Side of Reality TV Explores Honey Boo Boo's Rise to Fame: Preview

Honey Boo Boo's rise to fame is a case study in reality television.

A 19-year-old TV host – who became the talk of the media for starring in season 5 of TLC's. Babies & Tiaras – is the subject of VICE's November 12 episode The Dark Side of Reality TV.

“He was interesting to watch. He had funny things to say, and you know, he does weird things, weird things, I guess,” the woman began in an exclusive clip provided to Us Weekly before the start of the episode, later adding about the height of Honey Boo Boo. to highlight, “There was a snow show on an indescribable level.”

Jack Tarantinoformer TLC executive, added, “People just love the dynamic between him and his mother and his sister. They were real and true. There was no art at all.”

Kayla Simswhose daughter EverRose Sims who also starred in the TLC reality series, and spoke freely about Honey Boo Boo (real name Alana Thompson).

“Bless his heart. You're real,” Kayla said in the clip. “The actors. And I didn't want people to think we were. I was raised to be very respectful of people, and, you know, not to show off about everything.”

Honey Boo Boo, his mother, June “Mama June” Shannonand all his family became prosperous and famous Babies & Tiaras. They later starred in the TLC spinoff, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo four seasons from 2012 to 2014. Although the series was cancelled, the family continued where it left off on We TV's. Mama June: From Inaccessible to Hotwhich premiered in 2017. Its sixth season finished airing in June.

Babies & Tiaras premiered on TLC in 2009 and ran for six seasons until it was canceled in 2013. The show was picked up for another season, which aired in 2016, before being cancelled.

Babies & Tiaras is the latest reality show tested on VICE The Dark Side of Reality TV. Vicki Gunvalsonwho looked around The Real Housewives of Orange County from season 1 to season 14 (and appeared as a “friend” in later seasons), spoke about his experience on reality TV during an episode that aired in October.

“I really feel like it's a deal with the devil,” he said on the October 29 episode, recalling that he didn't get paid for the first season of the show and allegedly made about $5,000 in season 2. “It's not a lot of money, I didn't have a lawyer to look over my contract. I didn't know what I was doing.”

The founder of Coto Insurance, who called himself the OG of OC, also said that Reality TV is what led to his breakup with his ex. Don Gunvalson. They tied the knot in 1994 and finalized their divorce in 2014.

“People ask me if I regret doing this program and when I look at my relationship, I agree. “With Donn, 100%, the program has had an impact on our relationship,” she said. “Being on television 100 percent contributed to our divorce because it puts pressure on the marriage. I think we would have survived if I wasn't on the show. To regret it.”

The Dark Side of Reality TV airs on VICE Tuesdays at 10 pm ET.