Josh Weiner
The rise of social media stars and online personalities has given birth to a new kind of reality entertainment. Netflix, always ahead of the curve, tapped into this trend with its influencer-focused reality series—promising viewers an inside look into the glamorous, chaotic world of digital fame. But many are now asking: is the show truly real, or is it just another scripted spectacle?
While marketed as unscripted, the influencer series features highly dramatic moments, sudden betrayals, and perfectly timed emotional breakdowns that feel more like a movie script than everyday life. Critics and fans alike have pointed out the suspiciously polished cinematography and story arcs that conveniently mirror traditional TV tropes.
Several participants have also hinted in interviews that while the emotions are real, producers often encourage certain types of behavior to create more drama. Scenes are occasionally reshot, conversations are guided, and storylines are loosely mapped out—casting doubt on the show’s authenticity.
Moreover, the influencer lifestyle depicted on screen—filled with lavish parties, instant brand deals, and constant viral success—doesn’t match the slower, more nuanced grind that most content creators face in real life. The show presents a highlight reel, not the daily struggle of maintaining relevance online.
In conclusion, while the Netflix influencer show may be based on real people and their online lives, it’s clear that heavy editing, producer influence, and dramatization play a major role. So is it real? Sort of. But like most reality TV, what you see is more performance than pure reality.
