The NFL has often been called “the most dramatic reality show on TV” — and now a group of reality TV all-stars are aiming to prove that case.
Peacock, NBC Sports and the NFL are partnering on a reality-themed simulcast for the Dec. 7 Reality Hot Seat,” the alternative broadcast will stream on Peacock and NFL+ and feature a handful of reality stars commenting on the game in real time.
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“Reality Hot Seat” will feature panelists including “Boston Rob” Mariano (“Survivor,” “The Traitors”), Heather Gay (“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” “Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay”), TV and podcast host Justin Sylvester and Kate Chastain (“Below Deck,” “The Traitors”). The four will deliver a play-by-play of the game, but framed as an unscripted event and with their takes geared toward reality TV fans.
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“Reality Hot Seat” will air that evening on Peacock and NFL+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Fans who don’t want the reality commentary will still be able to watch the game via NBC Sports’ regular broadcast airing on NBC, Peacock and NFL+.
“’Reality Hot Seat’ brings together two of the greatest passions, football and reality TV, both full of drama, strategy, and fiercely loyal fans,” said Bravo/Peacock unscripted chairman Frances Berwick. “We’re not reinventing the game; we’re simply watching it through a different lens that leans into the unscripted storylines already happening on the field. And with our host lineup, we’ve drafted the perfect team to bring that to life on Peacock.”
So Obsessed Productions is producing “Reality Hot Seat.” Jenny Slater and Bobby Mancke are executive producers.
“This is a dream broadcast for football fans and reality TV fans alike,” said Jackie Chang, NFL director of media strategy and business development. “We are thrilled to partner with NBC and Peacock for an exciting and unique presentation of Sunday Night Football that will reach new audiences and showcase stars on and off the field.”
More details about “Reality Hot Seat” will be shared this weekend at BravoCon, where a Sunday Night Football/”Reality Hot Seat” activation, “Throw More Than Shade,” will allow fans to take bedazzled footballs and aim at reality TV inspired targets – in order to win “Reality Hot Seat” swag.
Here’s a description of “Reality Hot Seat”: “Whether breaking down sideline tension like a ’Real Housewives’ dinner party, comparing quarterback-receiver chemistry to a ’Love Island’ recoupling, or analyzing coaching calls worthy of ’The Traitors’ roundtable, ’Reality Hot Seat’ digs into the dirt unfolding on the field – the calls, the reactions, the emotions that will have viewers talking come Monday morning. With surprises, special guests, exclusive sneak peeks – and maybe even a shotski or two – Peacock’s ’Reality Hot Seat’ brings the juiciest watch party right to your living room.”
Unique and unusual pro football game altcasts have become more frequent in recent years as the NFL aims to grow and expand its fan base. Last year, ABC and ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” got a “The Simpsons” makeover on Disney+ via “The Simpsons Funday Football.” CBS and Nickelodeon have also collaborated on several NFL altcasts, including ones for “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Here’s the key art for “Reality Hot Seat”:
