Do these 14 reality stars really include ‘the greatest reality star of all time’? – reality blurred

Amazon Studios has announced a brand-new reality competition that will bring together contestants from other shows, which is not an entirely new idea (see The Challenge for one example).

But this new show has a bigger aim than just getting has-been reality stars money and/or maimed.

The new show is called The GOAT, and will stream on Amazon’s Freevee, which calls it a search for the “greatest reality show contestant” and the “greatest reality star of all time.”

Since “GOAT” already has such broad meaning, why not name it something more specific, like The Superist Contestant of Reality of All Time, i.e. The SCROAT?

Daniel Tosh is hosting, and the show comes from producers Elan Gale, formerly of The Bachelor franchise and lying about an airplane fight, and Bill Dixon. Together they recently produced both HBO Max’s Fboy Island and ABC’s wreck of a dog grooming competition.

Amazon Studios said the new show “started production last month in Atlanta” but has not given a sense of when it might start streaming.

Who’s competing on Freevee’s The GOAT?

The format, Amazon says, will involve the contestants living together in a mansion, “where they will face a series of mental, physical, and social challenges.” That’s the extent of the details we get.

We do, however, know who the 14 contestants are, which Amazon describes as “some of the buzziest names from the last 25 years of reality television.”

That adjective, “buzziest,” is perhaps well-chosen, because these are some greats in this list, but certainly “the greatest of all time” in reality TV is not even close to being represented here.

That said, there are two people I am very excited to see back on reality television again! There are others who have appeared on many, many shows.

One-third of the cast are from dating shows, and another third are from Bravo shows. The others include a Survivor winner and a Holiday Baking Championship winner.

Here are those people, along with their Amazon-supplied bios:

Tayshia Adams

Tayshia Adams, best known by the mononym Tayshia, is a television host and multimedia personality, who made her TV debut on The Bachelor in 2019, winning over the nation with her infectious energy and instantly becoming a fan-favorite, which led her to return to television that same year on the sixth season of Bachelor in Paradise.

Tayshia’s captivating presence led to fan-organized social campaigns petitioning for Tayshia to become the franchise’s next lead. The fans were heard, and in the fall of 2020, Tayshia became the inspiring, groundbreaking star of The Bachelorette’s 16th season, making her the first biracial lead in the franchise’s history. In May 2021,Tayshia took home the MTV Movie & TV Award: Unscripted for “Best Dating Show” on behalf of her season, which was also nominated for a People’s Choice Award.

Following her season, Tayshia went on to co-host the next two seasons of The Bachelorette. Since then, Tayshia has been a guest host on shows including Entertainment Tonight and E! Daily Pop, and most recently served as host of the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted.

Outside of television, Tayshia has starred in nationwide commercials and campaigns for fashion designers, beauty brands, major car manufactures and athletic companies. Tayshia has graced magazines including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Women’s Health and more.

The proud daughter of her African American father Desmond and Mexican mother Rosario, Tayshia feels a deep connection to both sides of her family’s roots and heritage. In her free time, Tayshia loves to travel and is passionate about fashion, beauty, interior design, her faith, volunteering, and fitness. Running, in particular, has been a pastime of hers since she was young and is now a major part of her active lifestyle. Tayshia completed the New York City Marathon in 2021 and ran in support of the non-profit humanitarian organization World Vision, for which she helped raise sponsorships for over 150 children in Kenya and Honduras. She also enjoys volunteering weekly at her local food bank with the charity Feeding America.

Joe Amabile

Once a grocery store owner from Chicago, Joe Amabile got his start on The Bachelorette and quickly became a fan favorite with his relatable, charming personality and smile.

Since then, he has also starred on Bachelor in Paradise and Dancing With the Stars, making it to the semi-finals and later hosting a national tour with the cast. Joe now resides in Chicago, working on his “What I Order” Youtube show where he showcases 3 items at his favorite best restaurants, coffee houses, bars, markets, and tourist attractions in every city. He also has his own pasta sauce company, Sundays With Joe.

Joe also has an extensive background in improv, training and performing at various theaters in Chicago such as Second City, Improv Olympic, and Annoyance Theater.

Joe is currently the host of Bachelor Nation’s “Click Bait” podcast and is engaged to his fellow Bachelor alum, Serena Pitt.

Kristen Doute

Kristen Doute is an American television personality, author, podcast host, entrepreneur, clothing designer, actress, and proud vegetarian. Doute starred in the international hit Bravo television series “Vanderpump Rules” for its first eight seasons.

Known for her spicy flare and dynamic personality, Doute is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Doute moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress when she began working at SUR. While at SUR, Doute was approached to take part in a new television series, Vanderpump Rules. Hesitant at first, Doute ultimately decided to take part. Now in its 10th season, Kristen will be returning to the show for the upcoming dramatic season finale.

Doute is also an author, having written her first book, which was released in 2020: “He’s Making You Crazy: How To Get The Guy, Get Even, And Get Over It,” a humorous autobiographical guide to relationships.

She currently hosts her successful podcast, “Sex, Love And What Else Matters.”

Reza Farahan

Reza Farahan was born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in Beverly Hills, CA. Married to his husband, Adam, and parents to Miss Moo, Smokey, Woody and Bugsy, the couple’s four cats, and Martini, their dog.

Best known as the Shah of Shahs of Sunset, an American reality television series that aired on Bravo for nine seasons. Reza has appeared on several TV shows – and yes, that was him in the cult classic Sharknado 3.

Reza is a prominent player in the Los Angeles real estate world, representing clients from the movie industry, star athletes and Middle Eastern royalty. Always evolving, he has expanded his creative ability and passion into design and construction, completing several multi-million dollar projects.

With hair like his, it’s no wonder that Reza is also the creator of ‘Reza Be Obsessed’, a genderless luxury hair care line. You can find all eight of his haircare items on Macys.com and in select Macy’s stores.

If that wasn’t enough, he’s also writing a book about his life.

CJ Franco

CJ Franco, best known for being the breakout star of the hit show F Boy Island on HBO Max, is also a content creator, actress, TV personality and model with a whirlwind of energy and laughter. No stranger to the spotlight, CJ has appeared in FHM, GQ, Maxim, Vogue, Sports Illustrated as well as many more magazines and newspapers. CJ has done multiple appearances at the Comedy store and is also a regular on the web series “Evil Little Brother” which has amassed 27 million views on YouTube.

Growing up with a gay Dad, CJ is a passionate LGBTQ+ activist and her close family relationships appear regularly in her content. After CJ’s appearance on F Boy Island, she continued to advocate for women and mental health.

CJ is also a true vegan and loves helping others come up with new vegan meal ideas. CJ lives in Los Angeles with her two fur babies Milo and Mango.

Wendell Holland

Wendell F. Holland, II is an accomplished builder, designer, and a television and podcast host. He has appeared as a castaway on two seasons of SURVIVOR, a won SURVIVOR: GHOST ISLAND. Wendell co-hosted HGTV’s Hot Mess House, and he has appeared as a guest designer on other shows on the network including Smart Home, Hometown Takeover, and Beach Cabana Royale.

Wendell is a co-host of the Survivor News segment on the PURPLE PANTS PODCAST alongside former Survivor contestant, Brice Izyah, and former The Circle contestant, Jack Atkins.

He is the founder and chief designer at Beve Unlimited, where he transforms reclaimed wood into unique custom furniture.

Before pivoting to his passion of building and design, Wendell started his career as a lawyer working in the family court system in Philadelphia.

Teck Holmes

Teck Holmes has enjoyed tremendous success in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer and deejay. Teck’s television appearances include Friends, Lincoln Heights, NCIS and One on One. He has also starred opposite Ryan Reynolds in Van Wilder: Party Liaison, with Katie Holmes in First Daughter and alongside Blair Underwood and Regina Hall in Turnaround.

Born in Alton, Illinois and raised in Peoria, Teck got his first taste of comedy in 2000 with a live performance at the infamous Dublin’s in Hollywood, California. Since then he has gone on to perform in venues throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Teck made his television debut on MTV’s Real World: Hawaii. He went on to host a slew of the network’s shows including Total Request Live and Say What Karaoke. He was also hand picked by the Cartoon Network to host Hole in the Wall, which became their top rated live-action show.

During breaks from his busy filming schedule, Teck spends his time deejaying at clubs, red carpet events and private parties. He has played in venues across the globe including Cuba, Europe, Hawaii and The Bahamas.

Teck currently serves as the Producer and star of TruTV’s original comedy series Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks.

Justin Johnson/Alyssa Edwards

Renowned as one of the most famous drag performers in herstory, Alyssa Edwards is an American entertainer, choreographer and globally-recognized television personality. Prior to her television debut, Alyssa was a gifted dance instructor and one of the most crowned performers in the drag pageantry scene before rising to international prominence on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she quickly became a fan favorite.

In 2012, Alyssa was selected as one of the 14 drag queens to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she immediately catapulted to fame for her candid testimonials, outrageous tongue-pops and quirky personality. In 2016, she returned as one of 10 contestants in Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, where she stole the hearts of the audience, ultimately finishing as fourth runner-up.

Alyssa made an epic return to the screen in 2018 as the centerpiece of the Netflix Original docuseries Dancing Queen, produced by RuPaul and World of Wonder. The series focused on her award-winning dance studio, Beyond Belief Dance Company, and the rigorous – and oftentimes dramatic – journey in teaching the next generation of competitive dancers.

Hailed as the “sickening queen supreme” by The Times, Alyssa stunned audiences in 2021 with her critically acclaimed stint at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s historic West End. She then embarked on a 56-city sold-out tour across the United States and Canada entitled Alyssa: Life, Love & Lashes. In May 2023, she will return to the UK to launch Becoming Alyssa: The Life Story of a Traveling Queen, a 22-city cross-European tour.

With personal appearances and tours spanning the globe, the Alyssa Edwards persona is a beloved character that has expanded throughout mainstream media, most recently appearing on NBC’s America’s Got Talent where her dance students competed. Alyssa balances her time between international bookings and appearances, and teaching dance in her hometown of Mesquite, Texas.

Paola Mayfield

Paola got her start in the hit reality tv show, 90 Day Fiance and since has created a career unique to her. On top of being a personal trainer and fitness coach, she has been making waves in the wrestling world for the past two years. Her alter ego, ‘Paola Blaze,’ embodies her inner Columbian fire in the ring. Paola brings her fire and passion to everything she does!

Da’Vonne Rogers

Da’Vonne was born in Inglewood, California, and is the mother of one beautiful daughter. She started her reality television career in 2015, competing on three seasons CBS’s Big Brother, and Big Brother ALL STARS, where she became the FIRST African American contestant to win America’s Favorite Houseguest.

She also competed on multiple seasons of MTV’s The Challenge. Da’Vonne is known for her hilarious commentary, big personality, quick wit, and of course many gifs and memes. Da’Vonne is truly a reality tv star that you will love, root for, and never forget.

Joey Sasso

Joey Sasso is an American reality TV personality who won the first season of the Netflix show The Circle in 2020 and more recently appeared on the Netflix show Perfect Match Sasso’s infectious personality and sense of humor quickly made him a fan favorite on The Circle, where he formed close bonds with several other contestants. He won the competition, thanks to his ability to connect with others and build strong alliances.

After his win, Sasso continued to pursue acting and modeling opportunities, and has also worked as a brand ambassador and influencer. He has a strong presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, where he shares updates on his life and career with his fans.

Jason Smith

A self-taught cook and baker, who learned from his grandmother’s knee at the age of six in his beloved home state of Kentucky, Jason Smith has taken his Granny’s heritage recipes and given them his own twist to develop a style he refers to as “Country Bling”: good ol’ country and southern-rooted food elevated with fresh, vibrant ingredients, changing the minds of millions on how traditional food actually looks and tastes.

In a past life, Jason worked as a school cafeteria manager, as a professional floral designer and event planner, a caterer, and a specialty pastry artist. Jason is an award-winning floral designer and was inducted into the Kentucky Floral Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

Most recently, Jason can be seen as the winner of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. He can be seen on Food Network Star, serving as a judge on Best Baker in America, co-hosting Worst Baker in America. He regularly appeared on the Rachael Ray Show, Pickler & Ben, Home & Family, Haunted Ginger Bread Show-Down, Holiday Wars, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Jason’s highly anticipated cookbook, Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist, is set to debut in August 2023.

Lauren Speed-Hamilton

Lauren Speed-Hamilton is a Detroit-proud content creator and CEO of The Speed Brand, a creative firm in Atlanta that supports artists through digital marketing, art direction, community planning, and various forms of social media.

Lauren rose to fame when she starred in the hit Netflix dating series, LOVE IS BLIND. Alongside her husband Cameron Hamilton, the two captivated audiences, with a combined social following of nearly 4 Million globally.

Jill Zarin

Jill Zarin is a well-known personality, having gained fame as an original cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York City. Prior to that, Zarin had a successful career in the fashion and textile industry. Today, she is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actress, leveraging her platform to pursue various endeavors.

With a natural flair for business, Zarin has expanded her design ventures in home decor and fashion. In 2016, she launched Jill Zarin Home Rugs, the first affordable luxury product category in her Jill Zarin Home collection. These stylish and affordable rugs are known for being pet-friendly and are available, alongside Jill Zarin Home Furniture and Jill Zarin Home Tabletop and Accessories, in over 4000 stores nationwide.

In 2020, Zarin and her daughter Ally Shapiro launched Jill & Ally, a brand that focuses on spirituality and wellness. Alongside natural beauty tools made of crystals, JillandAlly.com offers luxuriously scented crystal manifestation candles, including Amethyst, Opals and other semi-precious stones which are now sold online and in the finest stores and boutiques around the world.

Currently residing in Florida and the Hamptons, Zarin oversees the growing product lineup and team for Jill Zarin Home and Jill & Ally from her home, which doubles as the company’s headquarters. When not working, Zarin enjoys playing tennis, Pickleball and spending time with family and friends, and let’s not forget her adorable Pomeranian, Bossi, who she loves spending time with.