I did a reality show once. Two days of “boot camp” got me $64/day (purportedly 8 hours @ $8 per, even though both days lasted far more than eight hours). The day that we taped the actual performance, they never paid me for at all.
Apparently it is also a weight-loss reality show. They would really have something if they would only make Survivor: Biggest Loser Edition.
The best reality show is now on Netflix - Total Drama Island (cartoon). Captures all of the stupidity, scripting and humor of the shows, and my 10 year old loves it (he gets into every episode, wondering who won’t get a marshmallow).