20 Reality Shows With Awful Prizes

Fame? Money? Marriage? Think again
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 14, 2010 12:02 PM CDT
20 Reality Shows With Awful Prizes
In this Oct. 1, 2008 file image originally released by NBC, opera singer Neal E. Boyd is shown after winning the NBC talent competition, "America's Got Talent," in Studio City, Calif.   (AP Photo/NBC, Chris Haston, file)

Before you bust out your Michael Jackson impression for a shot at $1 million on America’s Got Talent, consider this: That $1 million is actually $375,000. Unless, of course, you want to take $25,000—before taxes—per year for 40 years. The Daily Beast tells the truth about 20 reality shows' prizes:

  • The Apprentice: The winner actually does get the promised year-long job with a salary of $250,000—but your “job” is basically promoting Trump.
  • Hell's Kitchen: The much-touted head chef job isn't quite so prestigious. Last season's winner was called "just an employee" by his new restaurant's executive chef.

  • The Bachelor and The Bachelorette: It should be fairly obvious that though eternal love is supposed to be your prize, you’re more likely to get dumped.
  • I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!: Winner Lou Diamond Phillips’ chosen charity had yet to receive the promised donation six weeks after the show ended.
  • Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: After the show renovates their home, homeowners are responsible for increased property taxes and utility expenses, and some have gone into foreclosure.
For the complete list, click here.
(More America's Got Talent stories.)

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