After the Fact: 'Unreal's' 1st Season is Sickeningly Pleasurable, Must-Watch Television

'UnReal' is one of the best television shows you will watch in 2015. The relationship drama has received unrelenting praise for its take on the reality genre, highlighting the worst features of programs like 'The Bachelor.' The show stars Shiri Appleby as Rachel, a producer for dating competition 'Everlasting' who returns after an unfortunate incident. In the Pilot everything is the status quo; Rachel and her colleagues manipulate contestants and coerce women to bitch about each other, slut up or slut down to woo their man, and even put on the impression of being someone else in service of victory. And by victory, I mean getting the handsome British man to pop the big question. But who will he choose - the exotic slut, the bitchy girl, the virgin or the beauty?

By taking on reality television culture where good gossip = high viewership, creators Marti Noxon and Sarah Shapiro go beyond the underlying themes of manipulation and psychological reckoning. Rachel isn't just doing her job as we are poised to believe, she is the best at what she does and for good reason.

The beauty of 'UnReal' lies in witnessing the worst in human morality.

We often surprise ourselves with what we are capable of, as does the Lifetime series. Little thematic ploys are spared, whether its drugs or virginity or sex or monogamy - it's all fair game folks!

We do not love this show because it's a commentary on reality programs, but rather that it goes beyond the barebones plot, digs deeper, and allows the audience to uncover its sickening secrets.

A friend of mine tried watching 'UnReal' and struggled to put feelings into words. "I just don't like to see that," he said. But like the rest of us, his jaw dropped episode after episode, revolted as much as he was riveted by the world in front of him. Take it from a guy who doesn't scare easy, this show will make you fear the psychological crazies that people are capable of.

Season 1 concluded at 10 episodes and 'UnReal' was quickly picked up for a 2nd season to air next year on Lifetime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM6IKUzjc0s

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