Don’t believe it? Here are 5 similarities between the two!
Play-by-Play Commentary
Whether it’s Iain Stirling for "Love Island USA"/"UK" or Mike Breen for the NBA, play-by-play commentary is essential to viewers everywhere. A joke from the host or an in-depth recap of previous events can help orient watchers for the chaos to come. The voices of these commentators are also well known by their audience, often becoming a highlight or inside joke for viewers with each game or episode.
High Stakes
No player ever wants to lose their game. From taking home $100,000 and true love to winning a trophy and a ring at the Super Bowl, these players are in it to win it. The NFL may have tense games and fans in the stands, but "Love Island" also has viewers on the edge of their seats wondering who these contestants will choose in a re-coupling. In fact, both mediums often have physical challenges to endure that harm players — psychologically, emotionally, or physically. Just look at "Survivor" or "Big Brother". It may look glamorous sometimes, but reality television can be just as tense as any football game.
Locker Room Drama
Drama and gossip are inescapable, even in the big leagues. While it may seem like drama is native to reality television, it exists from the NBA to the NFL. Keep your ears to the streets, and you’ll easily be able to find someone who can dish out all the dirt behind the scenes. Don’t let anyone tell you differently; it’s obvious that "Ted Lasso" and Creed have to get inspiration for their drama from somewhere. In fact, talk with any NASCAR fan and be amazed by what you’ll hear...
Team Bonding
There’s nothing like screaming or squealing at a TV with your besties. Whether it’s because another goal has been scored, a winner has been crowned, or a couple finally reunited, screaming or jumping for joy with your watch party is a staple in both the sports and reality television community. Grow closer with your friends and family or even strangers at the nearest bar as you root for good fortune for your favorite players. Every gasp, every shout, every argument and every cheer will definitely bring you closer to your pals as it’s not often that people are able to become super invested in the same topic.
Mental Fortitude
Like every sport, one must center their mind to get through a game — or, in this case, a season of reality television. Often compared to a live science experiment, sports and reality television are created to essentially change their players from the inside out. From the meticulous design of the "Love Island" Fiji resort to the shine of an NBA court, these stages are made to foster the best plays or reactions out of its players, for better or for worse. Most previous contestants of reality television shows often say that experiences within the show are unparalleled to anything outside of it. Both players and audiences can be found repeating mantras to calm themselves down from a heavy episode or a bad loss. Whether you are in a jersey or a "Mama’s Little Meatball" T-shirt, it’s clear that a sound mind is the only way to make it through a sports or reality television season unscathed.
