Let’s say someone participated in a reality show that renovated their house so they can sell it. Let’s say they’re not interested in selling anytime soon. HGTV found a nice (fake) way to deal with those kinds of participants in “Designed to Sell”.
They just host a fake open house. That fake open house is full of fake potential buyers and that way it looks like they at least tried!
Chopped
Compared to other shows on this list, a lot of what you see on "Chopped" is actually real. However, there are some adjustments.
One such adjustment is letting the judges try the food when the time is up so they don't have to eat it at room temp. Also, the producers sometimes stir the pot by hiding some pantry items or deliberately stocking it with a limited amount of a certain product.
Love It or List It
Would you choose your own home after a professional redecoration or a brand new one? This was the "Love It or List It" format, as viewers and participants were led to believe.
One couple who went on the show reported that their home was left needing repairs after the redecoration (holes in the floor, painted-shut windows, and more).
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway
So yes, this show does live up to its title in the sense that it gifts someone a new home. What you don't really see on HGTV is how high the tax for the house is.
Those who win also win an obligatory tax that's worth 40% of the whole property value. Sadly, it is very rare for any of the winners to actually keep the house.
Deadliest Catch
"Deadliest Catch" pastes scenes from different occurrences into one for dramatic effect, plus the show is actually damaging the fishing industry and real-life fishing crews.
You see, the fishing crews on the show make their money from being on TV, unlike the people who fish for a living.