20 great reality stars that audiences hate

Even though audiences have shamed the Real Housewives of Potomac’s most consistent pot stirrer for causing drama among the cast, where would this show be without her? Eight seasons in, and Gizelle is still the driving force behind many of RHOP’s most explosive moments. 

Regarding the Real Housewives, fans are always split down the middle regarding problematic stars that are good for the show, and Candiace is one of them. She’s known for feuding with co-stars Monique, Gizelle, Robyn, and Ashley.  

Teresa flipped a table on her co-star during their first season filming the Real Housewives of New Jersey. How could audiences not have a problem with her? Even then, she’s remained an integral part of the show for 14 seasons and has given viewers even more jaw-dropping scenes, from broken glasses to physical altercations. 

Just like her Real Housewives bestie Teresa, Jennifer Aydin says it like it is and doesn’t care who she wounds. Since joining the Jersey ladies in Season 10, Aydin has been part of the show’s most intense storylines and has caused quite the divide between fans and her co-stars.  

Before the Real Housewives of Dallas was canceled in 2020, LeeAnne Locken gave Bravo viewers four seasons of entertaining meltdowns and one-liners. She was the show’s villain and wore the title with pride, causing turmoil whenever she could, whether on a cast trip or at the dinner table of a fancy charity event. 

Everybody knows about Omarosa. She starred in Donald Trump’s The Apprentice before participating in other shows like Big Brother and House of Villains. She’s complex, but it’s why producers love her so much. If you let her, she’ll turn a show upside down for entertainment. 

Natalie Nunn is the face of Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club. She starred in Season 4 (and several spin-offs), coined the iconic phrase, “I run LA,” and caused trouble wherever the cast went.    

Every MTV show has the have the offensive gym bro who’s unafraid to butt heads with others on the cast, and in Jersey Shore’s case, that role was played by Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. He’s known for his many outlandish comments and actions, but the most memorable might be his fight with roommate Ronnie Ortiz.  

Johnny Bananas is a Challenge legend and reality TV giant who’s perfected the art of being a villain. Viewers hate him for his skill and sharp tongue, but after 20+ years in the game, you can’t help but respect the OG that he is. 

He’s not as seasoned as some of the other stars on this list; however, Big Brother and The Challenge’s Paulie Calafiore knows how to put on a show. And his good looks aren’t why his co-stars and audiences don’t vibe with him. It's his confidence. 

Some Big Brother and The Challenge fans don’t like Josh Martinez because his antics are excessive. But if we’re watching a reality show, we want someone who will run around the house banging pots and pans to create conflict. And that’s exactly what Josh is known for. He’s clashed with others on this list, including Bananas and Paulie. 

The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Tamra Judge isn’t new to this. She’s starred on Bravo since 2007 and has had her fair share of shocking moments. She’s thrown wine, exposed secrets, and has had blowups like no other. Shocking? Yes. But her actions make this show great. 

He’s a self-proclaimed liar and manipulator, but what would the Vanderpump Rules cast have to talk about for the first eight seasons if it weren't for Jax Taylor? Jax was the center of cheating scandals (yes, multiple), theft, and all-out brawls. His co-stars may not have liked him then, but we were in love. 

We’re not saying Ralph Pittman from the Real Housewives of Atlanta is a great person for gaslighting his wife, Drew Sidora — we’re saying if it weren’t for his shady ways and “spontaneous” trips to Miami, Florida, there’d be no action in the ATL.  

Larsa Pippen (yes, ex-wife of Scottie Pippen, who is now dating Marcus Jordan) can come across as insensitive on reality TV, but hey, it’s the Real Housewives we’re talking about. We expect a few of them to be a little out of touch with reality.  

If you want to protect your heart and feelings, don’t come for Dr. Heavenly Kimes. She’s the one Married to Medicine cast member who doesn’t follow Michelle Obama’s advice. If you go low, she’s going even lower. Viewers have called for her firing, but nine seasons later, she remains — probably because of her blunt and unfiltered personality. 

This list can’t exist without Phaedra Parks. She’s shady and calculated but a pro at this reality TV thing.  

Reza Farahan is the OG of Shah’s of Sunset and the catalyst behind his show’s most memorable fights. He’s unhinged and unapologetic — characteristics perfect for a reality star but may have landed him on a few watchers’ naughty lists.  

Farrah has showcased her unpleasant personality on shows like Teen Mom, Ex on the Beach, and Big Brother since 2009, and through all of that, we still have to praise her for getting the job done. Like many others on this list, if it weren’t for being unfazed by public opinion and showing up as their authentic selves, we wouldn’t have the iconic pop culture moments that live rent-free in our minds today. 

The only reason viewers hated Mariah Huq is because of her larger-than-life personality. She was unafraid and unwilling to back down, no matter who had a problem. The first few seasons were so intense you’d forget whether you were watching Survivor or Bravo’s Married to Medicine since she was always on an island alone most times. Nonetheless, despite the hate she received, Mariah was essential to this show’s success, and she’s why they’re still airing 10 years later.