Nick Lachey, Caitlyn Jenner, Rev Run and Kim Kardashian are stars who got real for TV — and dragged their families along with them.
“The Osbournes” (2001-2005)
Black Sabbath rockstar Ozzy Osbourne and his manager-wife Sharon were one of the first star families to open their home to cameras. The show was expected to return for another season in 2015, but MTV scrapped the plans.
“The Anna Nicole Show” (2002-2004)
The series followed former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith and her endearing entourage as she navigated through life as a has-been. It was canceled during the third season. Smith died of a drug overdose in 2007.
“Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica” (2003-2005)
Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson married in 2002 and filed for divorce in 2005 — about the same amount of time their reality show lasted. The series made them household names and boosted their careers, though.
“Being Bobby Brown” (2005)
R&B singer Bobby Brown and then-wife Whitney Houston only lasted one season on reality television, since Houston and Bravo could not come to an agreement for a sophomore season.
“Hogan Knows Best” (2005-2007)
Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan‘s reality show focused on his protective parenting ways — hence, the play on ’50s TV show “Father Knows Best” — but the family was far from perfect. His son faced charges for reckless driving in 2007, and Hogan allegedly cheated on his wife Linda with one of his daughter’s friends. She divorced him and the show was canceled.
“Brooke Knows Best” (2008-2009)
Now all grown up, Brooke Hogan’s reality series focused on her transition into adulthood, her parents’ divorce and attempting a music career. The series was canceled after two seasons.
“Run’s House” (2005-2009)
Rev Run (Joseph Simmons), formerly part of rap group Run-D.M.C., incorporated his credits as a practicing minister into the series. Unlike many other reality shows, his ended simply because the kids were older and the family was ready to move on.
“Family Jewels” (2006-2012)
Kiss bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons‘ show lasted seven seasons, but was consistently plagued with accusations that some events never occurred. Simmons then decided to focus on the Kiss tour and other business ventures.
“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” (2007- )
Kim Kardashian‘s reality series gave its stars’ collective career status a formidable boost. The show features former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, momager Kris Jenner, sisters Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, brother Rob Kardashian and half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (2007-2010)
Jon and Kate Gosselin raised their eight children (sextuplets and twins) in the public eye until divorcing in 2009. He was subsequently booted off, giving life to “Kate Plus 8.”
“Kate Plus 8” (2010- )
Once her divorce to her husband Jon was finalized, Kate Gosselin proceeded with the show alone. Her ex-husband sent letters to TLC, demanding that they cease and desist production. Still, the series perseveres.
“Mrs. Eastwood & Company” (2012)
Dina Eastwood, then-wife of Hollywood veteran Clint Eastwood, could not sustain her reality show featuring their daughters past one season.
“Duck Dynasty” (2012- )
Willie Robertson‘s family business is a multimillion dollar corporation. Despite his father Phil Robertson‘s controversial anti-gay remarks, A&E gave in to public pressure and reinstated him nine days after suspending the family patriarch.
“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” (2012-2014)
“Toddlers & Tiaras” spin-off centering on the family of child beauty pageant star Alana Thompson was quickly canceled after media revealed that the child’s mother Mama June Shannon had resumed a relationship with former boyfriend and convicted sex offender Mark McDaniel, who had served 10 years for molesting another of Shannon’s daughters.
“Chrisley Knows Best” (2014- )
Millionaire Todd Chrisley’s reality show is entering its third season of production. The series faced controversy after his son Kyle Chrisley made allegations that the family patriarch was staging the whole show.
“Wahlburgers” (2014- )
Actor Mark Wahlberg‘s series focuses on his family’s hamburger restaurant in Hingham, Massachusetts. Wahlberg owns the restaurant, along with his brothers Paul and Donnie Wahlberg.
“Donnie Loves Jenny” (2015- )
“Wahlburgers” spin-off expands on the life of Donnie Wahlberg and his new wife, actress Jenny McCarthy.
“Lachey’s Bar” (2015- )
A&E’s newest reality series follows brothers and former 98 Degrees members Nick and Drew Lachey, now co-owners of Lachey’s Bar in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“I Am Cait” (2015- )
Former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner is making her transition from Bruce to Caitlyn public in this eight-part docuseries. The show will give an inside look at Jenner’s new life as a female.
