Variety will host the first-ever Women of Reality TV Dinner, presented by DIRECTV, on Nov. 29 in Los Angeles, honoring the successful reality TV genre and its stars. The invite-only event will feature three reality-focused panels moderated by Variety editors.
A “Legacy Panel” will feature Kandi Burruss of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Carrie Ann Inaba of “Dancing With the Stars,” Jenni “JWOWW” Farley of “Jersey Shore,” Cirie Fields of “Survivor” and “Big Brother,” Whitney Port of “The Hills” and Kyle Richards of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The conversation will be moderated by Variety’s editor-at-large, Kate Aurthur.
Next, the “Fan-Favorite Personalities of Reality TV” panel, moderated by Variety’s TV features editor Emily Longeretta, will feature Paige DeSorbo of “Summer House,” Charity Lawson of “The Bachelorette” and “Dancing With the Stars,” Sasha Colby of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and Mary Bonnet of “Selling Sunset.”
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In the final panel, stars who have achieved success in podcasting will discuss what it takes to capture an audience’s attention across platforms. Speakers include Tamra Judge, Rachel Lindsay and Cheryl Burke.
The event coincides with Variety’s Most Powerful Women on Reality TV impact list, highlighting the top 40 most influential women in the genre this year. Despite more competition than ever, these stars have managed to connect with audiences worldwide by welcoming cameras into their lives and becoming part of the buzziest must-watch television series on air.
“We are excited to partner with DIRECTV to spotlight the cultural phenomenon of reality TV and its stars,” said Dea Lawrence, CMO of Variety. “Unscripted television has fundamentally changed our viewing habits providing escapism for millions and millions of viewers across the globe.”
