Five Reasons Why it Sucks to Be Eliminated First on Reality Shows

Love competitions. Dance competitions. Competitions where people climb mountains and sky dive while dropping pounds and getting makeovers. It doesn't really matter what kind of reality show is featured. The "elimination" aspect of these shows is always a reality. All blows to one's self-esteem aside, getting kicked out of a Hollywood mansion in front of millions can't feel too great. But there are other reasons why it must really suck to be the first person to be eliminated from a reality show.

Reason #1: You lose money.

After being eliminated from Season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars," contestant Audrina Patridge admitted that the longer one remains in the competition, the more money he/she stands to make. Do the math. If you've been the first to get the axe, your check is obviously the smallest.

Reason #2: You're sworn to secrecy.

It's common knowledge that the participants on reality shows are forbidden to discuss certain things after filming has wrapped. If you blab, you can get yourself into some big trouble. Unfortunately, if you're the first one eliminated from the show, you have an even longer period of time to keep your trap shut about the juiciest parts of living in a house with 12 people.

Reason #3 : You're a "placeholder" in the credits.

As a fan of America's Next Top Model, I have always felt a small pang of sorrow for the first eliminated model whose name remains in the opening credits all season long. How that must suck to be a part of the show every week-but not really.

Reason #4: All that work for nothing.

Chances are, you've spent hours in line auditioning for [insert reality show here], filled out tons of paperwork, undergone a psychiatric evaluation, and had the most intimate details of your life probed for the sake of entertainment. Then, you've got to adjust to a bunch of reality show rules and regulations. Then you have to train your brain to interact with strangers on live television-and then face possible humiliation during [insert humiliating reality show task here.] All that just to be kicked off first.

Reason # 5: Nobody remembers you.

Sure, you can claim the reality show experience, bragging at holiday parties and informal get-togethers. But it won't really matter, because no one will remember you. And even if someone recalls who you are-you'll always be "the one who got kicked off first."

SOURCES:

www.realitytvworld.com
www.abc.go.com
www.cwtv.com