Reality TV is an escape many of us enjoy, especially when a good villain is involved. But, sometimes the scripting makes it so that said villain gets too much hate. However, with narratives being challenged daily nowadays, it feels like a lot of them are finally having their day.
Here are four reality TV villains that prove the dog days can really be over with enough hustle, grind and rehabilitating storylines.
Gia Gunn
Gunn is a drag performer, trans activist and reality TV personality best known for her time on "RuPaul's Drag Race." Known for her catch phrases like "Absolutely!," her point of view has often raised awareness, while creating headlines — sometimes for the wrong reasons like when she uses controversial lines to make a point.
However, after what appeared to be a never ending saga of bad press, it finally feels like the internet has finally learned to love Gia's language. It's not always easy to swallow, and also led to viral moments like her epic takedown of Sneako. It shows that Gia doesn't jump the gun when the times get tough, she is the gun for the causes closest to her heart.
Tiffany 'New York' Pollard
Pollard, often referred to as New York, rose to fame during her original appearance on the VH1 dating show, "Flavor of Love" in the mid-2000s. A true reality TV pioneer, it feels like the times have finally caught up with. Most of her sharp and witty quotes have gone viral in the past few years, years after they originally airing on TV.
Recently, Pollard was re-invited to compete on the second season of "House of Villains," and without skipping a beat the meme-machine that is Pollard was back. She can easily turn into this generation's next Wendy Williams if she really tried. But, for now, it's comfortable knowing that gen z gets to view Pollard in the light she's always deserved... the spotlight.
Angie Katsanevas
Often referred to as Angie K on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," Katsanevas is one of the show's prominent faces. Originally cast as a season 2 guest, she joined the main cast after a felony conviction running a telemarketing scam landed co-star Jen Shah in federal prison.
TV villains like Katsanevas can often times come across as a pick-me person doing way too much. But, the Bravo Universe did right by picking her, especially for her easily replicable shade. Indeed, there's a new center snowflake in Salt Lake City and she's a real avalanche.
Taylor Frankie Paul
Paul is a TikTok influencer who's online fame blew up after she revealed he swinger lifestyle with her fellow Mormon friends. The drama brought their social media group — "#Momtok"— onto the wide screen, in Hulu's original, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and after a whirlwind premiere episode got Paul into all sorts of legal trouble, morphing her into the show's anti-hero — one with a struggling marriage that was now in full public view.
Paul is perhaps the most polarizing on this list, because she is still a troubled anti-hero. But, in her "Game of Thrones"-style fall from grace, Paul is Cersi, and you can't help but root for her once she loses it all.
[Image: Universal TV Africa]
