The story or rather life of ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians (KUWTK)’ has unfolded over a decade, captivating countless viewers. However, the show’s longevity and popularity have led many to ask: How much of KUWTK is scripted versus genuine reality?
For a reality show that has managed to air its family’s most pivotal moments with cinematic precision, it’s only natural for fans to be curious about the degree of scripting involved. Especially when court documents from Kim Kardashian’s divorce from Kris Humphries, obtained by Life & Style, revealed that producer Russell Jay admitted to at least two scenes involving Humphries being reshot or scripted, including the much-discussed proposal scene.
It was also unveiled that the picturesque exterior shots of the Kardashian-Jenner homes used as transitions between scenes weren’t actually the residences of the famous family. Kim justified this by sharing distressing experiences with fans arriving unannounced, leading the show to use alternative homes for exterior shots for safety reasons.
However, despite the allegations of scripting, there’s a compelling counterargument supporting the show’s authenticity. Delphine Lorin, a producer on the E! reality show during its 2007-2021 tenure, described it as an ‘unforgettable journey.’ Lorin noted that while the direction of specific episodes might be influenced by cast members indicating which life events they wish to highlight, the actual unfolding of these events is unscripted.
In a conversation with model Ashley Graham on the ‘Pretty Big Deal’ podcast in 2018, Kim underscored her proactive involvement in previewing the episodes. She clarified that while she doesn’t directly participate in the editing process, she meticulously reviews every cut and edit.
Although the debate between scripted and reality continues, the Kardashians have persisted in their television journey. As of September 2023, the Kardashian-Jenner clan returned with season four of ‘The Kardashians’ on Hulu and Disney Plus. New story arcs, feuds, and anticipated relationship dynamics, such as those between Kylie and Timothée Chalamet and Kendall and Bad Bunny, are set to keep viewers engaged.