The Nigerian entertainment business has experienced immense growth over decades and it is undeniably a multi billion dollar industry in 2025. From Gulder Ultimate search, the very first reality TV show which premiered in 2004 to Big Brother Naija, Knorr Taste quest and so many more, we can boldly say that the Reality TV industry has made its mark in the entertainment industry at large in Nigeria.

But has Reality TV actually shaped the Nigerian pop culture? Let’s take a deep dive into its journey.

The very first Reality TV show in Nigeria was Adventure based. This show was sponsored by a beer company- Gulder and it was based on contestants testing their limits in the wild. This show has Nigerians glued to their screen and it created a thirst for adventure amongst most Nigerians. People would banter about how well they would survive, how smart they are and how resourceful they are if it were they in the show.

After the success of this Reality TV show, we saw more companies willing to sponsor more reality TV shows. Then came the likes of Project Fame by Mtn, where contestants would showcase not just their singing talents but also their performance and songwriting skills.

Most of us looked forward to the auditions even more because it created some form of comic relief after an hectic day. But it wasn’t just Mtn that jumped on the trend, we had Knorr with Knorr Taste quest, Nigeria’s Got talent, Big Brother Naija, The Voice and in recent times “The real Housewives of Lagos” amongst so many others.

It is safe to say that Reality TV played a huge role in influencing entertainment as a whole in Nigeria. In recent times, these shows set the trends for social conversations and even career opportunities. Yes, Reality TV has contributed greatly to employment in Nigeria and has created a space for so many people to express themselves. From Tiktok trends, to Radio conversations and even Magazine Highlights, these Reality TV stars do more than just entertaining.


Reality TV has not just created career opportunities but it has also become a platform for brands to advertise themselves and although the Nigerian entertainment industry still has a long way to go, it is apparent that it is a booming industry with so much to offer and Reality TV has contributed greatly to that growth.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/03/16/how-reality-tv-shaped-nigerian-pop-culture/