Deafness on Reality TV: A New Era of Representation
It’s the week between holiday celebrations and New Year’s. The fridge is packed with leftovers, and you’ve got a pair of cozy new pajamas from Christmas. The holiday parties are behind you, the guests from Hanukkah and Kwanzaa have departed, and now it’s the final weekend of 2024. The perfect plan? Curl up on the couch, binge some gloriously trashy TV, and recharge before the hustle begins again.
The spectrum of deafness is finally making its mark in the world of reality television. Whether it’s your favorite guilty pleasure or a new series to explore, seeing d/Deaf representation on-screen is something we can all celebrate!
Explaining Medical and Cultural Deafness
Before you scroll down the list, let’s take a moment to explain the difference between the medical and cultural definitions of deafness. Medically, deafness is viewed as a disability caused by hearing loss, which can occur at any point in life. Culturally, however, being Deaf is seen as a different way of experiencing a shared visual lifestyle. These two concepts are often distinguished by using ‘deaf’ (medical) and ‘Deaf’ (cultural).
In this list of reality celebrities, we use the term “d/Deaf” whereas the reality star may prefer the identity, hard-of-hearing or late deafened. Generally, “hearing impaired” is outdated terminology shedding a negative connotation. The contestants use different modes of communication and accommodations; some may speak and lipread, while others use ASL or BSL. Often, contestants will use a mix of methods. Sign language interpreters are also involved in some of these shows, often working behind the camera.
Keeping It Real: Opinions and Where to Watch
Since we’re discussing reality shows, it’s important to note that all opinions expressed are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of Inclusive Communication Services, though we do enjoy a good dose of drama and competition!
Please check other streaming platforms, some titles may be available on multiple platforms and change over time. Leave us a comment to update a link or add to our list!
Binge-Worthy Reality TV with Deaf Stars
TV Show: DeafU | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Deaf Representation: Cheyenna Clearbrook, Rodney Burford, Tessa Lewis, Alexa Paulay-Simmons, Renate Rose, Daequan Taylor, Dalton Taylor
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: This TV series that follows a group of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students at Gallaudet University, offering an unfiltered look into their lives, relationships, and experiences within the Deaf community.
TV Show: America’s Next Top Model | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 22
Deaf Representation: Nyle DiMarco
Where to Watch: Hulu
Summary: Aspiring models compete in various challenges to win a modeling contract and the title of America’s Next Top Model.
TV Show: The Bachelor | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 28
Deaf Representation: Daisy Kent
Where to Watch: Hulu
Summary: A dating show where a single man dates multiple women, eliminating contestants weekly, in the hopes of finding his future wife.
TV Show: Love Island UK | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 8
Deaf Representation: Tasha Ghouri
Where to Watch: Hulu
Summary: Singles live together in a villa, coupling up and competing in challenges, with the goal of finding love and winning a cash prize.
TV Show: Survivor: The Amazon | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 6
Deaf Representation: Christy Smith
Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu, PutoTV, Fubo
Summary: Contestants are divided by gender into tribes and must outwit, outplay, and outlast each other in the Amazon rainforest to win a million-dollar prize.
TV Show: The Amazing Race | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 1 and 35
Deaf Representation: Luke Adams and Rob McArthur
Where to Watch: Netflix, FuboTV
Summary: Teams of two race around the world, completing various challenges and navigating different cultures, with the goal of reaching the final destination first to win a cash prize.
TV Show: Project Runway | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 12
Deaf Representation: Justin LeBlanc
Where to Watch: Hulu
Summary: Aspiring fashion designers compete in weekly challenges to create garments and showcase their creativity, with the ultimate goal of winning the title of top designer and launching their fashion career.
TV Show: The Circle | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 5
Deaf Representation: Raven Sutton
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Contestants live in separate apartments and communicate solely through a social media platform, aiming to be the most influential and avoid being “blocked” by their peers to win a cash prize.
TV Show: The Great British Baking Show
Seasons: 14
Deaf Representation: Tasha Stones
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Amateur bakers face weekly challenges to create intricate baked goods, with the aim of impressing a panel of judges and being crowned the best amateur baker in the UK.
TV Show: Queer Eye | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 8
Deaf Representation: Denton Mallas
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A team of five LGBTQ+ experts, known as the Fab Five, provide life-changing makeovers in areas such as fashion, grooming, food, culture, and design to help individuals transform their lives and self-esteem.
TV Show: Hunted UK
Seasons: 6
Deaf Representation: James and Nathan
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Summary: Contestants go on the run, trying to evade capture by a team of expert investigators and surveillance professionals, with the goal of remaining undetected for a set period to win a cash prize.
TV Show: Dancing with the Stars
Seasons: 6, 22, and 31
Deaf Representation: Marlee Matlin, Nyle DiMarco, Daniel Durant
Where to Watch: Disney+
Summary: Celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in weekly ballroom dance routines, aiming to impress judges and the audience to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.
TV Show: Big Brother | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 25
Deaf Representation: Matt Klotz
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Summary: Contestants live together in a house under constant surveillance, competing in various challenges and strategic games while avoiding eviction by their housemates, all for a chance to win a cash prize.
TV Show: Squid Games: The Challenge | Watch the trailer on Youtube here
Seasons: 1
Deaf Representation: Jackie Gonzalez
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Inspired by the hit series Squid Game, contestants compete in high-stakes games based on the show’s challenges, aiming to outlast their rivals and win a substantial cash prize.
TV Show: Strictly Come Dancing
Seasons: 19
Deaf Representation: Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis
Where to Watch: BBC iplayer
Summary: Celebrities in the UK are paired with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance routines, aiming to impress judges and the public to win the competition.
Empowering Deaf Talent Through Sign Language Interpreting and Live Captioning
At ICS, we’re passionate about ensuring accessibility for everyone, including d/Deaf and hard of hearing actors, actresses, and audiences. Our services, like sign language interpreting and live captioning, help create an inclusive experience both on-screen and behind the scenes. Accessibility isn’t just a benefit—it’s essential.
If you enjoyed this blog, don’t miss our feature on movies with Deaf actors and actresses! Discover how their performances are shaping the future of representation in film. Check it out to keep celebrating authentic stories and inclusive media!
