From Meghan Markle to Pete Davidson: Celebs who said NO to reality TV

While many might assume that celebrities would be unperturbed about joining reality TV, sharing large parts of their lives isn't necessarily a concern since, as public figures, that’s the life they chose.

But it isn't that easy, as reality shows come with an extra scrutiny and stress on a celebrity’s personal life.

So, it's no surprise that many celebs aren't comfortable appearing on reality shows. Find out who they are:

Pete Davidson:

Right before the first season of The Kardashians aired, Kim Kardashian spoke to Variety regarding the highly anticipated inclusion of her then-boyfriend Pete Davidson on the show.

"I have not filmed with him,” she said at the time, adding, “It's just not what he does. But if there was an event happening and he was there, he wouldn't tell the cameras to get away. I think I might film something really exciting coming, but it wouldn't be for this season."

Although Pete didn't officially appear in season one, fans were really excited at the prospect of his season two debut when he popped up in a post-credits scene during the finale.

Later, an executive producer, Danielle King, disclosed that the comedian would be joining the Kardashian family for season two, with Kim confirming that they had filmed something special together.

Shortly after the trailer for season dropped, fans were euphoric to see Kim and Pete’s interaction on the show.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the couple broke up in August 2022.

A source close to the matter stated that Pete would barely be featured in the upcoming season due to the breakup, claiming, "He's in the background, but the reality world is not built for people like Pete."

Dolly Parton:

Dolly Parton, who's widely considered a trailblazer for breaking barriers and paving her own path in country music, has also turned down the offer of being part of a reality singing competition show.

In an interview, she shared that it’s hard for her to take on the duties of a judge.

“I've been asked to do that a lot of times. It's too hard for me. I know how sincere everybody is. Even if they're not that good, they believe they are. And I just can't hurt people," Dolly said.

However, she has made a couple of guest appearances to both mentor and perform on shows such as American Idol and The Voice.

Chrissy Teigen:

When Andy Cohen, the executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, asked Chrissy Teigen how she felt about being part of it, saying she would be his “dream celebrity.”

In response, she revealed that she’s better off being a viewer then being a participant.

"I mean, I love everything about it, obviously I love watching the show. I don't think fans of the show are necessarily good on it because we know too much, and I think they come in and it seems like they're too fan-girly, the model said.

Chrissy added, "Also, it doesn't seem like it, but I don't like fighting, I really don't. I would cry a lot."

Jamie Lee Curtis:

Jamie Lee Curtis has been a loud supporter of her friend Jennifer Grey, who participated in Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars.

At the time, the Freaky Friday actress was asked by E! News if she would ever compete on the show and she quickly shut the idea down.

"Never in a million years,” Jamie replied.

Meghan Markle:

Lastly, in a November 2022 episode of her podcast Archetypes, Meghan Markle was interviewing Andy Cohen, where he revealed that fans had long been requesting to see the former Duchess of Sussex on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

"I'm like, she ain't joining the 'Beverly Hills Housewives', everybody, she's Meghan Markle!" Andy said.

However, Meghan mentioned she had “never heard” that viewers wanted her to join the reality show.

"You mean really that this is my audition for 'Real Housewives of Montecito?' Is this the moment?” she joked.

Andy replied that if she agreed to appear, the network would center the show around her.

"You mean really that this is my audition for 'Real Housewives of Montecito?' Is this the moment? Meghan concluded.