In July 2023, a unique concept took shape in Los Angeles as Maddy Biebel, a digital marketer, organized the season 5 premiere of “Love Island USA” at a rooftop bar. This event drew around 40 attendees and marked the inception of Reality Bar, a novel idea resembling a sports bar but tailored specifically for reality TV watch parties.
Fast forward to the present summer, and Reality Bar has transformed into a bustling hub for fans of the reality TV genre. A recent watch party for the current season of “Love Island” witnessed an impressive turnout of approximately 200 people at Hollywood’s The Palm & The Pine. Meanwhile, hundreds of fans across the city were directed by Reality Bar’s engaging presence on social media, eager to gather with fellow enthusiasts and follow the latest escapades of their favorite islanders in Fiji.
The collaboration between Biebel and local business owners has yielded remarkable outcomes, including a notable increase in sales and a growing pool of potential regulars, especially as “Love Island’s” season finale approached on Peacock. Biebel expressed her unwavering confidence in the demand for such community-focused watch parties, stating, “I’ve always been very confident that this is something that people want, and something that people would like to do, and I just don’t know why people aren’t doing it yet.”
Despite facing numerous rejections while pitching Reality Bar, Biebel persevered. The month of June proved to be a milestone for the venture, with 21 events hosted across five different venues, most of which featured the ever-popular “Love Island.” With nine bars partnering to stream the eagerly anticipated finale, the energy around the events has been palpable. One recent gathering even featured surprise appearances by two contestants who had been eliminated from the show, providing attendees an unforgettable experience.
Biebel takes pride in being recognized as the pioneer of “Love Island” watch parties in Los Angeles. Beyond the flagship reality show, Reality Bar has also welcomed fans of other popular series like “The Bachelor,” “Survivor,” and “The Traitors.”
Biebel dedicates over 20 hours a week to Reality Bar, often more during peak periods. In addition to her responsibilities as a digital marketer for several brands in the hospitality sector, she handles marketing, graphic design, event scheduling, and communication with venue owners. Personal funding supports Reality Bar’s operations, and any profits are reinvested into enhancing the events, which are free for attendees.
The initiative has evolved beyond a simple side gig for Biebel; it’s become a mission to foster community. She states, “With Reality Bar, it wasn’t until I saw community start to form that it really felt like my calling, in a way, to just provide a space for people to gather and to build community.”
In recent years, discussions surrounding America’s loneliness epidemic have increased, and experts suggest that gatherings in third spaces, places distinct from home, school, or work, are crucial in addressing this issue. Biebel highlighted the appeal of watch parties: “You’re showing up to a room of a bunch of other people who care about the same things that you care about. And that’s immediately a way you can talk to someone or make a new friend.”
Many attendees arrive solo but leave with new connections, which Biebel values more than any potential financial gain. She has been engaging with industry professionals in unscripted television and network representatives to expand Reality Bar’s reach while maintaining a community-focused approach. Collaboration with other event organizers has also been a key strategy; one example featured a recent watch party that coincided with a speed dating event hosted by Friend or Flame, while others have included karaoke sessions or live band performances.
Looking ahead, Biebel aspires to make Reality Bar her full-time endeavor. Her vision includes formal partnerships with networks, positioning Reality Bar as an effective marketing arm that helps build real-life communities around television shows. She posits that thousands of reality TV fans have already participated in Reality Bar events and anticipates even greater attendance in the future.
As “Love Island” concludes, Biebel is shifting her focus toward the new season of “Big Brother,” with plans to continue tapping into the rich fan base surrounding Bravo’s “Real Housewives”. She remains responsive to her audience, asserting, “If enough people DM me about a show or a finale or reunion, I’ll find a place to do it. At the end of the day, that’s what this is. I will find a place for you to gather.”
The journey of Reality Bar illustrates the power of community in the realm of reality television and highlights the importance of creating spaces for people to connect and engage over shared interests. As the Summer of 2023 progresses, Biebel’s efforts are paving the way for an exciting future of reality TV gatherings across Los Angeles.
image source from：nbclosangeles
