Reality TV shows give viewers a glimpse into the lives of their stars, and as certain story tropes emerge, audiences naturally perceive some of them as villains.
While these series may not follow the traditional hero-versus-villain narrative, many characters display egos, aggression, or a disconnection from others that leads viewers to see them as antagonists.
However, over time, even the most despised figures can redeem themselves by embracing personal growth—whether through forging new friendships, revealing moments of vulnerability, or admitting their mistakes.
With that in mind, here are 7 times reality TV show villains experienced redemption arcs.
1. Nick Viall – The Bachelor
Nick Viall was initially perceived as a villain due to his aggressive pursuit of love and confrontational moments on The Bachelorette, particularly with Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
However, everything changed when he joined Bachelor in Paradise, where he became more supportive of his fellow contestants, offering advice and showcasing his lighter, more humorous side.
This transformation not only helped him connect with others but also paved the way for him to become the next Bachelor, ultimately leading to his engagement to Vanessa Grimaldi in Season 21.
He even has his own podcast, The Viall Files, where he shares relationship advice.
2. Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino – Jersey Shore
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino has an inspiring story to tell. Initially, he left a negative impression on viewers during his time on Jersey Shore due to his wild partying and substance abuse.
His struggle with painkiller addiction wasn’t even a secret, with the issue becoming public during the show’s run.
However, Sorrentino began to turn his life around after taking accountability for his actions and committing to change following multiple stints in rehab.
After serving eight months in prison for tax evasion, he focused on self-improvement and embraced sobriety more seriously.
This shift led him to adopt a healthier lifestyle, marry his longtime girlfriend Lauren Pesce, and ultimately inspire others with his journey.
3. Spencer Pratt – The Hills
Viewers initially saw Spencer Pratt as a manipulative and self-serving figure on The Hills, which led to significant backlash due to his antagonistic behavior.
However, everything changes when he recognizes the consequences of his actions and how they affect his relationships, particularly with his wife, Heidi Montag.
He shifted his focus toward his family and mental health, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and the pressures of fame that took a toll on him.
4. Courtney Robertson – The Bachelor
Courtney Robertson faced significant backlash when she joined The Bachelor, largely due to her unapologetic demeanor and a notorious skinny-dipping incident with Ben Flajnik, which painted her as a villain.
However, following their breakup, she began to reflect on her actions and the pressures of being part of a reality TV show, which she candidly addressed in her memoir, I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends.
By sharing her story and acknowledging her past mistakes, Robertson revealed a vulnerable side that sharply contrasted with her on-screen persona, allowing viewers to relate to her story.
5. Wendy Pepper – Project Runway
Wendy Pepper was perceived as the villain during the first season of Project Runway due to her manipulative tactics and confrontational demeanor.
She schemed her way through the competition, even throwing fellow contestant Austin Scarlett under the bus during a team challenge.
However, a different side of Pepper was seen when she returned for Project Runway All-Stars in 2012, where newer contestants viewed her as an icon of the franchise.
Although she was eliminated early in the competition, she showcased a kinder and more supportive side of her, far different from the young Wendy viewers first saw.
6. Corinne Olympios – House of Villains
Corinne Olympios often faced criticism for her dramatic antics and "spoiled brat" persona on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise.
However, her time on House of Villains gave her a chance to reflect on her past behavior and its impact on her relationships.
Throughout the show, she encountered challenges that forced her to confront her competitive nature and learn the consequences of her actions, particularly when fellow contestant Omarosa Manigault Newman backstabbed her.
There, she learned the hard way that there’s no such thing as a true ally.
7. Phi Phi O'Hara - RuPaul's Drag Race
Phi Phi O'Hara, now known as Jaremi, faced significant backlash for his infamous behavior and harsh treatment of fellow contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4.
Despite being portrayed as a villain, he returned for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, where he once again found himself in the same negative light.
Following his exit from the show, he went on a tweet storm, claiming that the episodes had been edited to make him appear villainous and RuPaul himself unfollowed him.
"I had to work by traveling and doing gigs for next to nothing just to prove to people I’m not this mean person," he told Vulture.
In response to this challenge, he launched 365 Days of Drag, a project aimed at showcasing his creativity and demonstrating that he was not the person viewers believed him to be.
"[It] has worked," he continued.