6.2 / 10 (based on 252 reviews)
Set in the colliding worlds of streetwear, business and culture where fashion visionaries must elevate their designs and entrepreneurial sense to avoid elimination while remaining authentic to their style.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Original Crawford, Speedy Morman
Creators: Rachelle Mendez, David Collins, Rob Eric
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2 seasons, 9 episodes
Shows Most Like The Hype (2021)
Legendary (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 1847 reviews)
Divas will battle on voguing teams called “houses,” with the chance to win a cash prize in ballsy fashion and dance challenges to ultimately achieve “Legendary” status.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Dashaun Wesley, Law Roach, Jameela Jamil, Leiomy Maldonado
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2 seasons, 19 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
FBoy Island (2021)
5.3 / 10 (based on 1423 reviews)
Three women in a tropical island are joined by 24 men, where half of them are self-proclaimed ”nice guys” and the other half ”FBoys”. Who will the women choose and find real love with?
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
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Creators: Elan Gale, Sam Dean
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1 season, 10 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Metal Shop Masters (2021)
5.7 / 10 (based on 633 reviews)
On this competition show, a group of metal artists torch, cut and weld epic, badass creations from hardened steel. Only one will win a $50,000 prize.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jo Koy, Rae Ripple, Stephanie Hoffman, Ivan Iler
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1 season, 6 episodes
Making It (2018)
7.9 / 10 (based on 1597 reviews)
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host a crafting series where incredibly talented people come together for a friendly competition.
Genre: Comedy, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Simon Doonan, Dayna Isom Johnson
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3 seasons, 22 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Making the Cut (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 2306 reviews)
Fashion competition series hosted by Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn featuring 10 talented entrepreneurs and designers from around the world, who are ready to take their emerging brands to the next level and become the newest global phenomenon.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Jonny Cota, Naomi Campbell
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2 seasons, 18 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Queen of the Universe (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 758 reviews)
Features drag queen contestants from 10 different countries, singing for the crown.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
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1 season, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Sweet Life: Los Angeles (2021)
5.1 / 10 (based on 271 reviews)
An honest and unique look into what it means to be young, black, and in constant pursuit of one’s dreams in the heart of South Los Angeles.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jerrold Smith II, Kamie Crawford, Chaz Kxng D.O.P.E. Haymond
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1 season, 11 episodes
Skin Wars (2014)
7.1 / 10 (based on 1439 reviews)
An hour-long competition show that seeks to find the most talented and versatile body painters in the country.
Genre: Reality-TV
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3 seasons, 29 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The White Lotus (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 160089 reviews)
The exploits of various guests and employees of a tropical resort over the span of a week.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario
Creators: Mike White
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3 seasons, 14 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021)
7.8 / 10 (based on 23890 reviews)
Four 18-year-old freshman roommates at Essex College in Vermont. A bundle of contradictions and hormones, these sexually active college girls are equal parts lovable and infuriating.
Genre: Comedy
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Creators: Mindy Kaling, Justin Noble
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 39.0-minute runtime
In the realm of reality TV, fashion-centric shows have carved out a unique niche, captivating audiences with a blend of creativity, competition, and the inevitable drama that ensues when talented designers are put to the test. Among these, “The Hype” stands out, not just for its focus on streetwear—a segment of the fashion industry that has seen explosive growth and cultural significance in recent years—but also for its approach to showcasing the talents and visions of up-and-coming designers. Launched in 2021 on HBO Max, “The Hype” is more than just a competition; it’s a deep dive into the essence of what makes streetwear such an influential part of modern fashion.
The Premise
At its core, “The Hype” is a competition show, but to lump it in with the myriad of other fashion reality series would be doing it a disservice. The show brings together ten designers, each with their own unique approach to streetwear, to battle it out through a series of challenges designed to test not just their design skills but their understanding of the culture and market dynamics that define streetwear. The contestants are vying for a cash prize of $150,000 and the opportunity to have their work featured on a major retail platform, stakes that underscore the show’s commitment to providing real, tangible opportunities to its participants.
The Judges
A show is often defined by its judges, and “The Hype” is no exception. The series boasts a panel of judges who are deeply entrenched in the world of streetwear and fashion at large. Leading the pack is Marni Senofonte, renowned for her work as a stylist for icons like Beyoncé and Kendall Jenner. Senofonte’s insights into what makes a piece of clothing resonate on a global stage provide invaluable guidance to the contestants.
Joining her are Bephie Birkett, a trailblazer in the streetwear scene and the founder of Bephies Beauty Supply, and Offset, a member of the hip-hop trio Migos and a fashion enthusiast in his own right. Offset’s involvement is particularly noteworthy; his keen eye for what’s next in streetwear and his understanding of the intersection between fashion and music bring a unique perspective to the show.
The Challenges
The heart of “The Hype” lies in its challenges, each meticulously crafted to push the designers beyond their comfort zones. From creating pieces that reflect personal stories to designing outfits that must fit a specific narrative or aesthetic, the challenges are as diverse as they are demanding. One memorable task required the designers to create a look that could seamlessly transition from day to night, a test of both their technical skills and their understanding of the practical needs of streetwear enthusiasts.
What sets these challenges apart is not just their complexity but their relevance. Each task mirrors the real-world pressures and demands of the streetwear industry, from the need for innovation to the importance of branding and storytelling. It’s this grounding in reality that makes the successes—and the failures—of the contestants resonate with viewers.
The Culture
To talk about “The Hype” without discussing the culture it celebrates would be an oversight. Streetwear, at its heart, is more than just clothing; it’s a form of self-expression, a way to signal belonging to a community, and a reflection of societal trends and issues. This cultural depth is woven into the fabric of the show, with challenges that often require designers to tap into their own backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to create pieces that are not just visually appealing but meaningful.
The show also doesn’t shy away from the broader conversations happening within the fashion industry and society at large, including discussions about sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. These are not token gestures; they’re integral to the narrative of “The Hype,” reflecting the show’s commitment to not just showcasing streetwear but advancing the conversation around it.
The Impact
Since its debut, “The Hype” has made a noticeable impact on the landscape of fashion reality TV and the streetwear community. For one, it has provided a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work to a global audience, an opportunity that can be transformative for their careers. Several contestants have gone on to launch successful lines, collaborate with established brands, and gain significant followings, testament to the show’s ability to serve as a launchpad for talent.
Beyond individual success stories, “The Hype” has contributed to a broader recognition of streetwear as a legitimate and influential segment of the fashion industry. By highlighting the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of streetwear, the show has helped to elevate the genre, challenging outdated notions of what fashion can and should be.
Conclusion
“The Hype” is more than just a reality TV show; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and the unyielding spirit of streetwear. Through its thoughtful challenges, insightful judges, and commitment to showcasing the diversity and depth of streetwear, the show has carved out a unique space for itself in the crowded landscape of fashion programming. As it continues to evolve and grow, “The Hype” promises to remain at the forefront of not just showcasing talent but pushing the boundaries of what streetwear can represent in the broader fashion conversation.