6 Charlotte reality TV connections

In fact, some reality TV shows hit pretty close to home, maybe even right in your backyard.

Here are six of Charlotte’s reality TV connections.

Whitney Way Thore – My Big Fat Fabulous Life on TLC

Whitney Way Thore grew up in Greensboro. During her first year of college at Appalachian State, she gained 200 pounds due to a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. After college, she interned at Jared and Katie in the Morning, where a viral video “Fat Girl Dancing” (which has almost 3 million views) launched Thore’s career. Thore quickly gained a following and became an icon, creating her own campaign “No Body Shame” to teach others how to shut down the haterz. Thore also interned at Kiss 95.1- watch her rap on the Intern Talent Show  (5:00). In January 2015, My Big Fat Fabulous Life, Thore’s TLC reality TV show, aired for it’s first season. A huge success, the show’s third season began on June 8th. Tune in on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to catch the episodes.

Emily Maynard -The Bachelorette on ABC

Now that’s a name that most recognize. Maynard starred in the 8th season of the Bachelorette in 2012. The season took place in Charlotte and the mansion was in Ballantyne, Maynard took her dates to the NC Music Factory, they rappelled down the side of the Mint Museum, and they danced to a private concert on Tryon Street. Although about a year after the season, Maynard broke up with the winner, Jef Holm, she married Tyler Johnson in 2014. Most recently, Maynard published a tell-all book about her experiences titled I Said Yes. If you’re hanging around Phillips Place or SouthPark, you have a good shot of running into Maynard.

Sports One and Club One -The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo

Peter Thomas, owner of the Sport One bar, is married to Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey. The two are infamous for their money-trouble arguments, and they recently separated due in part to the stress that came from Thomas’ traveling to Charlotte to supervise his two venues. Watch a clip of Bailey and Thomas arguing about traveling to Charlotte from the latest season of the RHOA here. If you’re curious, hang out at Sports One at 521 N College St, Charlotte and Club One at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd.

Dutchess Lattimore – Black Ink Crew on VH1

Duchess Lattimore grew up in Lincolnton and later moved to New York City where she joined a tattoo parlor in Harlem. In 2013, Black Ink Crew, a reality show about the drama in the tattoo parlor, premiered. Lattimore quickly became an integral part of the show and a fan favorite. In 2015, Lattimore opened Pretty-N-Ink in Charlotte. So if you’re looking to get inked, visit Lattimore at 2030 S Tryon St #3H. Or, tune into the fourth season of Black Ink Crew Mondays at 9 p.m. to keep up with all of the action.

Rucker Roots- Love Thy Sister on WE tv (now cancelled)

Ruby, Ellen, and Ione Rucker grew up in Lancaster, SC. Their husbands have businesses in Charlotte, and the sisters spend a lot of time traveling back and forth.  In 2015, Love Thy Sister premiered on WE tv. The Rucker sisters had the potential to provide Kardashian-esque drama from the south, butLove Thy Sister only lasted one glorious season. Watch a clip from the season here. Nowadays, the Rucker sisters are busy with their line of haircare products “Rucker Roots.” Learn more on their website.

Fantasia Barrino -American Idol on Fox

North Carolina is a hotbed for successful Idol contestants. Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Clay Aiken, and Bucky Covington all hail from the Tar Heel state. However, season three winner Fantasia Barrino has close Charlotte connections. Born in High Point, Barrino rose to fame in 2004 after her Idol victory. After the season, Barrino moved to Charlotte. Her mansion in Piper Glen was featured on an episode of MTV cribs. Barrino has had a lot of success with her music, a Lifetime movie based on her autobiography was produced, and she starred in her own reality TV show on VH1 called “Fantasia for Real” for two years. Barrino’s has been nominated for 10 Grammy’s and has won one. Her new album “The Definition Of…” is set to drop on July 29th. And, she’s coming to Charlotte on June 19th- buy your tickets here.