The Unscripted Files with Madelyn Cunningham

This week on The Unscripted Files, Madelyn sits down with Jessica Shikami, Director of Development at Blink49 Studios, to unpack the evolving landscape of unscripted television—from true crime to dating formats to the rise of immersive, world-built competition shows.

Jessica shares her journey from MTV-obsessed kid to development executive, and breaks down what it really takes to sell a show in today’s hyper-competitive market. From the pressure to innovate formats to the challenge of balancing simplicity with compelling gameplay, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in (or trying to break into) unscripted.

They also dive into the current obsession with “world-building” (yes, we’re all chasing The Traitors), the future of true crime storytelling, and why some of the best ideas take years to crack—or come back to life.

What does it really take to cast reality TV in 2026? Madelyn sits down with veteran casting directors Suzie Strosin and Kelley Allen to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood—and essential—roles in unscripted television. From casting My Strange Addiction and Botched to their early days in MTV’s reality golden era, Suzie and Kelley share wild stories, hard truths, and the emotional reality of working with real people and their real lives. They dive into the psychology of casting, the myths about “fake” reality TV, and why finding a great (and hot) straight guy for a dating show might be the hardest job in television.

Special Guests: Kelley Allen and Suzie Strosin.

Welcome to The Unscripted Files—a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of unscripted entertainment. Hosted by development producer Madelyn Cunningham, this series celebrates the talent and ingenuity behind some of your favorite reality TV and unscripted shows.From early industry breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes challenges, we explore the untold stories of the creators, producers, and talent shaping pop culture. It’s a rare, insider look designed to inspire aspiring professionals, entertain curious fans, and reveal the human side of television’s most dynamic genre. Whether you're in the industry or simply love great stories, tune in for conversations that are as candid and compelling as the shows themselves.

Special Guest: Emily Wilson.

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham sits down with Rob Schulte, host of the hit podcast Vanderpump Robs, to unpack how fan culture and online discourse are reshaping reality television.

Rob—named a Vanderpump Rules expert by NBC—dives into the evolution of ensemble reality shows, why casting authentic friend groups is nearly impossible to replicate, and the moment reality TV personalities started becoming “brands.”

Together, Madelyn and Rob explore how social media, podcasts, and influencer culture have fundamentally changed the way reality shows are produced, consumed, and even edited.

They also examine why lightning-in-a-bottle casts like Vanderpump Rules are so difficult to recreate, what current shows are getting right, and where the genre may go next—from high-concept spectacle to a return to grounded, occupation-based ensemble series.

Plus: rapid-fire questions on the best character arcs in Bravo history, reality TV tropes that need to die, and where Rob was when the Scandoval news broke.

Madelyn and Emily discuss the latest developments in the Warner Brothers acquisition, the impact on the unscripted industry, and the innovative formats emerging in entertainment. They explore the nostalgia for early 2000s reality TV and the rise of documentaries, as well as the trend of micro dramas and vertical content catering to modern viewing habits.

Special Guest: Emily Wilson.

Malik Johnson's path into nonfiction didn’t begin in a pitch room - it began filming his grandfather’s church sermons at age twelve. From producing live television on Live PD (where he learned to build story in 20 seconds) to working on culturally resonant documentaries like The Milli Vanilli doc, As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, and How Music Got Free, Malik has built a career centered on point of view, collaboration, and trusting both filmmakers and audiences.Malik shares his buyer POV on what moves the needle in today’s market: built-in audiences, clear vision, and filmmakers with conviction. He also makes a strong case for trusting viewers to handle nuance - and for taking more creative risks in a space that’s grown increasingly risk-averse.

Special Guest: Malik Johnson.

Nicky Huggett shares her journey in the documentary and media industry, discussing her transition to freelance work, the evolution of development practices, and the challenges faced in the current documentary landscape. She emphasizes the importance of female perspectives in storytelling and the impact of celebrity in production. Nicky also compares UK and US development practices, offering insights into networking and the future of the industry. Her experiences at Hidden Light and her advice for aspiring producers provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the world of media and documentary filmmaking.

Special Guest: Nicky Huggett.

AI is dominating conversations across Hollywood — but what does it actually mean for the unscripted television industry?

In this season-opening episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham sits down with former unscripted producer turned AI executive Simone Buteau to break down the realities, myths, and gray areas surrounding artificial intelligence in development, production, casting, post-production, and beyond.

Together, they explore how AI is currently being used inside studios and production companies, why many job losses aren’t actually tied to AI, and what skills producers should prioritize as technology continues to evolve. From development decks to post-production workflows to future interactive viewing experiences, this conversation offers a grounded and honest look at what’s coming — and why it might not be as dystopian as it seems.

Special Guest: Simone Buteau .

Welcome to The Unscripted Files—a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of unscripted entertainment. Hosted by development producer Madelyn Cunningham, this series celebrates the talent and ingenuity behind some of your favorite reality TV and unscripted shows.From early industry breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes challenges, we explore the untold stories of the creators, producers, and talent shaping pop culture. It’s a rare, insider look designed to inspire aspiring professionals, entertain curious fans, and reveal the human side of television’s most dynamic genre. Whether you're in the industry or simply love great stories, tune in for conversations that are as candid and compelling as the shows themselves.

In this reflective episode, Madelyn Cunningham reviews the key insights and lessons learned from her podcast over the past year. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity over judgment, the power of asking for what you want, and the significance of embracing failure. Madelyn shares memorable moments from her guests, discusses the art of pitching, and highlights the value of saying yes and focusing on inputs rather than outputs. As the year comes to a close, she encourages listeners to embrace their journeys and look forward to new opportunities in the coming year.