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==Plot==
==Plot==
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|quote = <small>"They used to tank cod from Alaska all the way to China. They'd keep them in vats in the ship. By the time the codfish reached China, the flesh was mush and tasteless. So this guy came up with the idea that if you put these cods in these big vats, put some catfish in with them and the catfish will keep the cod agile. And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes. They keep you guessing, they keep you thinking, they keep you fresh. And I thank God for the catfish because we would be dull, boring and dull if we didn't have somebody nipping at our fin." -from ''[[Catfish (film)|Catfish]]''</small>
|quote = <small>"They used to tank cod from Alaska all the way to China. They'd keep them in vats in the ship. By the time the codfish reached China, the flesh was mush and tasteless. So this guy came up with the idea that if you put these cods in these big vats, put some catfish in with them and the catfish will keep the cod agile. And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes. They keep you guessing, they keep you thinking, they keep you fresh. And I thank God for the catfish because we would be droll (but that means funny - why use that word?), boring and dull if we didn't have somebody nipping at our fin." -from ''[[Catfish (film)|Catfish]]''</small>
|source = <small>Why the term "catfish" is used to describe people who portray someone else online</small>
|source = <small>Why the term "catfish" is used to describe people who portray someone else online</small>
}}
}}

Revision as of 16:53, 20 August 2013

Catfish: The TV Show
GenreDocumentary
Developed by
Creative directorKelly Ostreicher
StarringNev Schulman
Max Joseph
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes19
Production
Executive producers
CinematographyMax Joseph
EditorJami Philbrick
Camera setupMultiple
Running time40 to 42 minutes
Production companiesCatfish Picture Company
RelativityREAL
Original release
NetworkMTV
ReleaseNovember 12, 2012 (2012-11-12) –
present (present)
Related
Catfish (film)

Catfish: The TV Show is an American reality-based docudrama television series airing on MTV about the truths and lies of online dating. The series is based on the 2010 film Catfish and is hosted by Nev Schulman. It premiered on November 12, 2012.[1] The second season premiered on June 25, 2013.[2]

Plot

"They used to tank cod from Alaska all the way to China. They'd keep them in vats in the ship. By the time the codfish reached China, the flesh was mush and tasteless. So this guy came up with the idea that if you put these cods in these big vats, put some catfish in with them and the catfish will keep the cod agile. And there are those people who are catfish in life. And they keep you on your toes. They keep you guessing, they keep you thinking, they keep you fresh. And I thank God for the catfish because we would be droll (but that means funny - why use that word?), boring and dull if we didn't have somebody nipping at our fin." -from Catfish

Why the term "catfish" is used to describe people who portray someone else online

On the internet, a "catfish" is a person who creates fake personal profiles on social media sites -- pretending to be someone more outwardly appealing than his/her true self, by using someone else's pictures and false biographical information. These "catfish" usually intend to trick an unsuspecting person or persons into falling in love with them. The term "catfish" is derived from the 2010 documentary film, in which Schulman discovered the woman he'd been carrying on an online relationship who he thought was a 20-something woman was really a middle-aged mother of 4.

MTV and the Catfish film's producers, Schulman and his friend, filmmaker Max Joseph, help couples who have never met in real life. They want to know if the person they have had a seemingly deep emotional relationship with is legitimate or if they are, in fact, a "catfish." Some couples have been together for a few months -- others, for years.

Nev claims that he has received requests from people asking him for his help in determining whether or not their online-only lover is lying or truthful about their identity. Each episode is a different couple with a different story; Nev travels to wherever they live and uses background checks and research to uncover the truth. He contacts the other person to arrange a first-ever meeting between the two lovers, then documents how the couple are impacted.[3][4] Schulman said at the Television Critics Association press tour in August 2012 that it's not all about pulling the rug out from under people, explaining:

"Whether or not two people are totally lying to each other and it turns out to be a huge disaster, that's only the first part of the story. We then want to know why they are doing it, who they are, what they are feeling, what led them to this place, and why that resonates with thousands of other young people who have the same feelings, who don't have someone to talk to or don't know how to express themselves."[1]

Reception

The film Catfish was criticized and its authenticity was argued but executive producer Tom Forman stresses that Catfish won't just tell "...stories of deception. We've also stumbled into some love stories. We found people who are exactly who they say they are. We are putting those on television, too. We find people who are willing to get past an initial deception and really do make a connection at the end – in person and in real life. That's been really heartwarming. So I think, when we set out, we really don't know how it's going to end: good, bad, or in the middle somewhere."[1] Although the show claims that the deceived victim is the one who initiates contact with the producers in an attempt to discover the true identity of their online romance; there have been claims that the scenarios presented are in fact reverse engineered, whereby the perpetrator or 'catfish' is the one who is contacted first via casting calls. Producers then proceed to gather information about the deception from the perpetrator and contact the victim afterwards to present the opposite.[5][6]

On December 19, 2012, MTV announced that the series has been renewed for a second season.[7]

Episodes

Season Episodes Season Premiere Season Finale
1 12 November 12, 2012 (2012-11-12) February 25, 2013 (2013-02-25)
2 16[8] June 25, 2013 (2013-06-25) October 8, 2013 (2013-10-08)[8]

Season 1 (2012–2013)

No. in
series 		No. in
season 		Title Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
11"Sunny & Jamison"November 12, 2012 (2012-11-12)2.68[9]
Nursing student Sunny met and fell in love with model "Jamison" or "RJ" while chatting on Facebook, but they had never met in the 8 months they had talked. When Nev finally introduces Sunny to "Jamison", he turns out to be a girl named Chelsea, who originally created the profile for revenge on a former friend. Chelsea showed no remorse and says that she has no feelings at all for Sunny. Later they talk and Chelsea admits she is bisexual and has feelings for Sunny. They decide to be real friends in the end. Nev introduces Sunny to the real Jamison in the end.
22"Trina & Scorpio"November 19, 2012 (2012-11-19)2.74[10]
Exotic dancer Shawnise aka Trina, met fellow exotic dancer Lee aka "Scorpio" on MySpace and had been talking for over a year and never met. When Nev does some online investigating, he finds that the pictures of "Scorpio" belong to Larry Drummer, a model from Atlanta. When Nev introduces Shawnise to Lee, he tells her the truth about having 4 children instead of 2 and that he is really 32 years old instead of being 27 like he told her. Nev introduces Shawnise to the real Larry Drummer in the end. Lee said he's happy to be friends with Trina, but still hopes one day romance will blossom between them. Trina has quit dancing and is pursuing other career opportunities.
33"Kim & Matt"November 26, 2012 (2012-11-26)2.61[11]
Kim had been talking to Matt for over 10 years when she contacted Nev for help to meet him. She is in a relationship with a man named Scott, who knows about Matt. Kim opens up to Nev that the love of her life Steven committed suicide and that Matt helped her through the grief. She meets Matt at his home, where he reveals he has refused to meet her because he is ashamed of his weight. In the epilogue, Matt continues to diet and exercise everyday, and since filming ended, he has lost another 20 pounds. Kim went home and broke up with Scott, and she and Matt remain best friends. Kim is finally taking the time to deal with the loss of Steven, but she's not ready to think about starting a new romance yet.
44"Jasmine & Mike"December 3, 2012 (2012-12-03)2.23[13]
Jasmine had been texting "Mike" for 2 years, though they had never met or talked on the phone. Mike turns out to be a girl named Mhissy who Jasmine knew in real life. Mhissy said she created the fake profile to get revenge on Jasmine for not leaving Mhissy's boyfriend Josh aka Triggs alone after they hooked up. In the epilogue, Jasmine has put her interest on finding romance on hold since filming ended, and instead, she's been focusing on school and spending time with her son. Mhissy has made the decision to adopt her niece and become her legal guardian. Mhissy says that she had no plans to create a fake profile again. Jasmine and Mhissy have had no contact since they appeared in this episode.[12]
55"Jarrod & Abby"December 10, 2012 (2012-12-10)2.41[15]
Jarrod is a divorced father from Georgia who met and fell for a blonde girl on Facebook named "Abby". Jarrod told Nev that he had even proposed to Abby and she said yes. She also promised to move in with him but then she never did.[14] When Nev finally introduces them after a year and a half of talking, "Abby" turns out to be an overweight girl named Melissa that created the fake profile due to her low self esteem. In the epilogue, Jarrod has put his romantic pursuits on hold and is focusing on music since filming ended. He and Melissa continued to talk to each other everyday. Melissa had deactivated her Abby profile and also lost 15 lbs. She is also happy that Jarrod has kept her in his life, and she's hopeful love could still blossom between them one day.
66"Kya & Alyx"December 17, 2012 (2012-12-17)2.07[17]
When Kya first met "Alyx" online, she used a fake name and fake pictures. She later told him the truth and Alyx forgave her. Nev helps Kya finally meet Alyx, who she says she has fallen in love with but has never actually met. When they meet, Alyx turns out to be a transgender man named Dani who was born a girl and is making the transition to be a boy. Kya and Dani decide to remain a couple even after Kya learns the truth. In the epilogue, Dani is continuing hormone replacement therapy, and he is also saving up for gender reassignment surgery.[16]
77"Joe & Kari Ann"January 7, 2013 (2013-01-07)2.52[19]
Nev helps Joe meet the girl he's been talking to who says she is former Miss United States Teen 2003, Kari Ann.[18] Kari Ann agrees to meet Joe at his farm and when she shows up, it's in fact a girl named Rose, a girl Joe went to high school with. She said she did it because she's always had feelings for Joe. She apologized but admitted to having been a catfish for years, having multiple fake profiles and claims to have "mastered" being a catfish. In the end, Rose moved to California to live with her boyfriend whom she met through the fake Kari Ann profile. He was surprised when he found out the truth but accepted her anyway. Joe and Rose haven't talked since filming ended.
88"Tyler & Amanda"January 14, 2013 (2013-01-14)2.17[21]
Tyler has fallen for "Amanda" when he asks Nev for help. When Tyler tells his friends about her, they are all surprised it was with a girl from online. When Tyler goes to her house, "Amanda" is actually a teenage boy named Aaron. In the epilogue, Tyler now attends Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo. Aaron recently moved to New York City, and he said that he's staying offline for now and is actually starting to go out on dates. Aaron and Tyler have not been in contact since filming ended.[20]
99"Rod & Ebony"January 21, 2013 (2013-01-21)2.75[23]
Rod hasn't been honest with "Ebony" about what he looks like or his name, which he told her is "KJ" in the 4 years they have been talking. Ebony is transgender and said she couldn't meet up in the beginning of them talking because she had cancer. Rod wants to be honest and tell her the truth but is afraid that Ebony might be lying to him too. Ebony turns out to be a woman who has been a lesbian for 15 years and has a child. In the epilogue, Rod and Ebony are still friends, but they communicate with each other only a few times a week now. Rod says he's not ready to meet people online right now and needs time to think about what he wants. Ebony is staying offline as well and has instead been enjoying the Atlanta nightlife. She has found romance with a woman. [22]
1010"Rico & Ja'mari"January 28, 2013 (2013-01-28)2.27[24]
Rico lives in the United States but is torn on whether or not to continue his online relationship with a man named "Ja'mari" or move to England to be with his ailing mother. When Rico meets Ja'mari, he finds out that the pictures he saw were real but also discovers that Ja'mari's real name is James and that he is a bus driver instead of a model like he told Rico. When Nev and Rico do more research, they find that James has a criminal record but when asked about it, it was a case of mistaken identity that took James over 2 years to clear his name but in the end won the case. In the epilogue, the health of Rico's mother has improved since filming ended. Rico has decided to stay in the United States to continue his relationship with James. Rico and James haven't seen each other in the last month, but they plan on getting together soon.
1111"Mike & Felicia"February 18, 2013 (2013-02-18)2.37[25]
Mike and Felicia met online and soon hit it off. After agreeing to meet, Felicia stood Mike up, offering only thin excuses. When Nev and Max do some research they find that she supposedly lives in Jersey City, though she claims to have opened a store in Orlando. After contacting her friend they also find she has previously lied to people on the internet. When Mike meets Felicia he finds that the pictures were real, but she lied about the store in Orlando, but still lives there. Mike is hurt that she lied but agrees to meet up with her to talk about their future. Two months later, Mike is still living with his parents and has found a job installing irrigation systems. He hopes to move to his own place soon. Felicia continues to live in Orlando and go to school. She is grateful that Mike had given her a second chance. She says she's being 100% truthful with Mike and is doing her best to be honest with everyone else in her life as well. She also says she's planning to move back to New Jersey in six months, because when she went to visit Mike, they officially became a couple.
1212"The Reunion Show"February 25, 2013 (2013-02-25)1.95[26]
Participants from Catfish: The TV Show reunite in MTV's Times Square studio to answer questions from fans. The show is hosted by Nev and Max, and SuChin Pak. Sunny and Chelsea have not remained in contact. Trina and Lee remain good friends, as do Kim and Matt, and Jarrod and Melissa (who appear via webcam unlike all other participants). Joe remains bitter about Rose's online relationship with him as Kari Ann and they do not talk. Jasmine and Mhissy break out into an argument over an insulting Facebook post to Mhissy left by Jasmine.

Season 2 (2013)

No. in
series 		No. in
season 		Title Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
131"Cassie & Steve"June 25, 2013 (2013-06-25)2.50[27]
Following the brutal murder of her father, Cassie's life was on a downward spiral of alcohol, drug abuse, and promiscuity. Then one day she received a Facebook message from Steve. He became the positive influence Cassie needed, teaching her to love herself and change her lifestyle for the better. Their relationship intensified and Cassie even asked Steve to marry her — and Steve accepted. Cassie desperately wants to meet her fiancé, but Steve is always too busy to video chat — let alone get together with her.
142"Anthony and Marq"July 2, 2013 (2013-07-02)1.76[28]
Anthony is a decorated Iraq War veteran who wears his Purple Heart on his sleeve. Over a year ago, he bonded online with a caring, emotionally available man named Marq. Today, they're head over heels in love — yet Anthony has already caught Marq in some troubling lies.
153"Ramon & Paola"July 9, 2013 (2013-07-09)2.16[29]
Ramon spends most of his time in a dead-end job in a town that he's struggling to escape. His one shining glimmer of happiness is Paola, a girl he met on Facebook and established an exclusive online relationship with. After many failed attempts to video chat with Paola, she finally relented and connected with Ramon briefly. However, Ramon saw a completely different-looking girl on his video screen before she hung up -- and he's been baffled ever since.
164"Lauren & Derek"July 16, 2013 (2013-07-16)2.36[30]
Lauren met Derek on MySpace nearly 8 years ago. Since then she's relied on him for everything — Derek's funny and caring, and he even supported Lauren after she had a baby with a now former boyfriend. Lauren knows that Derek is the man of her dreams and she can't wait to take the next step with him. The only problem is, they've never met in real life or even video chatted. Every time she's tried to see Derek he's always had an excuse. Lauren strongly believes that Derek could be her future husband and she feels that he can be a good father to her three-year-old son.
175"Dorion & Jeszica"July 23, 2013 (2013-07-23)2.28[31]
Dorion is torn between two women — his current girlfriend, Raffinee, and his online love of over two years, Jeszica. Dorion was introduced to Jeszica on Facebook while she was dating one of his friends. They quickly started texting and talking on the phone, and now he's completely fallen for her. Dorion has even shared his darkest secrets with Jeszica. He says that he trusts her completely, but every time he's tried to meet her, she ends up blowing him off. Dorion is willing to give up everything for Jeszica, including his relationship with Raffinee.
186"Jen & Skylar"July 30, 2013 (2013-07-30)2.14[32]
Having dealt with a number of bullies in her past, teenager Jen relies on online communities to establish relationships. Jen has many friends around the world, but Skylar is by far the most special one to her. After meeting on a gaming site, in a flash, Jen and Skylar went from innocent online bantering to constant flirtatious texting. Now, Jen is ready to take things to the next level, but she's never met Skylar in person and has only two pictures of him. Jen is scared to push the reticent Skylar too hard, but she's desperate to know if he could really be her first true love.
197"Mike & Kristen"August 6, 2013 (2013-08-06)1.57[33]
Three and a half years ago, Mike met his ultimate mystery girl, Kristen, on Facebook. They quickly forged a deep connection, exchanging "I love you's" and carrying on a turbulent on-again-off-again relationship. But despite the fact that the two live only 40 miles apart, Mike's frequent efforts to meet Kristen have been futile. Mike believes that she's afraid of rejection due to a permanent injury from a car accident, but he's convinced Kristen is real and that they could live "happily ever after" together if they could only meet.
--"Midseason Reunion"August 13, 2013 (2013-08-13)0.97[34]
208"Jesse & Brian"[35]August 20, 2013 (2013-08-20)TBA
219"Artis & Jess"[36]August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)TBA

References

  1. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (August 3, 2012). "'Catfish: The TV Show': MTV delves into online relationships". Zap2It. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  2. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 21, 2013). "Sixteen-Episode Season Two of 'Catfish: The TV Show' to Premiere Tuesday, June 25 on MTV". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  3. ^ Willmore, Alison (7 August 2012). "MTV Readies a Reality Series Based on 'Catfish' for November". IndieWire. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  4. ^ "Catfish: The TV Show". MTV. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  5. ^ Is 'Catfish' Catfishing America? | TV News | Hollywood.com
  6. ^ 'Catfish' Fake? Report Says Aspects of MTV Reality Show Not Very Truthful
  7. ^ "MTV Renews "Catfish: The TV Show" for a Second Season". thefutoncritic. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  8. ^ a b "Catfish: The TV Show on MTV". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  9. ^ Bibel, Sara (November 13, 2012). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night Football' Wins Night, 'WWE Raw', 'Teen Moms II', 'Pawn Stars', 'Catfish', 'Real Housewives' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  10. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 20, 2012). "Monday Cable Ratings: Monday Night Football Wins Night + 'SportsCenter', 'Catfish: The TV Show', 'Teen Mom 2', 'Monday Night RAW' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  11. ^ Bibel, Sara (28 November 2012). "Monday Cable Ratings:Monday NIght Football Wins Night, 'Catfish', 'Teen Mom 2', 'WWE Raw' 'Pawn Stars', 'Basketball Wives', & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  12. ^ "Catfish: The TV Show : Jasmine & Mike". MTV. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  13. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda. "Monday Cable Ratings: Monday Night Football Wins Big + 'Teen Mom II', 'Catfish', 'Pawn Stars', 'Monday Night RAW' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  14. ^ "Catfish: The TV Show : Jarrod & Abby". Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  15. ^ Bibel, Sara. "Monday Cable Ratings: Monday Night Football Wins Night, 'Catfish', 'Teen Mom 2', 'WWE Raw', 'Pawn Stars' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
  16. ^ "S01E06 - Kya & Alyx". Zap2It. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  17. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda. "Monday Cable Ratings: Monday Night Football Wins Night, + 'Monday Night RAW', 'Pawn Stars', 'Teen Mom II', 'Catfish' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  18. ^ "S01E07 - Joe and Kari Ann". Zap2It. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  19. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (9 January 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings: College Football Dominates Night + 'WWE Monday Night RAW', 'Catfish', 'Love & Hip Hop 3', 'Teen Mom II' & More". TVbythenumbers. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  20. ^ "S01E09 - Tyler and Amanda". Zap2It. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  21. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (15 January 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Wins Night + 'Catfish', 'Teen Mom II', 'Love & Hip Hop', 'Pawn Stars' & More". TVbythenumbers. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  22. ^ "MTV to Air Can't Miss Season Finale Episode of Groundbreaking Docu-Series "Catfish: The TV Show" on Monday, February 18 at 11:00 P.M. ET/PT". The Futon Critic. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  23. ^ Bibel, Sara (23 January 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings:'Catfish' Wins Night, 'Teen Mom 2', 'WWE Raw', 'Pawn Stars', 'Love and Hip Hop' & More". TVbythenumbers. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  24. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda. "Monday Cable Ratings:'Monday Night Raw' Wins Night + 'Teen Mom II', 'Pawn Stars', 'Catfish', 'American Pickers' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  25. ^ Bibel, Sara. "Monday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Raw' & 'Teen Mom 2' Win Night, 'Catfish', 'Pawn Stars', 'Dallas', 'Switched at Birth' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  26. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda. "Monday Cable Ratings: 'WWE RAW' Wins Night + 'Teen Mom II', 'Pawn Stars', 'Catfish', 'American Pickers' + More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  27. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 26, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Catfish' & 'Rizzoli & Isles' Win Night, 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Deadliest Catch', 'Perception' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  28. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 3, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night + 'The Game', 'Deadliest Catch', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Catfish', 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  29. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 9, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Game', 'Catfish' & 'Deadliest Catch' Win Night, 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  30. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 17, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Catfish' Wins Night + 'The Game', 'Suits', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Covert Affairs,' 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  31. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 24, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Deadliest Catch', 'Pretty Little Liars' & 'The Game' Win Night, 'Catfish', 'Suits', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  32. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 31, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Counting Cars' Wins Night + 'The Game', 'Deadliest Catch', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Catfish', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  33. ^ Bibel, Sara (August 7, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Shark Week' Wins Night, 'The Game', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Suits', 'Catfish' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  34. ^ "Tuesday's Cable Ratings: "Rizzoli & Isles," "Amish Mafia" Top Charts". The Futon Critic. August 14, 2013.
  35. ^ "Catfish: The TV Show: Jesse & Brian". Zap2it. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  36. ^ "Catfish: The TV Show: Artis & Jess". Zap2it. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
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