In 2020, Netflix is solidifying its place as the best platform for launching reality TV stars. Viewers have gotten to meet several fascinating contestants on these reality series, some of whom have gone on to become unlikely social media stars and actual digital influencers.
From hit TV shows on Netflix to millions of followers on Instagram, these brand-new reality TV stars have proven that they are able to capitalize on their time on screen. Read below to find out which Netflix reality show contestants have become internet sensations after appearing in their respective seasons.
Sammie (The Circle U.S.)
There’s no denying that Sammie was one of the standout contestants to appear on the first U.S. season of The Circle. The 25-year-old Miami, Florida bombshell made it very far on the competition, proving that her charisma and sense of humor were even more noteworthy than just her great looks.
On Instagram, Sammie is closer than ever to reaching the 1-million mark, making her the most-followed contestant from The Circle U.S. season 1. While most of her pictures are solo selfies, it’s not very hard for Sammie to get more than 100,000 likes on every picture.
Lauren (Love is Blind)
Love is Blind has become one of the biggest Netflix shows of all time, and its entire cast has gone on to do press and become reality TV stars who stand on their own. With that said, Lauren reigns supreme on Instagram, with a fanbase that consists of 2.3 million followers.
It may have helped Lauren’s social media reach that she had what was arguably the most successful experience on Love is Blind. However, it wasn’t all luck: Lauren is a content creator who was absolutely ready to ride this new wave of fame. In the end, Netflix helped Lauren become not only a married woman but also a very successful digital influencer.
D Smoke (Rhythm + Flow)
It’s not always true that the winner of a reality TV show will go on to become the most famous person in the cast. However, there’s no denying that D Smoke walked out of Rhythm + Flow with both the biggest prize and the largest fanbase.
With 1.7 million followers on Instagram, D Smoke has kickstarted what is already a very noteworthy career as a rapper. Since appearing on Rhythm + Flow, D Smoke performed at the Soul Train Music Awards, was featured on The Game’s track “Cross on Jesus Back,” and released his second full-length studio album, titled Black Habits.
JP (The Circle Brazil)
There was a lot of eye candy on The Circle Brazil, but military firefighter JP still managed to stand out from the pack. Throughout the entire first season of the Brazilian edition, JP kept getting a lot praise and attention from most of the players who were attracted to men.
One particular photo of JP wearing white swim trunks made a huge splash on The Circle Brazil, and it’s not surprising that the same photo has been posted to his Instagram page, where he now has over 800,000 followers. While it was initially easy for viewers to simply objectify JP, there’s no denying that it was his charisma and open-mindedness that got him far on the competition and helped him become an online sensation after the show.
Francesca (Too Hot to Handle)
From the moment that she appeared on the screen and got a massive reaction from the guys, Francesca was already representing the perfect archetype for Too Hot to Handle. The series is the most recent reality TV show to come from Netflix, but Francesca has already earned over 450,000 followers on Instagram.
On Too Hot to Handle, Francesca mentioned that she already had a pretty big following online, and even claimed to have 300,000 followers on Instagram. However, given the more recent numbers, it is undeniable that Francesca has become an even bigger internet sensation after appearing on the competition.
Cameron (Love is Blind)
There were a few successful love stories that came out of Love is Blind, but Cameron’s confidence in his relationship and deep feelings for Lauren have certainly made him the most popular male contestant of the series. On Instagram, Cameron has garnered 1.8 million followers, which makes him the second most-followed person from the cast of season 1 – behind only Lauren (duh!).
This Love is Blind power couple has been busy doing press all over the country, promoting not only the Netflix show but also themselves as public figures. How popular are they? Well, let’s just say that some fans are urging Netflix to make them the hosts of Love is Blind season 2.
Marina (The Circle Brazil)
Marina’s journey on The Circle Brazil was never a straight line. The player experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows during the season but managed to show her authentic personality and express her true feelings through it all.
It is not surprising that Marina’s great sense of humor, fun energy, and beautiful exterior has driven her to become a very popular digital influencer. At the moment, Marina has over 300,000 followers on Instagram, and her scenes on The Circle Brazil are being regularly used as GIF reactions on Twitter.
Joey (The Circle U.S.)
Joey was the unlikeable sweetheart of The Circle U.S. season 1, and the social media love he has gotten after the show has certainly proven that his charisma and personality can drive him far as a reality TV star.
With over 700,000 Instagram followers, Joey is the second most-followed contestant from season 1 of The Circle U.S., only behind Sammie. Joey’s popularity on Twitter was also pretty substantial, as the player was quick to embrace all the jokes and memes that viewers were making about him and his cast.
Londynn B (Rhythm + Flow)
She may not have won the first season of Rhythm + Flow, but Londynn B has become one of the most popular rappers to have come from Netflix’s first-ever reality competition for musicians. Londynn has already reached 1 million followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts videos not only showcasing her talent as a rapper but also as a great personality for TV.
The jury is still out on whether any of the Rhythm + Flow contestants will be able to make a hit song that really takes over with the hip hop genre as a whole, but Londynn B is certainly solidifying her social media presence and growing her fanbase as an artist.
Harry (Too Hot to Handle)
Straight out of Too Hot to Handle, Harry has become quite popular on social media. Season 1 of the show was released very recently on Netflix, but the Australian heartthrob has already reached over 200,000 followers on Instagram.
Even if other contestants manage to outgrow Harry’s social media numbers over time, there’s no denying that the contestant has become an instant internet sensation among fans of the show. Given that Too Hot to Handle isn’t Harry’s first time on reality TV, one might expect to see his face popping up on other shows in the future.