Philo has landed Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea Awards,” the New York Post Media Group’s fan-voted reality TV awards show. The ceremony films on Oct. 6 at New York’s Edison Ballroom and premieres exclusively on Philo starting Oct. 9. It streams free for everyone, no subscription required.
Free Access for All
Philo subscribers normally pay $25 a month for access to 70+ live TV channels and thousands of on-demand shows and movies. This show breaks that model entirely. Everyone gets in, and nobody pays.
De Lesseps Leads the Musical Lineup
The main guest is Countess Luann de Lesseps, who will headline the event. She is part of E!’s The Golden Life, pitched as a Real Housewives of New York reboot. She’, where she will both take part in the performance and receive the Golden Kettle Lifetime Achievement Award with her fellow cast members. Those castmates include Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley and Kelly Bensimon — all of whom starred in RHONY at some point.
Drew Sidora is among the four nominees for Musician of the Year, along with Ashley Darby of Real Housewives of Potomac, Scheana Shay of Vanderpump Rules, and one other Atlanta housewife.
The Categories on Offer
The show covers the usual reality TV territory:
- Quote of the Year
- “Hot-Tea of the Year”
- Best Reunion Performance
- Best Return to Screen
The Best Cast category is sponsored by Philo, and its nominees include Jersey Shore Family Reunion, Real Housewives of Rhode Island, Traitors and Love Thy Nader.
How the Show Came to Be
The awards show is a spin-off of Page Six’s popular pop culture and reality TV podcast of the same name. This year’s ceremony is hosted and executive produced by the podcast hosts, Danny Murphy and Evan Real.
Why Philo Won the Deal
This is Philo’s first exclusively licensed original show in the awards category, and it continues the streamer’s push into original programming. Philo CEO Mike Keyserling framed the deal as a win for reality TV fans: “Philo is known for being a home for reality TV lovers,” he said in a release. “We’re proud to be the exclusive streaming home of the Virtual Reali-Tea Awards and to give reality TV fans on our platform even more of what they enjoy.”
Sean Giancola, CEO of New York Post Media Group, said the show has become a standout part of the brand. “Philo is a natural partner to help us take the VRT Awards to the next level, reach even more fans and celebrate the people and moments everyone is talking about.”
The Free Channel Lineup
Philo’s free channel lineup is set to include the Virtual Reali-Tea Awards premiere. As a result, viewers don’t need a subscription to the full service in order to watch it.
“Reality TV is a huge part of the Page Six universe, and the Virtual Reali-Tea Awards have quickly become a standout extension of the brand,” adds Giancola.
What Comes Next
Starting Oct. 9, the show streams only on Philo. Viewers who want to see last year’s awards should visit Philo.com/VRTs.
Source material: “Philo Sets Exclusive Streaming Date for Page Six ‘Virtual Reali-Tea Awards’,” The Hollywood Reporter.
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