Gary Oldman, the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker, recently shared his unexpected passion for reality television, revealing that he indulged in a significant binge watch of shows like Below Deck and Married at First Sight Australia. This Gary Oldman reality TV marathon took place during the filming of Apple TV’s Slow Horses Season 1, when the pandemic left him and the show’s producer isolated with little else to do.
Oldman discussed this experience during an interview on Virgin Radio UK, where he described how the pandemic created unique circumstances for him and the crew. While staying at London’s iconic Dorchester Hotel, they found themselves as the only guests, a rare event in the nearly century-old establishment’s history.
Isolation at The Dorchester: An Unprecedented Setting for Binge Watching
During filming breaks, Oldman and the producer, Doug, occupied the luxury hotel alone after it temporarily closed for the first time since opening. This quiet, empty atmosphere evoked eerie comparisons to The Shining, though instead of writing, Oldman spent his days watching reality TV.
He recalled,
“I was with one of the producers of the show, Doug. We were at The Dorchester and were the only two people in the building,”
and added,
“For the first time in its history, it closed.”
The hotel’s history includes hosting significant figures such as Dwight Eisenhower, who reportedly prepared for the Invasion of Normandy while staying there during World War II.
Rather than focus on silence and solitude, Oldman found comfort in the reality TV marathon, explaining,
“All we did was watch reality TV,”
and describing how meals were delivered by masked staff with sanitizer present, ensuring safety while maintaining normalcy. After receiving dinner, he would notify Doug, saying,
“The food’s here, and Below Deck’s about to start,”
before they settled in to watch.
Celebrity Reality TV Fans and the Changing Perception of the Genre
Oldman’s fondness for reality television joins a growing list of high-profile actors embracing the genre. Oscar winners such as Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep have publicly expressed similar interests, indicating that reality TV is shedding its former “guilty pleasure” label and gaining respect as a form of entertainment.
Oldman and Doug’s choice to pass time by watching shows like Below Deck and Married at First Sight Australia highlights a more widespread appreciation among A-listers for reality content, especially in unprecedented times like the pandemic.
The Significance of Oldman’s Reality TV Viewing Experience
This unique blend of Hollywood prestige and reality television during isolation underscores how even the most acclaimed actors find connection and relaxation in popular culture’s everyday staples. Gary Oldman’s reality TV marathon not only reveals his personal interests but also reflects a broader acceptance of reality shows within celebrity circles.
As the entertainment industry continues to adapt post-pandemic, insights like these may influence perceptions about what constitutes respectable or enjoyable content, while also humanizing figures often seen only in their dramatic roles. For now, fans may be curious to know if Oldman has a preferred Below Deck franchise or which moments from Married at First Sight Australia stood out to him during this historic stay at The Dorchester.
