Reality TV Pressures and Mental Strain: Behind the Scenes of New Stars in Africa
On Instagram, Maria Pogrebnyak, a blogger and designer, spoke candidly about the intense pressure she faced while filming the show New Stars in Africa. The conversation painted a vivid picture of a contestant pushed to the limits by a demanding schedule, critical scrutiny, and the unrelenting drive to secure a place in the spotlight. The remarks suggest that the experience was emotionally draining and that the experience had a lasting impact on her sense of well being. [Citation: Pogrebnyak’s social media reflections on the show]
According to Pogrebnyak, the daily cycle of challenges, interviews, and strategic alliances became a mental marathon. Every day brought new plans to build connections, earn trust, and create a safety net that could sustain a contestant through the ever-churning competition. The need to demonstrate resilience while managing fatigue created a constant sense of vigilance, where even small missteps could be magnified by cameras and audience reaction. The narrative of staying afloat in such a high-stakes environment often reads as a story of perseverance under pressure rather than simply a competition. [Citation: on-set accounts and participant commentary]
The blogger highlighted the role of a fellow performer, ST, whose real name is Alexander Stepanov, in offering emotional support. When emotions surged and the fear of elimination loomed large, a trusted peer could become a lifeline, providing reassurance and a reminder of shared goals. In such moments, the presence of a teammate who understands the rhythm of the show can help a participant regain balance and regain confidence to keep moving forward. [Citation: contestant support dynamics]
Another stabilizing factor cited was the visible support from Olga Buzova, a familiar face on the show who co-led the program with Mikhail Galustyan. The sense of camaraderie that emerged from close allies among participants can act as a crucial buffer against the psychological strain of competition. Pogrebnyak notes that having friends nearby during difficult rounds can help weather the toughest moments and remind contestants of their personal reasons for joining the journey. In the qualifying stage, Pogrebnyak faced Maria Kravchenko from Comedy Woman and ultimately departed the competition after a hard-fought test. The moment underscored how rapid shifts in momentum, alliances, and public perception can shape the arc of a reality series. [Citation: on-set dynamics and results]
Beyond individual moments, observers point to the broader pattern of reality television — a format that blends performance, narrative storytelling, and real emotions under constant observation. The experience can expose contestants to a spectrum of pressures, including the need to perform authenticity while managing impressions, the tension of forming strategic relationships, and the fatigue that accompanies long shooting days. While success might be measured by screen time or votes, the personal costs are real, affecting mood, sleep, and overall well-being. The evolving conversation around these shows emphasizes the importance of mental health resources, supportive peer networks, and transparent communication among producers, participants, and audiences. [Citations: industry discussions on mental health in reality TV]