17 Iconic Reality TV Shows From The 2000s You Forgot You Loved

In the series, Lupe plays Kristen Bell’s on-screen sister, Morgan, and the pair presents a fun, yet deeply loyal and caring dynamic. “I knew about her work, and I knew about her presence in the industry,” the Succession actress, who recently partnered with food brand Nature’s Fynd, exclusively tells Brit + Co of Bell. “She did a really good job of helping me not feel intimidated by that in any way.” In fact, the Frozen star slid into Lupe’s DM’s “very immediately,” asking her to go on a hike right when she got the job.

Lupe further described Bell as “so sparkly,” “really personable,” and an “easy person to feel close to.” The duo even carpooled to the first table read in order to build a “sisterly rapport” — and the bond most certainly came through on-screen. Despite the two characters hosting a successful sex podcast together, Morgan’s viewed as the “loser sibling” compared to Bell’s character, Joanne. Morgan strives to keep situations lightweight while maintaining depth in her relationships — which isn’t an easy feat as an actress.

“The writing was the first place that I went,” Lupe says. “I just loved the core story of Morgan — there’s this love story at the center of it all. But Morgan’s story is that she’s losing her soulmate [Joanne] of a sort.” Lupe explains that she kept the idea of “fighting against being the forgotten one” as her “North Star” in terms of Morgan’s slightly outlandish behavior (like busting out tequila to bond with mean girls during a basketball game, which we think was both totally hilarious and particularly genius).

Of course, the most-talked-about storyline of the first season was Morgan and Sasha’s “will they won’t they” relationship (which the creator, Erin Foster, recently told The Hollywood Reporter they’re going to “pull back” on in season 2). Lupe weighs in, adding that she enjoys playing into the “wired attraction” and boundaries of it all, but is ready to see that storyline wrapped up.

“I'm glad [Foster] went with that choice because to me, there's so much more fun to be gained from an oddball friendship between the two of them than there would be from destroying his marriage,” she says. As far as where Lupe would like to see Morgan go in Season 2, she says she’s putting her faith in the writers. “I’m excited for the surprise of it. I don’t really have an agenda for what I would like. I just want to be around.” She jokes that she felt the same with Succession, in which she played Willa Ferreyra for 32 episodes.

Since Nobody Wants This season 2 is sure to solidify Adam Brody’s internet boyfriend status even more, we asked Lupe if she had an outright crush on him or his The O.C. character, Seth Cohen. But alas, she told us she’s only seen “maybe five episodes,” adding, “I didn’t ever get on that train. I always knew of him because he, of course, was a hugely popular star, and I thought he was so cute.” Us too.

Lupe was early in her pregnancy while filming Nobody Wants This (and is now currently caring for her newborn). So, naturally, we asked what her go-to set snack was. Lupe usually reached for apples, peanut butter, and, more surprisingly, sardines and hard-boiled eggs. She laughs, “I remember sitting in my chair and being like, ‘I’m so sorry,’ everyone. I was like the worst smelling cast mate ever.”

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress put her love for interesting food pairings to good use due to her latest partnership with Nature’s Fynd, a fungi-based food brand focused on sustainable protein. “I got really excited by the environmental aspect of [the brand], first and foremost,” she says. “And then it just tastes great, and it has a lot of protein in it, which was also really something that I was interested in as a new mom who needs protein.” You can actually win an LA brunch in February 2025 with Lupe and highly-acclaimed chef, Stephanie Izard, by entering the sweepstakes online before December 31st.

What Our Full Interview With Justine Lupe Here!

While you’re waiting for that sweepstakes win though, we’ll be patiently watching every 2000’s rom-com, rooting for underdog characters like Morgan. That is, at least, until the next season of Nobody Wants This comes out

She misses her mother’s graduation to hang out with Jess.

All Rory had to do was attend this one event for Lorelai — the single mom who raised her and aside her pride to get her the best education — and she failed to show up when it mattered most. Did she really need to see Jess in New York that day? I don’t think so.

She's not a very good friend to Lane.

Rory treats Lane as dispensable, like a side character in her life who's sole job is to support her through each up and down of life. Even when Lane mentions that she doesn't like feeling second to Rory's latest BF, not much changes — even well into the reboot.

​She doesn't seem to respect other people's relationships, including those who are literal married.

Obviously, it takes two to tango — but that doesn’t excuse Rory's role in sleeping with Dean, a married man. Said affair is certainly the start to her downward spiral, one that unfortunately takes many others down the hole with her. It's bad enough that she's complicit in the affair with her high school ex, Dean, but it's her attitude after that that really solidifies her skewed moral compass.

Thought that was enough adultery? Not for Rory — she sleeps with the soon-to-be-married Logan!

Rory clearly has a thing for taken men — especially ones she used to be in a relationship with. Forgetting your current BF is bad enough, but cheating on him with the man whose proposal you turned down is a new low. We'll never forget you, Paul!

She literally stole a yacht just because someone said something she didn't like.

OK — it makes sense to be angry if someone (especially your boyfriend's dad) tells you that you're not cut out for your life's goal in a professional setting. But dang! You don't have to steal a yacht! Come on, Rory.

She straight up fat-shamed a dancer in a newspaper article.

Do we even need to say more? Do better, dude.

​Her white privilege reaaaaaally jumped out in the later seasons.

Yale got a little hard, and boom! She moved into the pool house at her grandparents' house and joins the DAR. And when Paris shows up after finding out all her parents' money is gone, Rory just sheds a tear for her own misfortune. First Lane, now Paris? This girl really needs to learn how to be a friend.

Her professionalism and overall perspective on work is..............questionable.

Remember that white privilege we mentioned? Instead of accepting a job that would pay for her needs and support her, Rory decides she'd rather take a chance on a fellowship at the New York Times. Rory does not receive the fellowship, and returns to the original offer to see if the old job is available. It's not.

​Her career-based self-entitlement in the reboot.

It’s shocking that this woman has had a decade-long career in journalism, and still doesn’t know how it works. Not only does Rory compromise her integrity by sleeping with a source, but she (somehow) believes she’s entitled to a job after writing one article, arrives at a job interview completely unprepared, freaks out when she doesn’t get the job she wants, and for some reason thinks Condé Nast should seek her out for a job? It's delusion at it's finest.

Venice, Italy

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.