When participants sign on to be a part of a reality TV show, they sign contracts and are then bound by the terms of the contract. If the participants violate the terms of the contract, then they risk being kicked off of the show. This is what binds the participant. However, there are laws and regulations which govern reality TV shows. This may be hard to believe since many reality TV shows seem cutthroat, but contestants are aware of the type of TV show they are taking part in and they agree to such treatment in their contracts because that is what makes the show interesting.