Real Television

by Matthew Salinas

The rules are simple: Survive or Die Trying. Five strangers wake up in a cold, industrial warehouse in the heart of the entertainment district. Each contestant is forced to compete in a brutal, life-or-death game broadcast live to millions. The games are violent, grotesque, and twisted beyond imagination.

The diabolical host, Chet Steazle, a charming yet sadistic showman, orchestrates the madness with a smile. As the blood flows, humanity shows its true colors and the line between entertainment and atrocity blurs.

Settle in and join the million others watching. In the words of Chet himself, "Don't touch that dial!"

This book is dedicated to Lisa Salinas. All proceeds from Ebooks and Paperback copies sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her honor, so that hopefully one day no one will have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.

Genres: Horror

ebook

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[jennydav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one people absolutely need to read. It’s heavy and uncomfortably relevant to our current political climate, but in their world, they’re already beyond saving. Hunger Games x Squid Game x Escape Room energy.

[Gabbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Real Television” both met my expectations and also disappointed me at times. I tend to have this issue when I’m reflecting on extreme horror books, but I do think this novella is a great example of how the genre can have books that are simultaneously fantastic and disappointing.

For the negatives, I found the writing itself to be very repetitive. It seems like every other page a character would think something along the lines of “I heard rumors, but I never thought things could get this far.” The novella is VERY heavy on the social commentary which in itself is fine, I would have hoped for more varied presentation throughout the novella. It was a cartoonishly evil caricature of America under a certain orange dictator. The dramatics wouldn’t bother me if it wasn’t the same phrases and revelations over and over again.

To move on to the positives, as a work of extreme horror, “Real Television” is exactly what you’d hope for in the genre in terms of violence and gore. It’s super explicit, super disturbing, and super creative. Salinas does not hold back on the sickening details and I was thrown off by how quickly scenes could escalate. I also liked the touch that each game was sponsored by a company/product that ended up being very…integral to the punishment for losers, to say the least.

As I said at the beginning of this review, this novella is a great example of a simultaneously fantastic and disappointing work. Disappointing in that overall, it’s not the best organized or most eloquent. There certainly could have been changes made to make the book less repetitive, which was my biggest gripe. However, it was fantastic in the fact that the extreme horror part of the book was EXTREME. That’s what you’d hope for going into the genre.

Both those qualities are true, and I think it would be a disservice not to mention that in my review. I don’t think it’s fair to mark a horror book down just because it was horrifying (duh, that’s the point) - far more important to the review is the quality of the writing, in my opinion.

Anyone looking for a quick extreme horror novella should definitely give this a try. It’s not the best novella as a whole, but if you’re looking for a grotesque, violent story then this would be great for you.

Note: I received a copy of this novella in exchange for a rating/review, but all opinions are my own.

Date Read: 01/24/26

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the bleakest pieces of political and social commentary that I've read. I went into this expecting to be shocked by the barbarity and violence, only to realize upon finishing the book that I felt none—and that realization is disturbing. Because this no longer feels fictional. It is the story of our deeply-troubled times, fully captured and summarized by Salinas.

[Trisha Tropiano · Rating 4 out of 5]

In honour of Matthew’s sister Lisa Salinas, who he lost to cancer in November, all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Having lived through my husband’s cancer battle last year, I can not express enough what an important cause this is.

When five strangers wake up in a warehouse, they are forced to compete in the most brutal and degrading competition for their lives. It is a televised event, and anything goes! Orchestrated by Chet Steazle, the vile but charismatic host, each game is worse than the one before. This book is fast-paced and so nerve-racking at times. It’s shocking and brutal, and I loved every minute of it! Recommend grabbing a copy today!

[Lisa LaFontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW!!! What I just finished reading will stay with me for a long time for sure. Real Television by Matthew Salinas is about to be published. So run and get this short 250+ page novella. So make sure you get it ASAP!
Like the author says: survive or die trying. Concept is simple… five people wake up in a warehouse and have to play these “violent, grotesque and twisted beyond imagination” games in order to survive. If you don’t, you die. It’s that simple. All of this while being broadcast live for everyone to see at home, a live audience and the most sadistic host available that kills without remorse.
The author is able to write about politics without talking about politics, if you know what I am saying. Now… just wait till the fantastic twist almost at the end of the book!!! Your jaw will drop for sure. 😮😮😮
Thirty eight games, four seasons and almost five years where the “lines between entertainment and atrocity” merge.
Several editing issues that might be fixed after the book is printed, so will not deduct stars for that as I don’t know how it really works.
As one of the characters say…all of this happened because they let it happen. The result of years of political and social trials. Brutality and seclusion are in and we all know who wins. Sad times for our country as a whole but well put in this novella. Great book and great topic. If you are a Saw or Hostel fan, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you for the ARC! Would love to keep on reviewing for you if needed.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Television by Matthew Salinas
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! What an intense, brutal and gripping book! This story had my jaw on the floor and my eyes popping out! There’s so much suspense, gore, pressure and excitement from start to finish!
It reminded me of a truly f’ed up version of The Hunger Games!!

What has life turned into, when watching a televised “game” involving life and death, is considered entertainment? These chosen contestants are forced to play horrible games, and they don’t end well as the world watches on!

This is an amazing horror novella! It’s very entertaining and through all of it’s terror, it’s a deep and emotional story too! Is this game being played and televised for entertainment purposes or has humanity finally gone too far?

This book is so well written and completely sucked me in.
Thank you to Matthew Salinas for an arc of this fantastic read!!

*This book is a must read!!!! It comes out February 10th!*
📺🩸📺🩸📺🩸📺🩸📺

♥️Extra amazing reason to purchase this book♥️
This book is dedicated to Lisa Salinas. All proceeds from Ebooks and Paperback copies sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her honor, so that hopefully one day no one will have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Television by Matthew Salinas
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! What an intense, brutal and gripping book! This story had my jaw on the floor and my eyes popping out! There’s so much suspense, gore, pressure and excitement from start to finish!
It reminded me of a truly f’ed up version of The Hunger Games!!

What has life turned into, when watching a televised “game” involving life and death, is considered entertainment? These chosen contestants are forced to play horrible games, and they don’t end well as the world watches on!

This is an amazing horror novella! It’s very entertaining and through all of it’s terror, it’s a deep and emotional story too! Is this game being played and televised for entertainment purposes or has humanity finally gone too far?

This book is so well written and completely sucked me in.
Thank you to Matthew Salinas for an arc of this fantastic read!!

*This book is a must read!!!! It comes out February 10th!*
📺🩸📺🩸📺🩸📺🩸📺

♥️Extra amazing reason to purchase this book♥️
This book is dedicated to Lisa Salinas. All proceeds from Ebooks and Paperback copies sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her honor, so that hopefully one day no one will have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.

[Summer R Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!

I absolutely had a blast reading this one. In a way it's terrifying to think about. What if this was our future? What if things ended up this way? There was a lot of death. Gore, bloody and very hateful things happen in this book. There are a lot of characters but of course depending on things you might like them all or only one. I was rooting for one out of the bunch, but of course I wanted them all to survive. There was a lot going on in this book but like the cover its like a television program. Its action packed and very graphic.

This book was fast paced and never slowed down till the end. Even at the end im wondering what's going to happen next. It may or may not be a cliffhanger... I guess it depends on the reader. I just always want more when im enjoying a book.

The different types of games each of the characters are forced to do are so different and unique. I just couldn't tear my eyes away from the page as each chapter went by. It just makes me think about the future like I stated in the beginning let's hope nothing like this ever happens or our future would certainly be horrific.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Television is a dystopian horror that pits regular people against one another in a fight to the death. And as if that wasn’t enough to contend with, it’s all televised live for society’s viewing pleasure. Five people wake up in a warehouse and know immediately why they’re there, but that doesn’t make what’s coming any easier. Each gets put into a diabolical, deadly game with “contestants” being held in other warehouses. Overseeing it all is the vile Chet Steazle, who is as dangerous as he is charming. And Chet makes it clear that winning your individual game might not be enough to make it out alive.

Salinas holds nothing back with this bleak, brutal story. The “games” are horrifyingly creative and the kills are beyond bloody. I don’t shy away from violence but there were some aspects that made parts of this hard to read for me personally. This book won’t be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth reading and still and great story with some surprises along the way. Proceeds going to the American Cancer Society in honor of the author’s sister. If you’re so inclined, treat yourself to a new book and say “f@ck cancer” at the same time.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Television, written by Matthew Salinas, is a grotesque, life-or-death reality tv show where each contestant is forced to compete in front of millions. It shows just how much humanity has taken a back seat to the current state of the world.

This book is very uncomfortable to read and so very relevant to the US’s current political climate. I mean, how far are we from this kind of future - not far. Contestants are taken based on their alignment and views on the goings on in the world. In true extreme horror fashion, Salinas does not hold back on the violence and gore. I wanted to mindlessly enjoy the explicit and very brutal games, but thoughts of our current political unrest kept creeping in. It’s too close to home!

The book was well-written and worth reading. The book is also dedicated to his sister, Lisa. All proceeds from eBook and paperback sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her honor. This also hit home. My extended family just lost a loved one due to pancreatic cancer.

Thanks to Matthew Salinas for gifting me an eARC of Real Television. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the ARC of Real Television by Matthew Salinas in one sitting - not surprising! His novellas always hook the reader from the beginning. This one is absolutely merciless. It grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. The terror and confusion felt by the characters is palpable.

I love the idea of torture game shows and the variety of games Matthew came up with are fascinating. This one is gruesome, violent, and kinda freaky (but in a good way) and I totally didn't see the twist at the end coming. And the smack-in-the-face social commentary is apropos to how things are in the world right now.

All proceeds for this book will be going to the American Cancer Society in honor of Matthew Salinas's sister Lisa who passed away. You can preorder it and it's available February 10th as an eBook on Kindle.

I have enjoyed all of Salinas's books so far. Fair warning, this one is a bit more disturbing than some of his earlier books, but still worth a read, especially if you're a fan. Which I am. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. :)

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read this early, so thank you for that !

This as you all are probably tired of hearing, is one of my favorite troupes, people trapped in an area but this is even better because they are playing in some very fucked up competition.

First Chet fucking sucks, I was rooting for him to just die the whole time lol

But this had me invested from almost the start, no slow pacing or detours here, it was all horror and surviving, also as a side note maybe extra horrifying with everything in the world right now. The situations were brutal, trying not to spoil too much, when things start they get to the point real quick and like our MC you don't have much time to really dwell as you are startling to survive this fucked hellscape.

This is quick but extreme and heavy, it could have used a little organizational type editing maybe but over all I loved the story, it was so fucked up.

[Jim Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I could just do this review by choosing 5 stars and using one word: WOW!
But, I won't.
I will tell you that this is one of the scariest books I have read in quite some time. Not because of Vampires or Demons, or Witches. No, but because this thing is so damn real! I could definitely see this playing out in today's political climate. Salinas has tapped into his inner Orwell here to give us a taste of what could very well happen in the near future, and it's frightening as hell.
I was tethered to this book from Page One!
Matthew Salinas is a wonderful writer, and this is a very special book for him because hehas dedicated it to his recently deceased sister, Lisa.
Matthew, thank you for fighting through your grief to bring us a terrifying look into tomorrow.
May your sister Rest in Peace.

[Angel Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one heck of a read that pulls you in right away. A group of innocent people are dragged into a show where they are murdered in front of a live audience. The host is a charming, but heartless person who takes pleasure in murdering these people. The story blends the line between entertainment and atrocity in impactful way. Yet, Chet, the host has his own demons to deal with that will become apparent later in the story. This is where the real nature of mankind is exposed and it's quite dark. It's a story that will make you very uncomfortable, as it's designed to do.

It was a great read except that it did get a bit repetitive at times, but that's about the only fault it has. It wasn't enough to detract from the story, which only gets more thrilling as you dig in. Be warned this book might change the way you see reality TV for good.

[Susan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripped from today’s current events, Real Televsion is a gripping, exciting story about what happens when society decays to the point where violence and hatred are the norm and excepted. Even exalted. Set an a television studio where a new breed of game show takes place, the story has compelling characters involved in horrifying, bloody, compete to the death games that keep the reader turning pages right up until the heart stopping conclusion of the book. Gory at times, there is not a dull moment in this book But its value is also as a cautionary tale that shows what can happen when a society loses all sense of empathy and kindness as a result of a governmental regime that punishes these qualities as worthless and weak.

[Svea Neitzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella really punches you in the face! From the first page, it establishes the fear and confusion of the contestants. We jump into the sick games that Ox Network creates for anyone the government wants to get rid of. The book begins in a dystopian near-future. Different characters in televised games must compete to survive. It’s like Saw meets Hunger Games. It is extremely violent. There were so many moments that made me gasp. The ending is heavy and impactful.

It's an intense commentary about where the US is heading politically and culturally. It’s a call to action to not stay silent. Positive change can still happen.

All proceeds will be going to the American Cancer Society in honor of Matthew Salinas's sister who passed away.

[Robin Fuchs Brumfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Television feels painfully on point right now. Matthew Salinas writes straight from inside a culture where everything is a performance,politics, trauma, relationships, and nothing ever really turns off.

The book moves through reality TV, internet, brain, and emotional overexposure in a way that feels very U.S.A. in 2026. Reading it now, it’s hard not to think about how we watch everything happen in real time, argue about it online, then move on to the next disaster. It’s sad and bleak all at once.

Real Television doesn’t give answers,it just captures how weird, exhausting, and lonely it feels to live in an everyday world as it explodes into chaos around us while so many have blinders on.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I receive a book from this author I know that I am going to be in some sort of impossible situation. I cannot think of a more terrifying scenario than waking up and not knowing where you are. What happens next is how I could envision the world we live in coming to. Apparently the leader of the country has decided that if you disagree with the current administration and become vocal about the disappointment then you become an unwilling participant in some brutal televised games. There is no end to the brutality. What’s even worse is the truth of there are no winners. Through all the goriest of competitions there are some glimmers of compassion. This author does an incredible job of imaging what this new world would look like and I say, “No, thank you!”

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Television by Matthew Salinas is a body horror story in my comments are wow… Just wow. I received this book on a day when I was definitely in the mood for it all the Pistons were hitting the book was good and I didn’t stop until I was done and just That’s gross and OMG what a book! If you like body horror and gross unrelenting horrific situations that you would loath to be in yourself then you definitely need to read this book about five strangers who wake up in a warehouse only to learn they’re going to be on TV in the majority of them will not survive. I am not even a man and “hole in the wall” the very first game almost did me in. A definite recommendation. #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Melissa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It grips you from the first chapter and holds you right until the last sentence. It's gory, it's descriptive, it's fast-paced, it's well-timed and it's well written. The chapters are divided in a fantastic way. We get just enough of a character background to understand why they were chosen for "the show". If gore is your go-to genre, definitely give this one a try!

I was lucky enough to read this for free and this was my honest review.

[Cathye Aka OrionReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me, just because it was TOO real. This could easily happen in the near future. Televised modern day gladiators that fight to the death and the "contestants" are anyone the regime doesn't like. It hits a little too close to home sometimes!

That being said, the gore was fantastic. And ugh, the eyeballs 🤢. I appreciated the ending. It seemed right.

There is a lot to think about in such a short read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa…this is definitely a horror that I, along with millions of others, can relate to. We have current topics and situations that are happening right now that Matthew combined with his idea of horror, and formed this book.

It is heavy, disturbing, and gory. It makes you think. It may make you worry. It’s what I consider true horror because it is more than just horrifying. I do like the ending. It is appropriate.

[Mieke Janssens · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a dystopian future people who oppose the people in charge are picked up and forced to paricipate in gruesome games that are broadcasted live on TV.

I must admit this book did touch a nerve considering the current mess this world is. The games are original, there's plenty of gore, but there's some sensitivity and a very sad touch to the story. But it's more than just gory sensation. it really made me question a few things about myself, which I loved.

[LeighAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super fast-paced and really entertaining. There was plenty of gore, but it worked for the story and kept things exciting. I ended up reading it all in one day because it was such a quick, gripping read. It was also interesting to read given the current political unrest in the country—it added an extra layer to the story. Definitely a fun, intense read.

[Shaya White · Rating 4 out of 5]

looking for a short read that packs a punch look no further

real television hooks you on the first page and delivers blow after blow

5 people wake up in a warehouse and are forced to become contestants in a brutal game show on live TV

being released February 10th this is one gruesome novella you dont want to miss out on

[Talees Mcdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for this book and boy am I glad that I was!

Real Television does not mess around with either the pace or the gore! I have read a lot of gory books and this one really had me squirming in parts! And that ending.....🤌🤌🤌🤌

If you are after a short, fast paced, gory read then you absolutely have to read Real Television and let the games begin!

[Tori North · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC.

For the sake of 100% honesty, this was pretty far outside my comfort zone and wound up being a bit too much for me 😅 With that being said, it was well written, impactful, definitely packed a punch and was a scorching commentary on today's political and cultural climate.

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon finishing Real Television, I have come to regard this book as my latest favorite by Matthew Salinas. It presents a terrifying scenario that could unfold if the government fails to change its course. Salinas demonstrates a keen understanding of dystopian themes, reminiscent of Orwell, and provides a chilling glimpse into a plausible near-future reality.

[Charlie FRANCIS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is thought-provoking and extremely scary. It's about the most dangerous monsters out there. Mankind. It disturbed me in so many ways. I couldn't stop reading i wanted to know how it ended. You won't get any spoilers here. So do yourself a favor and pick this up. Fasten your seat belt and get prepared for a nightmarish ride.

[Nicole Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved how this book captured my attention within the first couple pages. It has gore and horror. I love that in a book. This author did an amazing job with this book. I Highly Recommend This Book.