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 e-books 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.
“I know Matthew personally. He is a good writer and this title is perfect for all public library audiences. Extreme horror is hot. Social and political commentary horror is hot. Squid Games style reality competitions are hot. This book has all of it. And it is super entertaining. What more do you need?” -Becky Siegel Spratford, Readers’ Advisory Specialist, author of Why I Love Horror
“It is absolutely going to be on one of my Top Reads of 2026 lists. If someone asked me right now what one book I would recommend everyone read that I have read so far this year, it’s this one. (Yes, I am aware it is only February, but I am confident I will still feel this way in December, lol.)” -Danielle Yvonne, Uncomfortably Dark Book Reviews
“Matthew Salinas created a fun universe that is both depressing and exciting. It is a punch to the current political world and flips the bird the entire time.” -Mike Salt (author of The Linkville Horror Series, You’re Not Supposed To Be Here, and This All Ends Horribly)
“Be warned, this book might change the way you see reality TV for good.”-Angel Ramon (author of Frogs and Margaritas Series)
“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.” -Jim Donohue (author of The Stranger)
“Bloody, gory, and creative, “Real Television” takes a shot at modern society in a gruesome way. Matthew Salinas brings us on a body-horror fueled trip as dissidents are forced to endure horrific forms of torture for the pleasure of the viewing public. Get to know the name Chet Steazle. You’re gonna hate him.” -Jay Bower (author of The Terror of Willow Falls)
