The TLC “Gypsy” Shows are FAKE | Meet the REAL Romanichal

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:21:22 +0000

For decades, TLC (The Learning Channel) has made various reality shows that claim to show off the real life of the mysterious Romanichal community both in the UK and the U.S. They present it in a documentary style in an attempt to connect Romanichal history with the behaviors shown on those shows. However, these shows have little to no connection with actual Romanichal culture and involve staged events and non-Romanichal actors. Today we are going to talk to a real member of the community and learn the real American Romanichal culture that has been too long misrepresented and stereotyped by TLC.

Follow Alexus @Romanichalgal on TikTok and Instagram for more information on Romanichal culture!

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction
1:30 Who are the Romanichal?
1:53 Romanichal language
2:38 Romanichal vs. Travellers
3:07 American Romanichal History
4:13 English and American Romanichal
4:40 Deconstructing TLC
6:11 The TLC people aren’t Romani?
8:34 Romanichal values
9:00 Romanichal jewelry/superstitions
9:48 Traditional trades
11:02 Romanichal home
11:33 Romanichal religion/celebrations
12:40 Courting
14:34 The REAL weddings
15:04 The Vardo
15:13 Present-day issues
16:38 Conclusion