Set against the backdrop of a fictional hit dating competition show, UnREAL is led by Rachel a young staffer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with and among the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage the program's dispassionate executive producer, Quinn King, demands. What ensues is a humorous, yet vexing, look at what happens in the world of unscripted television, where being a contestant can be vicious and producing it is a whole other reality.

A family tragedy strikes one of the girls. Quinn continues pushing boundaries when she offers a cash bonus to Jay, Shia, or Rachel to create this season's villain out of the remaining girls. Rachel's old laptop falls into the wrong hands and threatens to expose intimate details of her past relationship with Jeremy.

Broke and drowning under a pile of bills, Rachel is forced to ask her mother for financial support. Her mother agrees but the loan comes with strings attached that will affect Rachel's mental well-being. Back at the mansion, Adam's best friend, Roger, makes waves on set when he is asked to choose three of the women for a romantic dinner date with Adam. Quinn tends to Chet after a health scare. Lizzie discovers details about Jeremy and Rachel's history.

The girls are in an uproar when a tabloid story exposes some news about Adam's past. Rachel has to produce a romantic date at Adam's vineyard. Quinn realizes she will always be the "other woman" in Chet's life and revisits an old relationship. Jeremy is grateful to Rachel when he receives a promotion.

The crew heads to Mississippi for Faith's hometown date with Adam. Rachel makes a startling discovery about Faith, and enlists the help of Adam to protect her. Jeremy and Rachel take the first step towards mending their friendship. Meanwhile, Quinn sues Chet and Shia takes drastic measures to boost a girl's popularity.

Adam meets Mary's family when the show arranges their one-on-one date. Meanwhile, Rachel and Quinn make some questionable decisions to win a bet with Chet.

When tragedy strikes the set, the contestants and everyone behind the scenes are all affected.

Adam is offered an interesting proposal, with the final elimination ceremony right around the corner. Meanwhile, Rachel is pulled between Jeremy and Adam; and Chet makes a decision about his relationship with Quinn.

Rachel deals with the repercussions from an impulsive decision, Quinn and Rachel question their future as producers, and the final three contestants return to Adam's vineyard for romantic dates.

An unwanted guest shows up on the set. Rachel ends up being betrayed. Adam makes a decision that could change his life forever.