Geordie Shore is the most famous TV programme to come out of Newcastle, and put the city on the map for its nightlife. But how much of Geordie Shore is realistic to life in Newcastle today? Firstly, most of the bars and clubs that the cast frequent in the show are shut down now, such as Tiger Tiger, Madame Koo and House of Smith, however, Tup Tup and Bijoux are still standing, as is Powerhouse, and they have become staples of uni nights out.
Despite Geordie Shore being 25 series strong with the most recent instalment airing in 2025, the most iconic era was in the 2010s. During prime Geordie Shore we saw Scotty T, Chloe Ferry and Charlotte Crosby. The popularity of the show poses the question; is this the best Newcastle has to offer? In short, no. Geordie Shore doesn’t give off what life in Newcastle is really like. Yes, there is a lot of going out, but a lot less of the bright orange fake tan and dangerously high heels than there used to be. The cast of Geordie Shore drink to excess, getting 'mortal' almost every episode, which causes them to go absolutely raging at any moment, with most of the show’s highlights being fights between cast members. As this is one of very few reality shows set in Newcastle, Geordie Shore tends to give Geordies a bad rap as being easily aggravated and doesn’t show the other highlights of the city aside from the clubbing scene. As the producers also pulled the most Geordie of Geordies, it also causes the accent to be mimicked, and it has become associated with being a bit thick.
I wouldn’t use Geordie Shore as a Bible when considering Newcastle for uni as there are so many sober activities available as well as nightlife such as the Hancock Museum, Tynemouth and the Baltic. So prospective students shouldn’t worry about downing pints as their one form of making friends.
Newcastle is great and as a local, I would say Geordie Shore is entertaining and funny, but not a documentary.