Joe and Maddi from Southern Hospitality Believe They Can Overcome Reality TV’s Curse
Joe Bradley and Maddi Reese aren’t shying away from the challenges of being a reality TV couple — they embrace it.
“Being a reality TV couple is a bit intimidating,” Joe admitted in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Thursday, March 6. “I’ve witnessed some of my favorite reality TV couples fall apart.”
The star of Southern Hospitality emphasized that couples can either “take it for what it is” and allow the fame to “strengthen their relationship,” or they can “let the negativity” disrupt their bond.
“I’m not scared of that. I believe we’re in a solid place. Bring it on,” Joe playfully remarked.
Joe shared that, unlike many reality couples who have split, he and Maddi’s connection predates their appearance on the Bravo series. (When Southern Hospitality debuted in 2022, Joe and Maddi were already friends and colleagues.)
“We’re in a unique situation because we were best friends before the show, and it wasn’t forced,” Joe explained. “The timing worked out for us, and everything unfolded naturally.”
He also mentioned that they’ve talked about prioritizing their relationship. “I told her, ‘If things ever get too complicated, I choose you over TV 1,000 times out of 1,000,’” he revealed to Us.
Joe added, “Whatever makes her feel comfortable and happy is my priority.” He acknowledged that making their relationship public can be “nerve-wracking,” but he’s certain that Maddi is the one for him.
“There’s nothing I’m fearful or doubtful about when it comes to our relationship,” he stated.
Even though Joe is confident that he and Maddi, who began dating in April 2024, are heading in the right direction, he admitted he has slowed down his plans.
“I think I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself with my one-year plan, as it’s challenging for Maddi and me to even stick to a one-week plan with how fluid things are,” Joe shared with Us. “She’s DJing, and someone might call and say, ‘Hey, we need you to DJ,’ and two days later she’s there.”
During season 3 of Southern Hospitality, Joe and Maddi staged a fake wedding in Las Vegas. He later asked Maddi about moving in together, which caused her to feel anxious. After discussing their concerns, they were back in sync by the season finale, which aired on Thursday.
“If someone told me a year or a year and a half ago that I would fall in love with Maddi, I’d think they were insane,” Joe reflected. “We live a wild life. Right now, it’s smarter for me to take it one day at a time.”
He continued, “We’re not going to be that couple with a five-year plan; my goal is just to keep doing what we’re doing and to be happy. I know I’ll propose, but I just don’t know when.”
Joe also mentioned that while he wants to be close to Maddi, he has learned the importance of allowing her space at times — he never wants to apply pressure on her.
“This summer, we were definitely in the honeymoon phase, and I thought, ‘Maddi’s going on the road; I don’t want her to be alone,’” he recalled about wanting to be by Maddi’s side.
As Maddi has grown “more comfortable” with touring, Joe said they are both fine with not accompanying each other to every performance. He expressed that when he opens his own bar, he hopes Maddi will support him as his “hype girl,” calling that “love.”
Regarding their future, Joe joked, “No one’s locking down Maddi Reese. No, she’ll lock me down. I won’t lock her down.”
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
