The Only Way Is Essex (often abbreviated as TOWIE /tai/) is a British reality television series based in Brentwood, England. It shows ''real people in modified situations, saying unscripted lines but in a structured way.'' The show is filmed just a few days in advance. It is narrated by Denise van Outen, who is from Basildon, Essex. The show has been described as Britain's answer to The Hills and Jersey Shore.

Is it true that is towie and the only way is essex the same thing?
yes