The Best Reality TV Shows to Help You Escape Your Mundane Existence
Whether you're a Love Is Blind or Vanderpump Rules fan, we've got you covered.
Whether you’ve been a fan since Laguna Beach and The Hills made waves at MTV, or you were introduced to the genre by glossy Netflix shows like Love Is Blind, reality TV continues to surprise and delight viewers around the globe. For instance, Bravo continues to deliver delectable reality TV hits that the world can’t help but talk about, from the cheating drama seen on Vanderpump Rules to the ever-evolving Real Housewives universe. Meanwhile, ABC’s The Bachelor franchise upped its game with the introduction of The Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette, and Netflix’s binge-worthy output, which includes Selling Sunset and The Trust, proves that viewers are eager to digest even more “unscripted” television.
From twisty competition shows to jaw-dropping dating series, we round up 70 of the best reality TV shows to add to your watch list in 2024.
The Trust: A Game of Greed
Netflix’s The Trust: A Game of Greed brings together a group of strangers and gives them the chance to win a quarter of a million dollars. Through a series of games and tasks, the contestants are forced to decide whether they can trust one another, or if they want to vote anyone out. Whoever is left standing at the end of the series takes home the jackpot. But will they choose to split the money equally, or ruthlessly eliminate their fellow cast mates in order to get a bigger prize?
Meet Me in Rome
There may only be one episode of Roku’s Meet Me in Rome to date, but it’s a dreamy reality TV take on the romantic comedy, starring someone who is no stranger to the genre. Christa B. Allen of 30 Going on 30 and Revenge fame joins two other single women to seek romance in one of Italy’s most romantic cities. This follow-up to 2023’s Meet Me in Paris proves that the franchise is filled with possibility.
Couple to Throuple
Peacock’s latest reality series gives four couples the opportunity to explore non-monogamy while spending time at a luxurious resort. By meeting a group of prospective singles, each couple is able to find out what it would be like to welcome a third person into their relationship, with every moment caught on camera. At the end of the experiment, they must decide whether to remain as a twosome, or return to their lives as a throuple.
Squid Game: The Challenge
Squid Game took the world by storm when it launched on Netflix, and for better or worse, the series quickly spawned a reality show based on its premise. Allegedly plagued by problems behind-the-scenes, Squid Game: The Challenge invites contestants to take part in the very games seen on the popular K-drama, tempting the players with a huge prize fund of $4.56 million. With challenges ranging from literally terrifying to completely intense, this reality show is not for the faint of heart.
Love on the Spectrum
Love on the Spectrum is a documentary dating series featuring people on the autism spectrum who are looking for romance. Through a series of dates, strangers navigate the messy world of dating and relationships, hoping to find a lifelong partner. While accurate neurodiverse representation can be tricky to find, some of the show’s contestants have praised the way in which their stories have been told onscreen.
The Golden Bachelor
After what feels like the longest wait, The Golden Bachelor has finally arrived to shake up the Bachelor franchise. Season 1 stars Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old widower searching for love and dishing out roses week by week, until he finds romance with one of many hopefuls.
Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake
In this delightful Real Housewives spin-off, Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps trade in the glamour of New York City for the small town charm of Benton, Illinois. More than a little inspired by The Simple Life, Sonja and Luann are forced to get their hands dirty as they help out the town's locals with a series of projects.
Drag Me to Dinner
New York drag king and Somebody Somewhere star Murray Hill hosts Drag Me to Dinner, a competition series bringing together drag artists from all over the United States. Contestants compete in a number of categories for a chance to be named The Glorious Golden Grater. Judges include Neil Patrick Harris and Bianca Del Rio.
Big Brother
Airing its 25th season in 2023, Big Brother needs no introduction. The contestants, known as HouseGuests, compete for a prize of $750,000, while having their lives filmed 24 hours a day. One by one, HouseGuests are voted out, until a lucky winner remains.
Last Chance U
Netflix's Last Chance U follows college football players as they strive for success, in the hopes of becoming professional athletes. The show explores the lives of players who have faced difficulties in their lives, for whom football provides an outlet, with the first two seasons focusing on East Mississippi Community College.
Winter House
This Summer House spin-off takes place during colder climes and enlists the help of cast members from a plethora of Bravo shows, including Below Deck, Southern Charm, and Vanderpump Rules. As they enjoy the winter weather, the group gets into all kinds of trouble, as you'd likely expect.
Zombieverse
Netflix's Korean reality series follows a group of influencers who think they're filming a dating show, only to be attacked by hoards of zombies. Contestants must fight to survive the unexpected outbreak, while completing a series of quests. Both horrifying and entertaining.
Temptation Island
Temptation Island is the ultimate relationship test. Several couples sign up to live in an idyllic location with some seriously hot singletons, to prove whether or not their relationships are strong enough to survive temptation.
Buddy Games
Based upon the film of the same name, Buddy Games focuses on several groups of friends as they take part in a series of summer camp-inspired challenges. Josh Duhamel, who directed and starred in the movie, plays host, while the groups fight it out for a cash prize and a killer trophy.
House of Villains
E!'s House of Villains brings together the reality TV contestants we all love to hate, as they battle it out for a cash prize and the title of America's Ultimate Supervillain. Season 1 stars Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor, Love Is Blind's Shake Chatterjee, and Flavor of Love's Tiffany Pollard, amongst others.
The Real Housewives of New York City
Bravo's Real Housewives of New York reboot has been a big hit with fans, revitalizing the franchise with a fresh new cast and some serious drama. Whether you're a fan of Jenna Lyons' wardrobe, Jessel's one liners, or Ubah's positive attitude (as long as you don't steal her phone), this show has something for everyone.
Physical:100
In this Korean survival series, athletic contestants compete via a number of strength and endurance tests. Showcasing their physical abilities (and abs), contestants fight for the chance to be crowned the fittest of them all and to win approximately $250,000. It'll make you want to hit the gym, pronto.
The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
Netflix's glossy travel show takes us around the world, showcasing a plethora of unusual, over-the-top, and hidden away properties. Hosted by content creators Megan Batoon, Luis D. Ortiz, and Jo Franco, The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals will make you want to book your next trip right away.
The Mole
Twelve contestants compete for a prize fund in Netflix's reality hit, but there's a mole in their midst trying to sabotage the group every step of the way. If the mole is successful, they'll lose the group money by ruining various challenges, and by keeping their identity a secret. But how long can they stay hidden for?
Hack My Home
Netflix's Hack My Home addresses a very real world problem: what do you do if you've outgrown your living space, but aren't able to move? Through some incredibly innovative DIY techniques and home renovation inspiration, Hack My Home makes even the smallest of rooms more functional again, which is fun to see.
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