Sometimes, a good dose of reality TV is all it takes to escape reality itself. There’s something magnetic about these shows, where real people live out wild dreams, face intense challenges, or put their hearts on the line for love, fame, or a cash prize. And in 2024, reality TV shows are more diverse, dynamic, and entertaining than ever.
Let’s look into a curated list of the best, featuring classic hits, new reality TV shows, and some popular reality TV shows still making waves. Here’s your ultimate guide to relax, with shows covering every mood, every genre, and a whole lot of real-life drama.
30 Best Reality TV Shows in 2024
Here’s a roundup of 30 best reality TV shows, a mix of classics and new reality TV shows in 2024 that offers something for every viewer, with their IMDb ratings to help you pick your next favourite binge.
1. Survivor
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Survivor is one of the first reality TV shows that made viewers fall in love with the genre. Contestants are stranded on an island and must outwit, outplay, and outlast each other to win a million dollars. Each season brings a fresh group of contestants and countless twists, making it endlessly exciting. This series remains one of the most popular reality TV shows worldwide.
2. Love Is Blind
Love Is Blind flips dating on its head by having singles meet, fall in love, and get engaged all before they see each other. This new reality TV show has taken over hearts with its unique premise and dramatic reveals. Hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, it explores whether true love can blossom sight unseen. It’s one of Netflix’s biggest hits, now popular across multiple countries.
3. The Real World
- IMDb Rating: 5.2
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
As the first reality TV show to place real people in a shared living space, The Real World pioneered reality TV as we know it. Each season follows a new set of strangers dealing with friendships, conflicts, and personal growth. It remains an essential watch for fans interested in social dynamics. Its raw storytelling and social themes have kept it relevant through the years.
4. The Great British Baking Show
This feel-good competition brings together amateur bakers creating beautiful desserts in a old-fashioned English tent. With judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, the show offers charm, friendship, and delicious bakes. It’s one of the best reality TV shows for those who prefer a lighthearted and comforting watch. The series is adored for its supportive atmosphere and delightful creativity.
5. Queer Eye
Queer Eye features the Fab Five helping individuals improve their lives through fashion, food, grooming, home design, and self-confidence. Each episode leaves viewers inspired and moved by these transformative journeys. Known for its emotional moments and positive messaging, it’s a top pick among popular reality TV shows. The series is a beautiful celebration of acceptance and self-love.
6. Selling Sunset
Mixing luxury real estate with high-stakes drama, Selling Sunset gives viewers an inside look at LA’s most glamorous properties. The Oppenheim Group agents juggle million-dollar listings with fierce competition. Known for its unique personalities and jaw-dropping homes, this new reality TV show is perfect for real estate and drama enthusiasts alike. Each season brings new properties and even bigger conflicts.
7. The Bachelor Franchise
- IMDb Rating: 3.3 – 6.1 (varies by season)
- Where to Watch: Hulu
The Bachelor franchise, including The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, has been a fan-favorite since it premiered. The show’s iconic rose ceremonies, romantic dates, and dramatic exits make it one of the best reality TV shows for love and romance fans. Each season invites new faces, keeping the excitement fresh. If you’re after love stories with plenty of twists, this franchise is for you.
8. Chef’s Table
Each episode of Chef’s Table takes a look into the lives of world-renowned chefs, showcasing their culinary skills and personal stories. With stunning cinematography and heartfelt narratives, this Emmy-nominated series is a visual treat. It’s ideal for food lovers and fans of thoughtful storytelling. The series shines for its ability to connect viewers to global food cultures.
9. Is It Cake?
Inspired by viral memes, Is It Cake? challenges bakers to create cakes that look like everyday objects, leaving viewers guessing. Contestants aim to fool celebrity judges for a cash prize, making it one of the new reality TV shows perfect for fans of light-hearted fun. The show’s playful approach to baking makes it easy to enjoy.
10. RuPaul’s Drag Race
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Celebrating the art and performance of drag, RuPaul’s Drag Race brings contestants together to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, and talent. Each season is filled with fierce runway looks, dramatic challenges, and heartwarming moments. RuPaul’s unique hosting style adds to the show’s charm, making it one of the most popular reality TV shows. The show has become a global phenomenon and an LGBTQ+ cultural staple.
11. Nailed It!
Nailed It! combines cooking with comedy as amateur bakers try to recreate intricate desserts with hilariously disastrous results. Hosted by comedian Nicole Byer, the show is perfect for a laugh and quick entertainment. Its charm lies in the contestants’ good-natured attempts, making it a unique entry among reality TV shows. The show proves that baking fails can be just as delightful as success.
12. Big Brother
- IMDb Rating: 5.6
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Big Brother follows the lives of contestants isolated in a house, where alliances and strategies are the key to survival. With its constant surveillance and unexpected twists, this long-running show mixes social strategy with intense competition. It’s a classic in reality TV shows, bringing together intrigue and high-stakes drama.
13. The Amazing Race
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Teams race across the world in The Amazing Race, facing unique cultural and physical challenges to win a cash prize. With each leg of the journey, new challenges await, testing their strength and teamwork. This adventurous show is one of the best reality TV shows for travel lovers. It’s an exhilarating watch filled with breathtaking destinations.
14. Project Runway
Aspiring designers battle it out in Project Runway, each creating high-fashion looks under intense time constraints. Judges offer critiques, and the lowest-scoring designer is eliminated. The show’s competitive spirit and iconic fashion challenges make it a hit among reality TV shows. It’s a blend of creativity, style, and high-pressure scenarios.
15. America’s Next Top Model
Hosted by Tyra Banks, America’s Next Top Model follows aspiring models through runway walks, photo shoots, and dramatic eliminations. Known for its high-pressure moments and fierce competition, it’s a go-to for fashion fans. The show offers an insider’s view into the modelling world, giving it an edge among popular reality TV shows.
16. The Circle
A modern-day social experiment, The Circle sees contestants living separately and communicating only via social media. Some players use their real identity, while others “catfish” to win over their peers. The show cleverly explores popularity, deception, and strategy, making it a standout among new reality TV shows.
17. 90 Day Fiancé
This show follows couples as they deal with long-distance love, with only 90 days to marry before their visa expires. 90 Day Fiancé takes a look into the unique challenges of cross-cultural relationships, giving viewers a glimpse into love across borders. It’s one of the most popular reality TV shows, especially for fans of romance with a twist.
18. Physical: 100
This Korean reality competition puts 100 contestants through intense physical challenges, testing their strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Contestants are eliminated one by one, and the competition grows more intense with each episode. With creative challenges and intense rivalries, it’s one of the new reality TV shows that’s worth watching in 2024.
19. Too Hot to Handle
Singles gather in a tropical paradise, only to be told they’ll lose prize money for any romantic contact. The contestants must avoid the temptation to win, making it a fascinating watch filled with drama and humour. Too Hot to Handle is a unique entry among reality TV shows, mixing dating with discipline.
20. The Real Housewives Franchise
- IMDb Rating: 4.3 – 6.4 (varies by city)
- Where to Watch: Peacock
With franchises in cities like Beverly Hills, Atlanta, and New York, The Real Housewives series offers an inside look at the lives of wealthy women across the US. It’s known for its extravagant lifestyles, social clashes, and larger-than-life personalities. This iconic franchise is a top choice among popular reality TV shows for its endless drama.
21. Love Island
In Love Island, contestants live in a villa and must couple up to avoid elimination. New singles are added to stir up the dynamics, creating a constantly evolving competition. This show is a hit for its addictive mix of romance and rivalry, making it one of the best reality TV shows for dating drama.
22. The Kardashians
The Kardashians follows the famous family’s lives, attracting the glamor, relationships, and personal dramas of one of Hollywood’s most high-profile clans. Known for its intimate look into celebrity life, it’s a must-watch for fans of reality TV shows that spotlight family dynamics and fame.
23. Undercover Boss
CEOs disguise themselves and work entry-level jobs within their own companies to see what it’s like on the front lines. This heartwarming show offers moments of surprise, empathy, and sometimes hard truths, making it an inspiring entry among best reality TV shows.
24. The Voice
In The Voice, aspiring singers audition with only their voices to impress celebrity judges who listen with their backs turned. Known for its thrilling “blind auditions” and supportive mentorship, it’s a top choice for music fans looking for popular reality TV shows. It’s also widely loved for its celebratory approach to talent.
25. MasterChef
MasterChef showcases home cooks who dream of turning their culinary skills into a career. Guided by Gordon Ramsay, they compete in intense challenges and inventive cooking battles. As one of the top reality TV shows for foodies, it combines the thrill of competition with a passion for cooking.
26. The Traitors
Set in a secluded castle, contestants must uncover “traitors” among them who are working to sabotage the group’s success. This psychological game of strategy, hosted by Alan Cumming, is suspenseful and engaging, making it one of the new reality TV shows to watch for fans of mystery.
27. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
In this uplifting show, deserving families receive complete home makeovers that change their lives. The transformations are emotional and inspiring, as each home reveal leaves viewers touched. It’s a heartwarming show that ranks highly among reality TV shows focused on generosity and change.
28. Shark Tank
Shark Tank invites entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of “sharks” for potential investment. The show provides insights into innovation, business strategy, and negotiation, making it a favourite among aspiring businesspeople. It’s one of the best reality TV shows for anyone interested in entrepreneurship.
29. Married at First Sight
In a bold social experiment, Married at First Sight pairs strangers who meet for the first time at the altar. Over several weeks, they must go through married life and decide if they’ll stay together. This unique premise makes it one of the most popular reality TV shows, exploring love and compatibility in unexpected ways.
30. Bling Empire
Bling Empire follows a group of wealthy Asian-Americans in Los Angeles, mixing luxury with friendship and rivalry. The show is known for its extravagant lifestyles, opulent parties, and intense social dynamics. It’s a glamorous series that offers a fresh take on reality TV shows, perfect for viewers who love high society drama.
Wrap Up
Each of these reality TV shows has a way of pulling you in, whether it’s drama, creativity, or high-stakes competition. So next time you need a break, settle in and press play on the best reality TV shows out there you may just find your new obsession.
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