Reality TV has been at the forefront of American television for quite some time. Whether it’s a competition series likeSurvivororBig Brotheror simple reality seriesfollowing the lives of favorite families, America likes to keep it real.
The popularity of the genre has skyrocketed so much to the point where networks like Bravo are solely dedicated to reality television content. However, there are a solid number of reality series that make some of television’s biggest scripted dramas seem like comedies.
1’Catfish: The TV Show' (2012 - present)
Perhaps one of the most current and iconic reality TV shows isCatfish: The TV Show, which is a series from the 2010 documentary of the same name. Every episode of the series follows a different person who is unsure whether the person they’re speaking to online is a catfish or a real person—insane.
This series is truly dramatic and is a bit entertaining in terms of secrets and revelations. Surprisingly,Catfishmight bring the waterworks, too, with all the heartbreak that happens in the show.
2‘Celebrity Big Brother’ (2018 - present)
Celebrity Big Brotheris exactly what it sounds like:All of the insanity of regularBig Brotherbut with celebrities as the house guests! In this series, a bunch of celebrities (from across the country and in any field) live together in a house where they are constantly watched and listened to.
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Celebrity Big Brotheris by far one of the most intense reality TV shows in terms of drama. When a bunch of celebrities live together and vie for the public’s attention, there are bound to be numerous arguments.
3‘FBoy Island’ (2021-)
FBoy Islandis by far one of the newest and most volatile reality series. The concept revolves around three women as they attempt to work out which of their 24 suitors are “nice guys” instead of “f-boys.” The three women go on dates, eliminate options, and widdle down their options to the perfect guy.
The series is hosted by comedianNikki Glaserand has a top prize of $100,000. This concept is most definitely the most current but still is a bit off the charts in terms of what happens on the show.
4‘Are You the One? (2014 - present)
Are You the One?Is a reality TV series that also follows a bunch of young singles as they attempt to find love. In the show, a group of men and women are secretly paired into couples by the producers (who use an algorithm). As they live together, the constants try to find the matches.
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If they succeed, the entire group wins $1,000,000. This series is quite intense, and contestants are even forced to go on dates with each other due to the “fate button.”
5‘Selling Sunset’ (2019 - present)
Selling Sunsetis an American reality television series created and produced by Netflix. The series is not competition-based, and insteadfollows the Oppenheim Group, a high-end real estate companyin Los Angeles.
The show keeps tabs on all of the drama that these agents have with each other, and it gets quite heated near the sunset!Selling Sunsetis definitely worth the watch for fans of theKardashiansand that style.
6‘Jersey Shore’ (2009 - 2012)
Jersey Shoreis one of the most well-known and renowned reality television series of all time and ran on MTV from 2009-2012. The series follows 8 roommates who live in a vacation home in New Jersey.
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There was some controversy regarding how they portrayed Italian Americans but nevertheless became a pop culture phenomenon. WhileJersey Shoreis not necessarily current in comparison to other reality shows at the moment, the show is an example ofclassic reality television.
7‘The Bachelor’ (2002 - present)
The Bacheloris another American dating reality show that first debuted in 2002. The series follows a single bachelor who begins the show with a large group of possible romantic interests.
By the end of the show, he’s expected to have picked his wife. As the show goes on, he eliminates more contestants until he finds the one! This show is steamy and surreal.Romantics will absolutely adore whatThe Bachelorhas to offer.
8‘The Bachelorette’ (2003 - present)
Similar in concept toThe Bachelor,The Bacheloretteis the gender-swapped version. This series revolves around a single bachelorette who usually tends to be a former contestant as they try to find the right man from a pool of at least 25 of them.
Once again, this type of reality show is definitely more romantic and exciting for true romantics than others. Love is always in the air onThe Bachelorette.
9‘Dance Moms’ (2011 - 2019)
Dance Momsis easily one of the most famous reality television shows of the generation. The series follows the Abby Lee Dance Company, owned and run byAbby Lee Miller, as they train and travel to competitions across the company.
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Most importantly,Dance Momsfocuses on the life of the mothers of these incredible dancers and the drama that they constantly deal with.Dance Momsis so worth the watch—the culture has not been the same since its release.
10‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010 - present)
Perhaps the most famous reality TV series of all time isThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. This series follows theextravagant lives of several high-end womenliving in or around Beverly Hills, California. This series is one of Bravo’s most successful series and is the 6th Real Housewives installment.
There are fights, drama, and lots of CA-style facelifts. For anyone new to reality TV—this is the premier series to start watching!
