You’d be forgiven for finding the television landscape a little dull as of late—especially if you’re only watching scripted shows. In case you haven’t noticed, we are currently living through the Golden Era of reality TV. Unscripted television—a fixture of the American media diet for decades—has only doubled down on its dominance; and in recent years, the mayhem (both onscreen and off) has become all the more enticing. The Golden Bachelor announced his divorce after three months of marriage. A Real Housewife of Salt Lake City is currently serving time in prison. And, of course, there was #Scandoval, the shocking, break-the-internet affair from Vanderpump Rules. That was all just in the last year!
It’s stranger than fiction, yes, and that’s precisely what makes the best reality TV shows so compelling. Amid all the fights, romances, heartbreaks, credit cards, and tears, we are faced with some of the worst aspects of humanity—and also, sometimes, some of the most heartwarming. The best reality TV shows invite us to embrace the chaos—and see a bit of ourselves in the mess.
One thing’s for certain: we can’t stop watching. Luckily, there are plenty of unscripted shows and docuseries from streamers like Netflix, Max, and Apple TV+ to keep us entertained for hours. There’s something for everyone, from the die-hard romantic to the food porn-addicted to the fashion obsessed. Not all of it is good—in fact, most of it is not!—but that’s not the point.
Here, we’ve listed all of our new, nostalgic, and ongoing favorites in the format. Happy watching!
The Real World (1992-2017)
Inspired by a 1973 PBS documentary series called An American Family, MTV’s The Real World might be the show that started it all. It was certainly a cultural phenomenon when it debuted in 1992—and if you grew up in that era, its intro definitely lives rent-free in your mind. (Say it with me: “This is the true story of seven strangers, picked to live in a house and have their lives taped… to find out what happens when people stop being polite…and start getting real!”) Set in a different city each season, the cast of strangers-turned-roomies was as diverse as it got—everyone from fitness models to gutter punks to gay cartoonists to young Republicans were jammed together in one house. Beyond the drunken hookups and fights over pilfered groceries, the show had its share of impact and historic firsts: everything from racism to sexuality to politics was openly discussed. 1994’s San Francisco season, for example, had one of TV’s first-ever openly gay men (Pedro Zamora) with AIDS and was largely credited for humanizing the HIV epidemic.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix or Prime Video.
Survivor (2000-present)
One of the original competition shows remains one of the most riveting. Contestants are stranded in the wilderness and must figure out food, water, and shelter for themselves. As they compete in a series of complicated and crazy challenges (Sumo at Sea?!), they work together until alliances crumble, rivalries form and the food supply dwindles down to a couple of foraged bugs. The last person standing wins $1 million, but it’s the competitors’ perseverance that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix or Hulu.
America’s Next Top Model (2003-2018)
Tyra Banks’s competition show has it all: glitz, glamor, and catty one-liners. 14 aspiring models compete for the chance to make it big in the modeling industry—and there’s even a Covergirl contract on the line. As contestants navigate physically challenging photoshoots and stressful go-see appointments, there’s both high fashion and high drama. While the show includes its share of unhinged moments and controversy, it remains iconic. Who could forget Miss J. Alexander’s catwalk lessons? Or the thrill of getting Tyra Mail? Remember: it’s all in the smize.
How to watch: Stream on Hulu.
The Bachelor (2002-present)
It’s the dating franchise that defined dating shows for all eternity. One person is searching for love. Thirty contestants vie for their affection. Some are “here for the right reasons”; some are here to have drunken fights. There are awkward group dates. There are helicopter rides. There are sultry nights in the Fantasy Suite. There are fumbled kisses. But there is only one final rose.
How to watch: Stream on Hulu.
American Idol (2002-present)
We have this ABC hit to thank for the inimitable Kelly Clarkson. And, of course, for Simon Cowell. Since 2002, American Idol has been bringing the inspiring backstories and powerhouse vocals—put it on in the background when you’re feeling blue. You’ll be instantly cheered—and you’ll probably find yourself humming along.
How to watch: Stream on ABC.com or Hulu.
The Simple Life (2003-2007)
At the height of their aughts power, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie retreat from the socialite scene to work on a family farm—and The Simple Life is born. As they face the world without their designer purses and trust funds, they learn valuable life lessons—and churn out lasting one-liners. (You know, “That’s hot.”) Paris cooks bacon with an iron. Nicole herds some cows. It’s ridiculous, hilarious camp, and we are here for it.
How to watch: Stream on Prime Video.
Project Runway (2004-present)
The most nail-biting fashion-focused reality show ever really did launch major careers; these days, Christian Siriano and Leanne Marshall are well-known industry names. While beloved original hosts Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum have since departed, the premise remains the same: aspiring fashion designers compete in weekly challenges that test their creativity and personal style. As they cobble together runway-worthy ensembles under strict time constraints (how do they sew so fast?!) the antics—and results—are always whimsical, brilliant, and charming. And sometimes even occasionally tragic.
How to watch: Stream on Peacock, Netflix, or Hulu.
My Super Sweet Sixteen (2005-2017)
On the surface, this show is about afflluent teens in the midst of planning the biggest milestone of their lives—their 16th birthday party. But there is way more percolating beneath the surface: strained mother-daughter relationships, socio-economic pressure, conspicuous consumption, die-hard party etiquette. It’s a fascinating window into America, as seen through its most privileged teenagers. And it’s addictive.
How to watch: Stream on Paramount+ or Prime Video.
The Hills (2006-2010)
It’s hard not to get hooked on The Hills—it gave us Whitney Port; it gave us a TV-version of an internship at Teen Vogue; it gave us nights out at Les Deux. The quintessential MTV show follows Lauren Conrad and her friends as they try to “make it” in LA: landing their first real jobs, ending their first real relationships, and staining their faces with mascara-laced tears. We’ve all watched our friends date the wrong guy (“homeboy wore combat boots to the beach”, hello!) and make chaotic life choices (“you’ll always be known as the girl who didn’t go to Paris”) but something about The Hills makes it seem like par for the course.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix or Paramount+.
Top Chef (2006-present)
Long before The Bear, this Emmy, James Beard, and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series captured the full-on stress of life in a kitchen—and with 21 seasons (and counting!) to choose from, it still keeps us craving more. The competition set-up is simple: 15 rising star chefs from all over the world slice, dice, and sauce their way through mouth-watering challenges in the hopes of winning the “Top Chef” title, while long standing head judge Tom Colicchio (best known for New York’s Gramercy Tavern) provides expert mentorship—and plenty of tough-love. While the contestants’ personalities (and their dishes) never fail to bring the flavor, it’s their unique backgrounds and cultural influences that truly stand out. We think watching the early seasons is especially fun; it feels like opening a culinary time capsule of food (and tattoo) trends.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix or Prime Video.
Keeping Up With the Kardashians (2007-2021)
What were the Kardashian sisters doing before they were billionaire businesswomen, supermodels, and A-list celebrities? While it’s an everyday occurrence to see them on the covers of magazines or walking the Met Gala red carpet, back in 2007, the Kardashians were just navigating life in Calabasas. Sure, you could watch their current Hulu series, but it’s most interesting to revisit their origins. My, how far they’ve come.
How to watch: Stream on Peacock.
Say Yes to the Dress (2007-present)
The search for a wedding dress can be delightful—or dreadful. So many styles! So many shades of white! So many well-meaning opinions to ignore! The smartest brides find an expert to help them navigate the racks and the bravest brides? They let it all be filmed for Say Yes to the Dress. The action takes place at New York retail institution Kleinfeld Bridal, and each episode features a few different brides (and their unruly families) trying on potential gowns in preparation for their big day. In the hunt for “the one”, the emotions never fail to run the gamut from pride to pessimism to total panic.
How to watch: Stream on Max, Discovery Plus, or Apple TV.
Love It or List It (2008-present)
The rare reality TV show with a win-win outcome, this one even has a little (definitely staged) relationship drama thrown in for good measure. It all revolves around homeowners who are considering making a change—so interior designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin spend the duration of each episode re-designing, fixing, and beautifying the owner or owners’ current place (Farr) or showing them other houses on the market (Visentin). At the end of the episode, the homeowners decide whether they’ll stay or go. It’s always a delight to see what they choose; no wonder Love It or List It has been running for 17 seasons.
How to watch: Stream on Discovery Plus or Max.
RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-2023)
Under the tutelage of Ru herself, the queens serve looks, sashay, and compete in lip-sync battles—all in hopes of becoming the “next drag superstar.” Come for the beauty tips, stay for the inspirational quotes. “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else! Can I get an amen?” Amen, queen, amen.
How to watch: Stream on Hulu or Paramount+.
The Real Housewives (2010-present)
With so many seasons, locales, and fascinating cast members—Kyle Richards, Bethenny Frankel, Erika Jane, Yolanda Hadid, the list goes on and on—it’s almost impossible to pick the best Real Housewives franchise. New York, Beverly Hills, Orange County, Dallas, New Jersey, Atlanta, Salt Lake City (Receipts! Proof! Timeline! Screenshots!)—each brings their own unique regional style and personal dramas. No matter the city, peeking inside the lives (and enviable homes) of these women is a true guilty pleasure—even if everyone (except Jenna Lyons) is fighting with everyone else 90% of the time. Even Rihanna is a fan.
How to watch: Stream on Peacock, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Hulu.
The Great British Bake Off (2010-present)
Unlike most competition shows, The Great British Bake Off is extremely sweet—like a comforting layer of buttercream frosting or a spoonful of sticky toffee pudding in television form. Which amateur baker will create the most scrumptious crumpets? It almost doesn’t matter—as any baker worth her sifted flour knows, the true joy is allowing the process to unfold. Elaborate desserts, a bucolic country setting, and quirky British humor? We’ll take at least a dozen.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix.
Vanderpump Rules (2013-present)
While #Scandoval is probably the most talked-about reality TV cheating scandal of all time, Vanderpump Rules has been a gem since its humble beginnings as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spin-off. The Bravo staple never fails to serve up plenty of matriarch Lisa Vanderpump’s cutting boss B moments. “You’re not important enough to hate, sit down,” will go down in reality TV infamy.
How to watch: Stream on Peacock or Hulu.
Love Island UK (2015-present)
With 50+ episodes in a season, Love Island is a commitment, but it’s one you (probably) won’t regret making. For the uninitiated, the series follows the wild antics of singles searching for love while living together in a luxury villa. As they get to know each other (and catch feelings!), there are twists, betrayals, and love triangles—all of which are being recorded by hidden cameras placed around the villa, of course. At the end of every episode, singles must couple up to avoid being sent home. The premise may be unrealistic—but it’s also shockingly relatable. Dating is a minefield, even in paradise.
How to watch: Stream on Hulu.
The Great Pottery Throwdown (2015-present)
There is something undeniably meditative about working with your hands—and I’d argue there is something even more meditative about watching a show about people doing just that. These amateur potters and ceramic artists travel to the historic center of British pottery to take part in a series of ceramic challenges. They make pots, vases, and mugs. The width of handles and the shine of their glaze is judged. It’s very earnest and extremely endearing. You’ll never look at your dishes in the same way again—and you may even be inspired to take up pottery, too.
How to watch: Stream on Max.
Selling Sunset (2019-present)
Gorgeous hillside properties, over-the-top outfits, and petty office drama? Selling Sunset seals the deal with killer views and infinity pools aplenty. Follow its leggy, Versace-clad real estate agents as they sell multi-million dollar homes across Los Angeles’ most affluent neighborhoods, leaving a trail of burned bridges, botox, and betrayal in their spiked-stiletto tracks. The show’s bubblegum punk soundtrack has practically become a genre in itself.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix.
Love Is Blind (2020-present)
Could you fall in love without ever seeing someone’s face? That, of course, is the question central to Love is Blind, the runaway-hit reality show that brings people together to forge emotional connections sight unseen. They spend hours chit-chatting in two connecting pods before deciding to commit, and it all seems so wholesome at first—then, somehow inevitably, goes off the rails. The relationships that have arisen from the show are not…how do we say…lasting. Their love may be blind, but we can’t look away.
How to watch: Stream on Netflix.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-2022)
Consider this your high-brow docu-series palette cleanser: a tour of Italy’s rich cultural history and beloved cuisine with our favorite martini-maker and Negroni-drinker, Stanley Tucci. As the actor-foodie travels around the country sampling local dishes, he learns about his own familial roots—and shows us the best of the country with humility, humor, and knowledge to boot. Black truffles in Umbria; fish stew in Tuscany; Spaghetti Nerano on the Amalfi Coast; whether you’re traveling to Italy soon—or just dreaming of leisurely dinners—this show is essential research.
How to watch: Stream on Prime Video, Max, or Discovery Plus.