Who among us isn’t entertained by the romantic love stories or the latest scandals that Reality TV is inundated with? The messier it gets, the more hooked we are. Ironically, these shows provide a welcome escape from our own realities as we immerse ourselves in family drama, budding romances, and fierce competition among aspiring stars.
These shows are a guilty pleasure for many of us, but there’s no denying that indulging in them can be a relaxing experience at times. To that effect, we’ve rounded up the 10 best reality TV shows that 2024 has to offer.
The Traitors (2023—Present)
Based on the Dutch series De Verraders (2021—Present), The Traitors is a game show that has everything reality TV fans want and love: drama, intrigue, and plenty of backstabbing.
In addition to enjoying Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Alan Cumming’s hosting of the U.S. version—complete with his fabulous wardrobe—fans get to partake in the tension and mystery revolving around the ‘Faithfuls’ as they work together to identify and eliminate the ‘Traitors’ in hopes of splitting the grand prize. If they fail to do so, the ‘Traitors’ win.
In Season 2, the prize amounted to $208,100, which was split between the ‘Faithfuls’ CT Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella. The show’s intriguing twists and turns keep audiences hooked, making it perfect for binge-watching.
Love is Blind (2020—Present)
Love Is Blind is now in its seventh season, and fans can’t seem to get enough of it. The show revolves around hopeful singles meeting and talking to potential partners while seated in separate rooms called ‘pods.’ With such an arrangement, contestants can only hear each other’s voices and must decide whether they want to get engaged before ever seeing each other in person.
Unsurprisingly, the hit series has resulted in several marriages, though not all have succeeded. Couples like Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton from Season 1 are still going strong; they renewed their vows during their fifth anniversary in November 2023.
While the show can be cringeworthy at times, many viewers admit they can’t stop watching its entertaining concept, which keeps them wanting more.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010—Present)
The Real Housewives franchise, which debuted in 2006, follows the lives of affluent women in various cities, documenting their personal and professional dramas, luxury lifestyles, and social dynamics as they navigate their high-society circles.
The franchise features numerous installments, including the American and international ones, as well as various spinoff series, with Atlanta being a fan favorite. However, since we don’t have a new season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008) to look forward to this year, anticipation is high for the upcoming The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), premiering on November 19.
Now in its 14th season, viewers are eager for more RHOBH drama, particularly the ongoing feud between Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley which escalated after tense exchanges at BravoCon 2023. Fans are also excited to see actress Jennifer Tilly join the series. The tensions, rivalries, and controversial reunions among the opulent Housewives of Beverly Hills have led to numerous tales of scandal that continue to keep audiences engaged.
The Voice (2011—Present)
As one of television’s most successful singing competitions featuring ‘blind auditions’, The Voice judges talent based solely on singing ability, creating a level playing field that has discovered remarkable talents like Javier Colon and Jordan Smith.
The playful and witty banter among judges like John Legend, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Shakira adds an extra layer of entertainment, while their expert mentorship helps shape raw talent into polished performers.
The show’s impressive 26-season run is a testament to its success, with Season 27 set to premiere in 2025. From tear-jerking blind auditions to spectacular finale performances, The Voice continues to offer contestants a legitimate pathway to success through its $100,000 prize and Universal Music Group record deal, while keeping audiences worldwide invested in these musical journeys.
The Great British Baking Show (2017—Present)
Cooking shows can sometimes be daunting due to the intense competition and high emotions of both contestants and judges, but The Great British Baking Show (or Bake Off) is a refreshing exception. Unlike most reality TV shows, it doesn’t manipulate participants to turn against one another or embarrass them during their meltdowns.
Instead, the show focuses on bringing out the best in its bakers. The judges consistently provide constructive and easy-to-understand feedback without breaking the contestants’ spirits, who often support each other throughout the competition. While it is indeed competitive, the kindness and camaraderie among the participants, along with heartwarming moments, make The Great British Baking Show a standout in the realm of reality television, giving it a loyal, well-deserved fan following.
American Idol (2002—Present)
American Idol is a staple of reality singing competitions and a launching pad for aspiring singers. The show has consistently introduced new talents who have the potential to follow in the footsteps of breakout stars like Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson.
The show not only mentors young artists but also provides them with the platform they need to succeed in the music industry. Through comprehensive artist development, contestants receive professional guidance from vocal coaches, choreographers, and industry veterans while gaining invaluable experience performing live for millions.
With America’s love for stories of personal triumph, victory against all odds, and that old American dream, American Idol is a fan favorite. While it follows a familiar format, it is the contestants’ inspiring journeys and performances that keep viewers coming back for more.
Selling Sunset (2019—Present)
Selling Sunset captivates audiences with its blend of luxury real estate and high-octane drama, putting the licensed realtors of the Oppenheim Group in the spotlight as they attempt to sell multimillion-dollar homes to the rich and famous.
Many fans appreciate some of the show’s similarities to Keeping Up with the Kardashians, particularly the juicy relationship drama that unfolds in both their professional and personal lives. This very dynamic proves that while the stunning properties are a major draw, it’s the interpersonal relationships among the realtors that truly engage viewers. The cast’s fashion choices—from Emma Hernan’s playful outfits to Amanza Smith’s chic ensembles—also contribute to the series’ appeal.
Survivor (2000—Present)
Since its premiere in 2000, Survivor has aired 47 seasons, with over 715 contestants competing for the million-dollar prize. The series’ perfect blend of physical challenges, strategic gameplay, and social manipulation has helped it become one of the most influential reality shows in television history. But what makes Survivor truly stand out is its unpredictability.
While contestants can be physically strong and possess essential survival skills, those who fail to navigate the social game often end up losing. This delicate balance between physical prowess and social strategy, combined with Jeff Probst’s skilled hosting and consistent format innovations, has kept Survivor at the forefront of reality television for over two decades.
RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009—Present)
RuPaul’s Drag Race may have already reached 16 seasons and spawned several spin-offs, but this reality competition that crowns “America’s Next Drag Superstar” never gets old. Created by drag entertainer RuPaul, the show is refreshingly untraditional, original, and unique, elevating the art of drag to new heights.
Beyond the competition, the most moving aspect of the show is the drag queens’ personal stories. From experiences of trauma and bullying to tales of resilience, RuPaul’s Drag Race highlights the importance of embracing your true self. The participants’ creativity, stunning fashion choices, and the connections they build—along with plenty of laughs—undoubtedly make this show worth the watch.
Below Deck (2013—Present)
Below Deck is a treasure trove of reality TV subgenres, offering a little of everything: travel, culinary creativity, and, of course, drama. It strikes a good balance between workplace conflicts, guest disputes, and boat emergencies.
The series takes us on a virtual vacation with its stunning locations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Norway, Malta, France, and Tahiti, allowing us to experience life on a yacht for an hour-long episode. While the passengers and their outrageous antics add another layer of entertainment, it is the complex relationships among the crew members—their alliances and rivalries—that keep fans coming back for more.