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Reality television has long been a staple within television. A realm of programming where viewers never truly know what’s going to happen next. Unexpected turns can occur at a moment’s notice, keeping viewers glued to their seats. Today, we’re going to delve into the top reality television shows in history. These shows are pioneers in the genre, and most are still firmly situated within pop culture today. Here are the six greatest reality TV shows of all-time:
6. American Idol
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American Idol took a simple concept and turned it into a worldwide phenomenon. Wannabe singers attend regional tryouts to try and make it on the big stage. A panel of judges — who gained immense fame in their own right — chose the best from that group. From there, the viewers took control by deciding who moved on until the very end. Giving the audience a chance to decide was a welcomed change that kept the show majorly engaging. And, the show gave a group of stellar vocalists the chance to shine like they hadn’t before.
5. Keeping Up With The Kardashians
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The history of reality television cannot be told without mentioning Keeping Up with the Kardashians. In many ways, the Kardashian-Jenner clan became reality television’s royal family. They took their glamorous lifestyle to the small screen and televised their milestones and arguments along the way. This was truly a behind-the-scenes look at the family. Of course, it spawned massive careers for all involved. It also led to the creation of countless shows in the same vein. But, Keeping Up with the Kardashians was the most impactful from the lot.
4. The Bachelor/Bachelorette
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Reality dating shows owe it all to this tandem. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette is the pinnacle of the genre. It takes a simple premise — a group of men/women vy for the love of one man or woman. Naturally, the drama is at an all-time high as each person tries to separate themselves from the pack. As the group dwindles, we get to see more and more from each contestant and grow attached to certain contenders. The show has massively grown in popularity in recent years. As a result, we’ve seen two major spin-offs including Bachelor in Paradise and The Golden Bachelor created from the original premise.
3. Real Housewives
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It’s not hard to see why Real Housewives has enjoyed massive success over the years. Taking a similar approach to Kardashians, Real Housewives brings viewers into the glitzy lives of wealthy women across the world. It began with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006 and made its way to Dubai in 2022. Instead of battling for money or awards, the cast is constantly looking for more exposure and screen time. Naturally, this creates massive disagreements over even the smallest of inconveniences.
2. Jersey Shore
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The premise of putting a group of 20-something, party-going strangers in a house was not a foreign concept. Shows like The Real World predate our No. 5 entry by nearly two decades. However, there’s no denying the impact Jersey Shore had during its release — and its impact on reality television today. Jersey Shore debuted in 2009 and featured a cast of eight Italian-Americans fist-pumping their way through the lively New Jersey party scene. There was plenty of drama, and it gave us memorable characters such as Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Pauly D, and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi. Unlike The Real World which constantly recycled its cast, Jersey Shore has had six seasons with largely the same exact group. Additionally, it’s spawned 15 spin-offs including the UK’s Geordie Shore, Floribama Shore, and two more coming later this year (Aussie Shore and Mazatlán Shore).
1. Survivor
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It’s hard to top Survivor’s longevity. 2024 saw the release of the 46th season of the everlasting reality competition. The debut was in 2000, and it’s still going strong with the ageless Jeff Probst as host. Today, reality game shows are commonplace. But, Survivor was revolutionary at the time. It was the only program where viewers could watch a stockbroker and a backup dancer forming an alliance to make it past the next competition. It’s part of a $1 million contest and part of a social experiment. Either way, it’s always made for gripping television and is still beloved to this day.
