The Best Reality TV Shows to Help You Escape Your Mundane Existence
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I think we can all agree that there's nothing more relaxing than a well-orchestrated reality TV show. Whether it's living vicariously through Christine Quinn's jaw-dropping outfits or fake shopping for million dollar apartments in New York, these shows can literally make all of your dreams come true. And it goes without saying that an unhealthy dose of drama features in every single one. Here are 30 of the best reality TV shows to add to your watchlist right now.
Whether you’ve been a fan since Laguna Beach and The Hills made waves at MTV, or you were introduced to the genre by glossy Netflix shows like Love Is Blind, reality TV continues to surprise and delight viewers around the globe. For instance, Bravo continues to deliver delectable reality TV hits that the world can’t help but talk about, from the cheating drama seen on Vanderpump Rules to the ever-evolving Real Housewives universe. Meanwhile, ABC’s The Bachelor franchise upped its game with the introduction of The Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette, and Netflix’s binge-worthy output, which includes Selling Sunset and The Trust, proves that viewers are eager to digest even more “unscripted” television.
From twisty competition shows to jaw-dropping dating series, we round up 70 of the best reality TV shows to add to your watch list in 2024.
The Trust: A Game of Greed
Netflix’s The Trust: A Game of Greed brings together a group of strangers and gives them the chance to win a quarter of a million dollars. Through a series of games and tasks, the contestants are forced to decide whether they can trust one another, or if they want to vote anyone out. Whoever is left standing at the end of the series takes home the jackpot. But will they choose to split the money equally, or ruthlessly eliminate their fellow cast mates in order to get a bigger prize?
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Meet Me in Rome
There may only be one episode of Roku’s Meet Me in Rome to date, but it’s a dreamy reality TV take on the romantic comedy, starring someone who is no stranger to the genre. Christa B. Allen of 30 Going on 30 and Revenge fame joins two other single women to seek romance in one of Italy’s most romantic cities. This follow-up to 2023’s Meet Me in Paris proves that the franchise is filled with possibility.
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Couple to Throuple
Peacock’s latest reality series gives four couples the opportunity to explore non-monogamy while spending time at a luxurious resort. By meeting a group of prospective singles, each couple is able to find out what it would be like to welcome a third person into their relationship, with every moment caught on camera. At the end of the experiment, they must decide whether to remain as a twosome, or return to their lives as a throuple.
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Squid Game: The Challenge
Squid Game took the world by storm when it launched on Netflix, and for better or worse, the series quickly spawned a reality show based on its premise. Allegedly plagued by problems behind-the-scenes, Squid Game: The Challenge invites contestants to take part in the very games seen on the popular K-drama, tempting the players with a huge prize fund of $4.56 million. With challenges ranging from literally terrifying to completely intense, this reality show is not for the faint of heart.
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Love on the Spectrum
Love on the Spectrum is a documentary dating series featuring people on the autism spectrum who are looking for romance. Through a series of dates, strangers navigate the messy world of dating and relationships, hoping to find a lifelong partner. While accurate neurodiverse representation can be tricky to find, some of the show’s contestants have praised the way in which their stories have been told onscreen.
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The Golden Bachelor
After what feels like the longest wait, The Golden Bachelor has finally arrived to shake up the Bachelor franchise. Season 1 stars Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old widower searching for love and dishing out roses week by week, until he finds romance with one of many hopefuls.
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Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake
In this delightful Real Housewives spin-off, Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps trade in the glamour of New York City for the small town charm of Benton, Illinois. More than a little inspired by The Simple Life, Sonja and Luann are forced to get their hands dirty as they help out the town's locals with a series of projects.
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Drag Me to Dinner
New York drag king and Somebody Somewhere star Murray Hill hosts Drag Me to Dinner, a competition series bringing together drag artists from all over the United States. Contestants compete in a number of categories for a chance to be named The Glorious Golden Grater. Judges include Neil Patrick Harris and Bianca Del Rio.
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Big Brother
Airing its 25th season in 2023, Big Brother needs no introduction. The contestants, known as HouseGuests, compete for a prize of $750,000, while having their lives filmed 24 hours a day. One by one, HouseGuests are voted out, until a lucky winner remains.
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Last Chance U
Netflix's Last Chance U follows college football players as they strive for success, in the hopes of becoming professional athletes. The show explores the lives of players who have faced difficulties in their lives, for whom football provides an outlet, with the first two seasons focusing on East Mississippi Community College.
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Winter House
This Summer House spin-off takes place during colder climes and enlists the help of cast members from a plethora of Bravo shows, including Below Deck, Southern Charm, and Vanderpump Rules. As they enjoy the winter weather, the group gets into all kinds of trouble, as you'd likely expect.
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Zombieverse
Netflix's Korean reality series follows a group of influencers who think they're filming a dating show, only to be attacked by hoards of zombies. Contestants must fight to survive the unexpected outbreak, while completing a series of quests. Both horrifying and entertaining.
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Temptation Island
Temptation Island is the ultimate relationship test. Several couples sign up to live in an idyllic location with some seriously hot singletons, to prove whether or not their relationships are strong enough to survive temptation.
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Buddy Games
Based upon the film of the same name, Buddy Games focuses on several groups of friends as they take part in a series of summer camp-inspired challenges. Josh Duhamel, who directed and starred in the movie, plays host, while the groups fight it out for a cash prize and a killer trophy.
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House of Villains
E!'s House of Villains brings together the reality TV contestants we all love to hate, as they battle it out for a cash prize and the title of America's Ultimate Supervillain. Season 1 stars Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor, Love Is Blind's Shake Chatterjee, and Flavor of Love's Tiffany Pollard, amongst others.
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The Real Housewives of New York City
Bravo's Real Housewives of New York reboot has been a big hit with fans, revitalizing the franchise with a fresh new cast and some serious drama. Whether you're a fan of Jenna Lyons' wardrobe, Jessel's one liners, or Ubah's positive attitude (as long as you don't steal her phone), this show has something for everyone.
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Physical:100
In this Korean survival series, athletic contestants compete via a number of strength and endurance tests. Showcasing their physical abilities (and abs), contestants fight for the chance to be crowned the fittest of them all and to win approximately $250,000. It'll make you want to hit the gym, pronto.
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The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
Netflix's glossy travel show takes us around the world, showcasing a plethora of unusual, over-the-top, and hidden away properties. Hosted by content creators Megan Batoon, Luis D. Ortiz, and Jo Franco, The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals will make you want to book your next trip right away.
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The Mole
Twelve contestants compete for a prize fund in Netflix's reality hit, but there's a mole in their midst trying to sabotage the group every step of the way. If the mole is successful, they'll lose the group money by ruining various challenges, and by keeping their identity a secret. But how long can they stay hidden for?
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Hack My Home
Netflix's Hack My Home addresses a very real world problem: what do you do if you've outgrown your living space, but aren't able to move? Through some incredibly innovative DIY techniques and home renovation inspiration, Hack My Home makes even the smallest of rooms more functional again, which is fun to see.
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The Hills
Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag's feud defined a generation (“I wanna forgive you and I wanna forget you”), and over a decade later, the late '00s series still holds up. From the birth of Speidi to Justin Bobby wearing combat boots to the beach to Brody Jenner's faux relationship drama with just about everyone, The Hills remains a reality TV staple. Sure, The Hills: New Beginnings already got canceled, but that's even more reason to return to where it all started.
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Selling Sunset
Netflix's Selling Sunset was an instant smash hit, and it's easy to see why. The glossy real estate show is as much about decadent properties as it is girl gang drama and flawless hair and makeup. Christine Quinn's beef with Chrishell Stause kickstarted the series, which is already in its fifth season. We hope it never ends.
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Catfish
It's hard to believe that people haven't gotten wise to online scammers after watching an impressive eight seasons of MTV's Catfish, but here we are. Nēv Schulman and Kamie Crawford make every episode entertaining, whether they're exposing con artists abroad or uncovering decade-long liars. And you can always go back to where it all began with the 2010 documentary Catfish, that tells Nēv's own internet romance disaster.
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The Kardashians
After 20 seasons on E!, the Kardashian-Jenner clan decided it was time for a change (and reportedly, a more lucrative deal). Cue Hulu's The Kardashians, a ludicrously glossy way for us all to watch Kravis make out, Kimye get divorced, and Khloé move the hell on from Tristan once and for all. We can't wait!
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RuPaul's Drag Race
The looks! The fashion! The shade! With 14 seasons and several spinoffs in the books (so far), Drag Race remains one of the most thrilling reality shows on television, as queens from all walks of life compete for the title of “next drag superstar” under the guidance of Mama Ru. Each week brings a new high-fashion runway looks, side-stitching skits, and life-saving lipsyncs. It's not just a competition show, it's a celebration of individuality. Now, sashay away and start your next binge.
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Siesta Key
Juliette Porter's friendships with a hapless group of twenty-somethings are the focus of this MTV opus. The show has weathered many a real-life drama (such as the firing of its male lead), and it's sometimes hard to believe this group has stayed together through it all. Luckily, the beautiful beach town setting will help you forget your troubles, mainly because you'll be too busy keeping up with the cast's mischief.
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Love Is Blind
We're only four seasons in, but Netflix's Love Is Blind has already taken the world by storm. In fact, new versions of the series have already popped up in Japan and Brazil, with more on the way. While there haven't been many success stories to date (thank goodness for Lauren and Cameron Hamilton), Love Is Blind is always fun to watch, even when it all goes horribly wrong.
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The Bachelor Franchise
Most of us have a love/hate relationship with ABC's The Bachelor franchise, but that's only because it manages to pull us back in every time we try and quit. Bachelor in Paradise is undoubtedly the franchise's most fun iteration, with The Bachelorette generally managing to be less-cringeworthy than The Bachelor. It seems likely that Bachelor Nation will be around for years to come, regardless of how many more scandals it faces.
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Summer House
It's not unreasonable to say that Summer House has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride since it started. Most of us are probably glad we don't have to spend every summer weekend drinking in the Hamptons, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy watching other people do it. If you like your reality TV messy, and enjoy screaming at the screen when relationship red flags continually appear, then Summer House is most definitely for you.
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The Below Deck Franchise
The Below Deck universe is expanding, and we are so here for it. Captain Lee, the Stud of the Sea, helped start the franchise, which has since added Mediterranean, Sailing Yacht, Adventure, and Down Under to its roster. The yacht staff never fail to entertain us with their witty one-liners, especially when the guests go from bad to worse. It goes without saying that Kate Chastain and Hannah Ferrier are missed, but Aesha Jean and Daisy Kelliher are pretty great too.
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The Real Housewives Franchise
It can feel a little hard to keep up with The Real Housewives franchise, but that just means that there's a literal archive of seasons to dip into. If you've ever shared a GIF, then you're probably better acquainted with the series than you might think. Stop resisting the inevitable and start watching.
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Bling Empire
Netflix's Bling Empire follows the lives of a group of ultra-wealthy Asians living in Los Angeles. It's unsurprising that this reality-version of Crazy Rich Asians was created by Keeping Up with the Kardashians producer Jeff Jenkins. Three seasons have been released to date, so it's the perfect time to get acquainted with Christine Chiu, Anna Shay, and the rest of the gang.
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My Unorthodox Life
Netflix's My Unorthodox Life follows Julia Haart, a former “ultra-Orthodox” Jewish woman who became a successful CEO and fashion mogul. The show focuses on Haart's family as they get to grips with their non-religious Manhattan lifestyle, and all that it entails. The show returned for a second season in December 2022, and it looks like the Haarts will be on our screens for years to come.
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Queer Eye
Queer Eye's "Fab Five" need zero introduction. In fact, the success of Netflix's reboot has catapulted its stars to international fame, but they continue to deliver style, confidence, and kindness to people everywhere. With seven seasons streaming on Netflix, Queer Eye fans will never be short of content.
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The Real World
MTV's The Real World was the first foray into reality TV for many of us (aside from Bug Juice, that is). The series has also undergone a myriad of transformations throughout the years—does anyone else remember Real World Ex-Plosion?! Thanks to Paramount+, '90s kids and '00s queens can relive their youth.
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The Simple Life
Paris Hilton. Nicole Richie. The early '00s. What more do you need to know? If you're eternally here for the return of velour tracksuits and pink bedazzled flip phones, then The Simple Life is the only reality show you need in your life.
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Project Runway
Project Runway is a reality TV stalwart with an impressive 19 seasons under its belt (and that's not including the show's many spin-offs). While Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum have left to pursue their own show, Project Runway remains the original destination for aspiring designers. Case in point: Hester Sunshine. While we await the inevitable season 20 pick up, relive all of the style and drama so far.
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America's Next Top Model
Much like Project Runway, America's Next Top Model quickly became a reality TV mainstay upon its inception. The series is not without controversy, and it's safe to say the show would undergo some changes if it was made today. But with 24 seasons to date, America's Next Top Model is bound to have some hardcore fans, even now.
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Flavor of Love
As the breakout star of dating show Flavor of Love, Tiffany “New York” Pollard has inspired a plethora of memes and GIFs. She was even given her own spin-off show, I Love New York, and became a VH1 regular. But you should probably go back to the beginning and watch a group of contestants vie for rapper Flavor Flav's love. Like, what else are you doing, really?
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Say Yes to the Dress
Whether you're planning your big day or get some sort of sick satisfaction from watching brides try on a slew of hideous dresses, then Say Yes to the Dress is absolutely essential. Personally, as a divorcée, I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of heading down the aisle again, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a little wedding dress shopping from the safety of my couch.
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The Great British Baking Show
No-one was prepared for how quite successful The Great British Bake Off would become. Luckily, Netflix has got you covered, with several seasons of the show currently streaming. Whether you're a keen baker, an Anglophile, or enjoy watching other people eat, The Great British Baking Show could fast become your new obsession.
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Love and Hip Hop
The Love and Hip Hop franchise has gifted the world with so much, from its hugely successful spin-offs to literal queen Cardi B. With 10 seasons of New York available, and spin-offs such as Miami, Atlanta, Hollywood, and Chrissy & Mr. Jones all streaming, fans can fully submerge themselves in this franchise. And did we already mention that Cardi B is in it?
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The Circle
Based on a British series of the same name, Netflix's The Circle is a social media game show, in which contestants fight to become the most popular. Season 3 had us screaming at the screen (Big Daddy Nick?!), and the show's fifth season dropped in January 2023. Rejoice!
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90 Day Fiancé
This TLC hit focuses on couples who have 90 days to marry after applying for a K-1 visa, available to foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens. The ninth season just started, and the series already has a ton of spin-offs. Whether you're a fan of online love, or are in it for the inevitably messy relationships that are bound to occur, this is the franchise for you.
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Shahs of Sunset
After nine seasons, Bravo's Shahs of Sunset recently went on hiatus after one of its main casts members was charged with a felony. However, Bravo is reportedly still in talks with some of the show's original stars, so a spin-off or reincarnation isn't out of the question. But with nine seasons streaming, Bravo's series about a group of Persian American friends in Los Angeles needs to be on your watchlist.
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Too Hot to Handle
If regular dating shows are too tame for your tastes, then Netflix's Too Hot to Handle might be for you. A group of hot singles head to an idyllic island and attempt to not have sex with one another. Sounds fun, right?
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The Million Dollar Listing Franchise
Before Selling Sunset, the Million Dollar Listing franchise was making us drool with high-end real estate in New York and Los Angeles. The series is predominantly led by male real estate agents (although Tracy Tutor is a boss), meaning this franchise lacks much of the eye-popping fashion and dramatic storylines found at The Oppenheim Group. Still, if you want to at least pretend that you're getting a major home upgrade, then Million Dollar Listing is a great escape.
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Love Island
Based on the British series of the same name, Love Island focuses on a group of single contestants who must pair up in an attempt to win a cash prize. If you don't couple up, for love or money, then you're probably going to be eliminated. Hosted by Sarah Hyland, Love Island is a perfect reality TV romp that's often the talk of the office Slack, so it's worth brushing up.
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Nailed It
Netflix's Nailed It pits bakers against one another in the hopes of taking home a $10,000 prize. However, the main reason to watch the show is to see the truly terrifying creations many of the contestants make while trying to re-create masterpieces. Hilariously soothing whether you're good in the kitchen or not.
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Legendary
HBO Max's Legendary celebrates ballroom culture, with houses voguing their way towards a $100,000 prize. Judges include Jameela Jamil, Law Roach, Leiomy Maldonado, and Megan Thee Stallion, who help up the glamor ante. HBO Max sadly canceled the show after three seasons. However, that shouldn't stop you from rewatching all the best moments on YouTube, until someone finally comes to their senses and puts it back on HBO Max.
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Married at First Sight
While I'm personally horrified at the idea of getting married at first sight, that's probably entirely the point of Lifetime's super successful franchise. With global spin-offs popping up regularly, it's clear that people everywhere are prepared to take the plunge in the search of true love. Unsurprisingly, viewers still can't get enough of this constantly shocking series.
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My Super Sweet 16
My Super Sweet 16 was one of MTV's peak '00s reality shows, and featured the over-the-top birthday celebrations of some of the world's wealthiest teenagers. The series was so fun to watch because it included extravagant events, expensive birthday presents, and unrealistic expectations.
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Jersey Shore
Now a huge franchise, Jersey Shore initially started as a summer show about a group of friends sharing a house in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Since then, its original stars have become household names, and multiple spin-offs have followed (including the British version, Geordie Shore).
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Lip Sync Battle
Hosted by Chrissy Teigen and LL Cool J, Lip Sync Battle pitted some of the world's most famous people against one another in a hilarious miming competition. Co-created by John Krasinski, the series featured some unforgettable showdowns that are worth revisiting.
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Black Ink Crew
Black Ink Crew follows the staff at a tattoo shop in Harlem, New York, owned by Ceaser Emanuel. The Black Ink franchise has become so successful that there are already spin-offs set in Chicago and Compton.
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Fixer Upper
Home renovation experts Chip and Joanna Gaines became household names with the Fixer Upper franchise. The latest iteration, Fixer Upper: The Castle, follows the couple as they renovate and update the 100-year-old Cottonland Castle.
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Hell's Kitchen
Whether you love or hate Gordon Ramsay, it's clear that he knows what he wants when it comes to food. Hell's Kitchen is a competitive cooking show, in which two teams of chefs compete against one another, and try to avoid elimination. The franchise has been so successful that you can even visit real-life restaurants based on the show.
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Vanderpump Rules
Vanderpump Rules focuses on Lisa Vanderpump's restaurants and bars, and the employees that work there. Obviously, personal relationships and problems often takes precedence over work. New episodes are set to feature a whole lot of cheating drama, that fans already can't get enough of.
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Masterchef
In this competitive cooking series, a group of amateur chefs fight for the title of “Masterchef” by completing culinary challenges. The contestants are placed under inordinate amounts of pressure in order to create specific dishes, which are then judged by professional chefs including Gordon Ramsay.
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Indian Matchmaking
Netflix's Indian Matchmaking follows Sima Taparia, a matchmaker based in Mumbai who works with wealthy people all over the world. By utilizing her talents, Taparia helps her clients navigate the arranged marriage process, and hopefully find lifelong partners.
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Flip or Flop
Flip or Flop may have ended only a few seasons after Tarek El Moussa and Christina Hall divorced, but that doesn't mean you can't rewatch it endlessly. The show follows the pair as they buy disastrous properties, and renovate them in order to turn a profit. If you love seeing disgusting houses being transformed into gems, this is for you.
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FBoy Island
FBoy Island is a novel twist on the dating show. Three women must determine whether a man is a “nice guy,” and wants a longterm relationship, or he's an “FBoy.” $100,000 is on the line, making the show seriously tense. Nikki Glaser hosts. The show's third season is heading to The CW.
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Selena + Chef
Selena Gomez's cooking show quickly became a hit, and it's easy to see why. Each episode guest stars a professional chef who helps Gomez whip up a new cuisine. The actor and singer makes Selena + Chef endlessly watchable, and she will also put your mind at ease if you're not that skilled in the kitchen.
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Sweet Life: Los Angeles
Created by Issa Rae, Sweet Life: Los Angeles follows a tight-knit group of friends, and explores the reality of being young, Black, and ambitious in L.A. You can stream both seasons on HBO Max, which Keke Palmer did in just two days.
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Perfect Match
If you've ever wondered what happened to the contestants that didn't find love on international TV, then look no further than Perfect Match. The show throws together singles from Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, The Circle, and more, and gives them the chance to search for love (again). Incredibly messy and endlessly entertaining, Perfect Match is the drama-filled show you need right now.
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Are You the One?
Catfish's Kamie Crawford hosts the latest season of Are You the One?, which brings together single people from all over the world. While looking for love, the group has the chance to win a prize fund of $1 million, if everyone can find their perfect match, that is.
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The Traitors
Alan Cumming hosts this dramatic competition series, which includes some of reality TV's biggest stars. Twenty contestants move into a Scottish castle, where they take part in a murder mystery game. But three people in the group are traitors, and they're ready to sabotage everyone's chances of taking home the prize pot.
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Next in Fashion
Netflix's Next in Fashion features a group of up-and-coming designers, who are tasked with impressing a group of industry judges every episode. Gigi Hadid joined the show for its second season, proving that she really can do anything.
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The Ultimatum
Netflix's The Ultimatum follows six real-life couples who must decide if they're ready to tie the knot or break-up. Per Variety, the show's forthcoming second season features a queer cast, which is more than a little exciting, considering the extreme heteronormativity of reality TV.
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Real Girlfriends in Paris
Following the incredible success of Emily in Paris, it's only natural that a reality TV dupe would pop up. Cue Bravo's Real Girlfriends in Paris, which tracks the lives of six American women in France's beautiful capital city.
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