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In case you havent noticed, we are currently living through the Golden Era ofreality TV.
Photo: ©Bravo TV/Courtesy Everett Collection
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 fromVanderpump Rules.
That was all just in the last year!
Photo: MTV. Courtesy: Everett Collection.
Its stranger than fiction, yes, and thats precisely what makes the best reality TV shows so compelling.
The best reality TV shows invite us to embrace the chaosand see a bit of ourselves in the mess.
One things for certain: we cant stop watching.
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Theres something for everyone, from the die-hard romantic to thefood porn-addictedto thefashion obsessed.
Not all of it is goodin fact, most of it is not!but thats not the point.
Here, weve listed all of our new, nostalgic, and ongoing favorites in the format.
Photo: ©CW Network/Courtesy Everett Collection
How to watch: Stream onNetflixorPrime 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.
Photo: ©ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
As they compete in a series of complicated and crazy challenges (Sumo at Sea?!
How to watch: Stream onNetflixorHulu.
As contestants navigate physically challenging photoshoots and stressful go-see appointments, theres both high fashion and high drama.
Photo: ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
While the show includes its share of unhinged moments and controversy, it remains iconic.
Who could forget Miss J. Alexanders catwalk lessons?
Or the thrill of getting Tyra Mail?
Photo: Getty Images
Remember: its all in the smize.
How to watch: Stream onHulu.
The Bachelor(2002-present)
Its the dating franchise that defined dating shows for all eternity.
Photo: ©Lifetime Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
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.
Photo: Getty Images
There are awkward group dates.
There are helicopter rides.
There are sultry nights in the Fantasy Suite.
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There are fumbled kisses.
But there is only one final rose.
American Idol(2002-present)
We have this ABC hit to thank for the inimitable Kelly Clarkson.
Photo: Getty Images
And, of course, for Simon Cowell.
Youll be instantly cheeredand youll probably find yourself humming along.
How to watch: Stream onABC.comorHulu.
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(You know, Thats hot.)
Paris cooks bacon with an iron.
Nicole herds some cows.
Photo: ©HGTV/Courtesy Everett Collection
Its ridiculous, hilarious camp, and we are here for it.
How to watch: Stream onPrime Video.
As they cobble together runway-worthy ensembles under strict time constraints (how do they sew so fast?!)
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the anticsand resultsare always whimsical, brilliant, and charming.
And sometimes even occasionally tragic.
How to watch: Stream onPeacock,Netflix, orHulu.
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Its a fascinating window into America, as seen through its most privileged teenagers.
How to watch: Stream onParamount+orPrime Video.
How to watch: Stream onNetflixorParamount+.
Photo: ©Bravo TV/Courtesy Everett Collection
to choose from, it still keeps us craving more.
Sure, you could watch theircurrent Hulu series, but its most interesting to revisit their origins.
My, how far theyve come.
Photo: ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
How to watch: Stream onPeacock.
Say Yes to the Dress(2007-present)
The search for awedding dresscan be delightfulor dreadful.
So many shades of white!
Photo: ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
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 forSay Yes to the Dress.
How to watch: Stream onMax,Discovery Plus, orApple TV.
At the end of the episode, the homeowners decide whether theyll stay or go.
How to watch: Stream onDiscovery PlusorMax.
Come for the beauty tips, stay for the inspirational quotes.
If you cant love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else!
Can I get an amen?
Amen, queen, amen.
How to watch: Stream onHuluorParamount+.
)each brings their own unique regional style and personal dramas.
How to watch: Stream onPeacock,Prime Video,Apple TV, orHulu.
Which amateur baker will create the most scrumptious crumpets?
Elaborate desserts, a bucolic country setting, and quirky British humor?
Well take at least a dozen.
How to watch: Stream onNetflix.
The Bravo staple never fails to serve up plenty of matriarch Lisa Vanderpumps cutting boss B moments.
Youre not important enough to hate, sit down, will go down in reality TV infamy.
How to watch: Stream onPeacockorHulu.
As they get to know each other (and catch feelings!
At the end of every episode, singles must couple up to avoid being sent home.
The premise may be unrealisticbut its also shockingly relatable.
Dating is a minefield, even in paradise.
They make pots, vases, and mugs.
The width of handles and the shine of their glaze is judged.
Its very earnest and extremely endearing.
How to watch: Stream onMax.
The relationships that have arisen from the show are not…how do we say…lasting.
Their love may be blind, but we cant look away.
How to watch: Stream onPrime Video,Max, orDiscovery Plus.
