Bored? Try Out One of These 8 Reality Competition TV Shows
Everyone has a guilty pleasure. For some it’s drinking too much iced coffee, watching iconic ‘80s movies, or listening way too much to Justin Bieber or One Direction—but mine is watching “reality competition” TV shows. Yes, you read that right, “reality competition” TV shows. I know, I know, cheesy, but they’re extremely addicting.
Reality competition refers to TV shows that follow a format of non-tournament elimination contests. Usually, the participants are competing for a prize where they ultimately fight to be the last one standing. The details of the specific competition and the rules that follow are based on and changed per show. Some shows permit the participants to vote like Big Brother while others have the viewers vote like American Idol, in other cases judges on the show vote people off based on that week’s episode like Top Chef.
Even if you are not familiar with this category of shows, there is something for everyone. There are tons of different sub-categories within reality competition itself. Sit back, relax, and maybe grab some popcorn to take in my list of some binge-worthy shows for every category including, adventure/strategy, love/dating, cooking & home, and chasing dreams.
Adventure & Strategy
Adventure & Strategy is for anyone looking to watch people push themselves to the limit physically & mentally. My top two picks are Survivor and MTV’s The Challenge.
Survivor
Survivor shows a competition in which a group of contestants are taken to a deserted island where they must compete in challenges whether it be as a team or individually. They make alliances, talk strategy with others all while living off the land. The winner is selected by the jury, which is made up of past voted out contestants, and is awarded $1 million and the title of Sole Survivor. Survivor is personally my favorite because every season the game has twists that make this already close to impossible format even harder to ‘survive’ (pun intended). While watching these players outwit, outlast, and outplay (the show’s motto) you will not be disappointed. Stream Survivor on CBS, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount +, and Amazon Prime Video.
MTV’S The Challenge
MTV’s The Challenge is a similar concept, but the contestants are living in a shelter that is already provided. While watching The Challenge you get to see TV personalities from a variety of shows, like Big Brother, Survivor, Ex on The Beach, and Real World come together to win physical challenges, strategize, and vote people out of the house in order to win money. Stream Challenge on MTV, MTV.com, Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount.
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Love & Dating
This subcategory is perfect for any hopeless romantic who is untraditional. My top two picks are Are You The One? and Too Hot To Handle.
are you the one?
Are You The One is a dating experiment created by MTV. 20 women and men who are deemed “perfect matches” are matched based off personality tests, past relationships, family life and more to see if they can find their match. Contestants compete in competitions, spend time together in and out of the house to learn more about each person in order to find their match. Contestants have 10 weeks to get every match correct on the same night in order to win $1 million. So, “If your perfect match was standing right in front of you, would you even know it?”. Stream Are You The One on MTV.
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Too Hot To Handle
Too Hot to Handle is a Netflix original where we see contestants learn how to make deeper connections with love interests instead of focusing on physical characteristics and attraction. In each episode we see these individuals try to do their best to resist the urge to physically interact in order to win money. There is only one season released as of right now, but season 2 will be released sometime in June. Stream Too Hot To Handle on Netflix.
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Cooking & Home
This subcategory teaches viewers about home improvement. This includes house renovations, DIY tips, cooking, and baking. My top two picks are Rock The Block and Kids Baking Championship.
Rock The Block
Rock The Block is an HGTV series where 4 teams of celebrity builders and interior designers compete to design the best house with the same amount of money. The show has aired two seasons so far and does not plan on stopping there. The show is hosted by the instantly recognizable Ty Pennington. Stream Rock The Block on HGTV, Discovery Plus, and Hulu.
Source: HGTV
Kids Baking Championship
Kids Baking Championship is a competition airing on Food Network. Kid bakers compete to become the “Kids Baking Champion”, and win other prizes as well. We see kids express themselves, and show their talents through baking, decorating, and presenting their sweet treats. The kids are judged by Food Network veteran Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli. Stream Kids Baking Championship on Food Network, Discovery Plus, and Hulu.
Source: Amazon
Chasing Dreams
This subcategory is all about watching people chase their dreams. We get to see people overcome hurdles, work hard, and achieve their dream. My top two picks are Making The Cut and Rhythm + Flow.
Making The Cut
Making The Cut shows 12 established fashion designers face off each week in order to be the final designer left standing. The Amazon Prime original is hosted by Fashion Icon Heidi Klum, and her sidekick Tim Gunn. It is very similar to Project Runway, except contestants are experienced designers from all over the world which makes the competition even tougher. Stream Making The Cut on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Amazon
Rhythm + Flow
Rhythm + Flow is Netflix’s hip-hop version of American Idol. Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I. visit LA, NY, Atlanta, and Chicago in search of the world’s next hip-hop star. There has only been one season, but it has been renewed for season 2 and expected to drop sometime in 2021. Stream Rhythm + Flow on Netflix.
Source: on-camera-audiences.com
No matter what your interests are there is something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone, you never know what your hidden interests are!