Top 20 Must-Watch Reality TV Shows on Netflix To Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat May 2024

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Written By Kelsey Waddell

Kelsey Waddell is a freelance writer living in Virginia. She's a fan of science fiction, Iron Chef, and anything with a musical number and a happy ending.

Get ready to dive into the enthralling world of reality TV on Netflix! Reality television has solidified its place in our cultural zeitgeist with the ever-growing appetite for real-life drama, stunning triumphs, and heart-wrenching defeats.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in competitive tension, gawk at bizarre life situations, or enjoy some feel-good content, Netflix’s array has you covered. From culinary showdowns to rugged survival challenges, this list promises to entertain, engage, and maybe even inspire you!

Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)

Squid Game: The Challenge (Nov 22, 2023)
Image Credit: Studio Lambert.

Imagine a real-life opportunity to play the deadliest game for an eye-watering cash prize—this is “Squid Game: The Challenge.” Taking inspiration from the fictional series, contestants find themselves in a world of high stakes and intense strategy, where their psychological limits are tested. The allure of riches is only matched by the harrowing ordeal they must endure; it’s an addictive spectacle you won’t be able to look away from.

Survivor (2000)

Survivor (2000)
Image Credit: Mark Burnett Productions.

“Survivor” is the granddaddy of survival reality shows where strategy meets human resilience. Contestants are marooned on a deserted island, competing for immunity and a million-dollar prize. Alliances form, backs are stabbed, and only the strongest (or sneakiest) survive. With its dynamic gameplay and unpredictable nature, it’s no wonder this series has become a cornerstone in reality TV.

Big Brother (2000)

Big Brother (2000)
Image Credit: Evolution Film & Tape.

Get up close and personal with a group of strangers in “Big Brother,” where surveillance is the name of the game. This reality show staple locks participants in a house under constant watch, challenging them to outsmart each other in social gameplay. Expect clashes, comedy, and camaraderie as housemates navigate their way through evictions to the grand prize.

Pawn Stars (2009)

Pawn Stars (2009)
Image Credit: Leftfield Pictures.

Step into the fascinating world of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with “Pawn Stars.” This show offers a window into the pawn business where every customer brings a story and a potential treasure. The Harrison family and their staff haggle over historical artifacts and quirky memorabilia, demonstrating the art of the deal. You’ll be surprised at what walks through those doors!

The Amazing Race (2001)

The Amazing Race (2001)
Image Credit: ABC Signature.

Contestants in “The Amazing Race” sprint around the globe in this adrenaline-pumping competition. Teams of two race to exotic destinations, face challenging tasks, and combat the stress of travel under ticking clocks. It’s a breathtaking journey across cultures, and you’ll be rooting for your favorite duo to cross the finish line first.

Married at First Sight (2014)

Married at First Sight (2014)
Image Credit: Kinetic Content.

“Married at First Sight” brings a whole new meaning to arranged marriage. Singles longing for a lifelong partner marry a stranger chosen by relationship experts. Viewers witness the trials and tribulations of these brave couples as they discover if science-backed matchmaking can lead to true love. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of romance and reality!

The Real World (1992)

The Real World (1992)
Image Credit: Bunim-Murray Productions (BMP).

Considered one of the trailblazers in reality television, “The Real World” places young adults of diverse backgrounds into a house to live together. With nothing off-limits, the show explores personal relationships, cultural clashes, and the growing pains of adulthood. It’s a fascinating study of society and a reminder of the drama that ensues when people stop being polite and start getting real.

Botched (2014)

Botched (2014)
Image Credit: Evolution Media.

Plastic surgery gone wrong is at the center of “Botched.” Renowned surgeons Dr. Nassif and Dr. Dubrow seek to correct cosmetic surgery disasters and give patients the transformations they originally envisioned. The doctors reconstruct appearances and restore confidence, making for truly life-changing television.

Forged in Fire (2015)

Forged in Fire (2015)
Image Credit: Outpost Entertainment.

Metal meets fire in “Forged in Fire,” where masterful bladesmiths battle it out to create historic weapons. The forge’s heat and the hammer’s clang set the stage for this intense craftsmanship competition. Each episode is a testament to skill and creativity, with the final products judged by a panel of experts.

To the Lake (2019)

To the Lake (2019)
Image Credit: 1-2-3 Production.

“To the Lake” isn’t your typical reality show—this Russian thriller is a scripted series that feels all too real. In a post-apocalyptic scenario, survivors of a deadly plague must overcome the harsh Russian winter, looters, and their own past to reach a rumored safe haven. It combines chilling landscapes with heart-pumping suspense.

The Great British Bake Off (2017)

The Great British Bake Off (2017)
Image Credit: Love Productions.

This delightfully charming competition, “The Great British Bake Off,” invites amateur bakers to whip up their best bakes in the quest for culinary glory. Known for its warmth and humor, the show celebrates creativity in the kitchen, as well as the occasional soggy bottom. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and comfort of this baking showdown.

Zombieverse (2023)

Zombieverse (2023)
Image Credit: Kakao Entertainment.

“Zombieverse” brings a fresh take on the reality TV genre, mixing survival with the undead. Contestants must navigate a world overrun by zombies, testing their wits, teamwork, and will to survive. The stakes are high, and the thrills are relentless, as players vie to outlast the horde and each other.

The Devil’s Plan (2023)

The Devil's Plan (2023)
Image Credit: Teo.

Venture into the murky depths of strategy and deception with “The Devil’s Plan.” Participants enter a game where trust is scarce, and betrayal is the currency. It’s a cerebral cat-and-mouse game that pushes players to their psychological limits, making viewers question just how far they would go to win.

Love Is Blind (2020)

Love Is Blind (2020)
Image Credit: Kinetic Content.

Can you find love without ever seeing your partner? “Love Is Blind” tests this very question as singles form connections and get engaged, all without laying eyes on each other. It’s a social experiment that tackles the importance of emotional bonds versus physical attraction, leading to heartwarming successes and spectacular breakdowns.

Too Hot to Handle (2020)

Too Hot to Handle (2020)
Image Credit: Talkback.

Steamy meets self-control in “Too Hot to Handle,” where a group of attractive singles are challenged to forgo physical intimacy for a major cash prize. With every slip-up draining the prize fund, the show heats up the screen and tests the participants’ ability to build deeper connections. It’s a fascinating experiment in restraint and the complexity of modern relationships wrapped up in an irresistible tropical package.

Single’s Inferno (2021)

Single's Inferno
Image Credit: JTBC.

Stranded on a deserted island, the attractive contestants of “Single’s Inferno” are in search of romantic sparks amidst survival. The only escape is through a date on a luxurious paradise island, where connections can deepen. The show combines the thrill of survival with the uncertainty of first dates, resulting in a unique concoction of romance and reality.

Love Island (2019)

Love Island (2019)
Image Credit: JTBC.

“Love Island” turns up the heat as it follows singles living together in a stunning villa, tasked with coupling up or risking elimination. With new arrivals and public votes influencing the game, this reality show is a rollercoaster of flings, feelings, and fallouts. If you enjoy watching love bloom and drama unfold under the sun, then this is your perfect match.

Queer Eye (2018)

Queer Eye (2018)
Image Credit: KC Film Office.

The “Fab Five” are here to transform lives in “Queer Eye,” offering up makeovers that go far beyond the surface. Each episode, they use their expertise in fashion, grooming, food, culture, and design to empower individuals with heartwarming results. It’s not just a show; it’s a movement celebrating self-love and acceptance.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)
Image Credit: American Broadcasting Company (ABC).

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” stands as a testament to the strength of community and the power of a fresh start. Watch as families in need have their homes completely transformed by a team of designers and volunteers. The big reveals are as emotional as they are impressive, turning dreams into reality one renovation at a time.

Face Off (2011)

Face Off (2011)
Image Credit: Mission Control Media.

Creativity and skill merge in the mesmerizing competition of “Face Off,” where special effects makeup artists sculpt and paint their way to the top. From fantastical creatures to horrifying monsters, the artists bring imaginations to life. Witness the breathtaking transformations and the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into the art of special effects makeup.

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Best TV Shows on Peacock
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Are you ready to embark on a journey through some of the most captivating television shows available on Peacock? Our guide is curated with an insider’s touch, based on popularity ranked by The Movie Database.

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Best Christmas Movies on Netflix
Image Credit: StudioCanal.

Our list of the most popular Christmas movies on Netflix is sure to have you decked in holly and ivy in no time. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, romance, or a dash of holiday magic, these films are the top picks to make your season bright.

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Image Credit: Dreamworks Pictures.

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