After the initial success of Big Brother, Survivor, and others, the medium of reality TV exploded. But with the wave of popularity that followed, reality TV also became the subject of heavy criticism. While most viewers have a love-hate relationship with reality shows, no one can be entirely indifferent towards them. And for those that love it, there's always a reality show that fits one's taste.
For instance, there's a wide range of reality shows for those who are more into creative arts and less into drama. On the flip side, there are also many shows that offer pure guilty-pleasure drama, but less of any other element. For those belonging to the latter category, there's a long catalog of reality shows on Netflix portraying the whole spectrum of drama.
Dating Around
While some patiently wait for their perfect match to come by, others date everyone they can to improve their odds of finding "the one." Adopting the latter dating strategy, Dating Around sets up its single contestants with five dates in each episode. Towards the end of each episode, the central dater gets to decide who they want to go on a second date with.
From awkward conversations to surprising connections, the show walks a viewer through it all. While it's at it, it also gives viewers a fresh and honest perspective of the current dating scenario.
Too Hot To Handle
Too Hot To Handle may not be critically acclaimed, but it sure does tick all the right boxes to make for a wholly entertaining reality series. It has a diverse cast of contestants, all of whom have unique personalities. It also has a scenic setup, and most of all, it has high stakes, with a reward of $100,000 for the winner.
The show's central celibacy challenges might seem a bit primal, but there's an intelligent twist to each of its episodes that keep viewers glued throughout its runtime.
Indian Matchmaking
Love it or hate it, Indian Matchmaking is not only extremely entertaining, but it also gives viewers a reflection of the real world. For those who are well-versed with India's culture of arranged marriages, the show serves as a parable to a bittersweet reality. In contrast, the ones who aren't too familiar with the culture will be fascinated by the show's intriguing appeal.
At its fore is Sima Taparia, a matchmaker, who offers a close look at arranged marriages in today's world by introducing viewers to her clients from India and the U.S.
Love Is Blind
As the name suggests, Love Is Blind serves as a social experiment in which contestants attempt to find a true connection without seeing each other in the flesh. Other than its exaggerated drama and well-thought-out twists, viewers have a lot to look forward to on the series.
For instance, it offers insight into how physical attraction in a relationship may not mean everything and even strong emotional bonds may not always lead to positive outcomes. Not to mention, long after its credits start rolling, viewers can't help but wonder about the fate of the relationships of its cast members.
The Casketeers
For reasons that need no explanation, death is often stigmatized. However, in The Casketeers, funeral business owners Francis and Kaiora Tipene shed a warmer and funnier light on the taboo-infused subject matter by putting their passion on full display.
The sheer optimism of the two leads of the show is infectious enough to make most viewers fall in love with the series. But more than that, it's the show's light-hearted approach towards death and grief that can easily subvert one's perspective and instill a gamut of feel-good emotions.
Love On The Spectrum
Love, in its very essence, is the appreciation and celebration of differences between individuals. That's precisely what Love On The Spectrum thrives on. In its short run of four episodes, the show focuses on seven autistic people in their search for love.
Each episode delves into their experiences and explores the ups and downs of relationships for autistic people. Replete with moments that can make a viewer's heart swell with joy, the show's drama has received some criticism, but it is sensitive and kind in its approach, and that's what it makes all-the-more enjoyable.
Terrace House
At its core, Terrace House isn't any different from most reality shows. It centers on six strangers who share a beautiful home and try to adapt to each other's varying habits and motives. What makes its drama stand out is its participants. All of them come from different backgrounds, driven by different motives. While some seek valuable connections or find love, others wish to grow beyond their comfort zones or make career moves.
It's this myriad of traits in the characters that resonate with many viewers. In addition, there's a bit of a cultural appeal for those who wish to know more about the lifestyle of Japanese young adults. Tragically, due to the death of one of its cast members because of online bullying, it's uncertain if this series will come back for any future iterations.
Selling Sunset
From high-stakes drama to cutthroat deals - if one thinks about it, selling real estate has all the right ingredients of compelling storytelling. This explains why it translates so well to the reality TV medium.
With the City of Angels as its backdrop, Selling Sunset shows all the drama that unfolds at The Oppenheim Group, where big shot brokers sell real estate to their rich clients.
The Circle
The Circle is a dystopian tech reality series that unfolds almost like an episode of Black Mirror. Its eight contestants live in different apartments in the same building and are only permitted to interact with each other through a titular social media app. To win the show and take home $100,000, a contestant must stay on top of the popularity curve throughout its runtime.
What adds more heft to its drama is how many of its contestants avoid sticking to their usual identities. Instead, they fake their identities to lead the influencer game.
Queer Eye
Hosted by the Fab 5, Queer Eye offers the kind of reality TV drama viewers can never get enough of. Its five prolific style experts set out to help people make lifestyle choices that not only change their appearance but also help them garner better relationships.
Amid life's chaos and unbearable drama, simple yet entertaining shows like Queer Eye remind viewers how it's not only necessary to look/feel good, but also to accept and love oneself and those around you.