Most reality TV shows run for quite some time, with a loyal legion of fans who tune in from week to week. But at some point, every show must come to an end, though a handful of them actually end up concluding way too soon.
There are some reality shows that were canceled ran their course and it was the right time to end and some arguably went on longer than they should. But there are a few that could do with a comeback, even if with a slightly modified direction.
The X Factor (2011-2013)
Arguably the last thing fans need is another singing competition show. But there was something special about The X Factor, which aired on Fox for three seasons as well as in the U.K. for 15 seasons from 2004-2018.
The show, one of many under Simon Cowell's umbrella, had a unique twist in that it sometimes put auditioning singers into groups. The show was responsible for bringing together singers who went on to become massively popular groups, including the guys from One Direction on the U.K. version, who are the most successful contestants from The X Factor, along with the ladies that made up Fifth Harmony, who were put together on the U.S. version.
My Super Sweet 16 (2005-2017)
While My Super Sweet 16 was one TLC reality show that likely should have been canceled long before it was, it could do with another season, but with a completely different angle. While the show could remain about wealthy teenagers planning an elaborate celebration for their sweet 16 birthday, it could switch to ways they are doing good instead of acting spoiled and bratty.
This might be a different show altogether, but it could help rejuvenate a show to fit better with today's priorities and a new generation that cares about important causes versus excess and opulence.
The Real World (1992-2017, Revived In 2021)
MTV's The Real World, one of the earliest reality TV shows, has been credited with inspiring the reality TV genre as fans have come to know it today. With 33 seasons under its belt, the MTV show followed seven or eight young adults as they entered the real world, living together in a new city and being filmed 24/7.
The series started off focusing on important issues that young coming-of-age adults face, from religion to sexuality, politics, and substance abuse. In later seasons, however, the focus shifted to the party lifestyle and fun. The Real World actually did get somewhat revived in March 2021 via Paramount+ with a spin-off called The Real World Homecoming: New York, which reunited the cast of the original to live in the same loft. With two more reunion seasons coming as well, it's clear this was something fans wanted though a revival of the original concept would be welcome.
The Simple Life (2003-2007)
The Simple Life might not be brought back with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as the stars since both have grown up since the show first aired on Fox (E! for the final two seasons). But the concept could work with two new wealthy socialites, especially since The Simple Life was one of the funniest reality shows of all time.
On the show, the pair were filmed as they attempted to do manual labor jobs, from cleaning to farming, working in fast food restaurants, and as camp counselors. While some might call the concept tone-deaf, if it was presented in a more eye-opening and humorous manner, allowing spoiled children to respect and understand the value of a dollar, it could be more enlightening than eye-rolling.
Judge Judy (1996-2021)
Judge Judy was on CBS for 25 seasons as fans loved watching the stern family court judge deal with the small-claims cases presented to her in each episode. While the show is still available in reruns, fans were sad to see Judy Sheindlin go.
Sheindlin's influence on courtroom television was tremendous, so it's no surprise that a spin-off debuted in November 2021 called Judy Justice, available on the IMDb streaming service. Thus, while the long-running show was canceled, Sheindlin continues to grace TV screens with her usual stern and direct form of justice. It's still hard to accept that things won't be the same anymore though.
MadTV (1995-2009)
Airing on Fox for 15 seasons and returning for a one-time, eight-episode revival on The CW, it's clear there's still room for MadTV in the sketch comedy landscape. Saturday Night Live rules the roost, but there have been many more late-night sketch comedy shows that have joined the fray since.
MadTV, however, was one of the best, introducing iconic characters like Stuart and Ms. Swan, and featured comedic talents among its cast like Alex Borstein, Will Sasso, Mo Collins, Bobby Lee, Ike Barinholtz, Michael McDonald, Keegan Michael-Key, and Jordan Peele. Many of the MADtv cast members went on to achieve great success, but fans would love to see even one more revival season that reunites the original cast.
Duck Dynasty (2012-2017)
Fans were fascinated with the Robertson family and their Duck Commander business selling products for hunters, including their duck call, which itself was called a Duck Commander. Their daily lives and deep-rooted Evangelical Christian views were chronicled in the A&E series, which aired for 11 seasons.
It made the men and their long-bearded looks household names among fans. There have been spin-offs since it ended, but fans would love a revival, or even a reunion, featuring the original cast.
Kitchen Nightmares (2007-2014)
While Chef Gordon Ramsay followed up this series, which aired for seven seasons on Fox, with the similar concept show 24 Hours to Hell and Back, fans miss the original, which was based on the British show Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. In each episode of Kitchen Nightmares, he would visit a local, flailing restaurant and investigate what was going wrong. From disgusting kitchens to incompetent business owners, familial discord, and terrible food, he encountered it all with some of the most horrific restaurants on Kitchen Nightmares.
Ramsay is all over television in multiple shows these days. But there was nothing like Kitchen Nightmares that kept viewers glued to the screens to see what happened in the end.
Fear Factor (2001-2006, 2011-2012, 2017-2018)
Sure, Fear Factor has already been revived multiple times, airing on NBC twice and then MTV. But it's possible the two revivals to this date just didn't hit the right mark. Originally hosted by Joe Rogan, the stunt/dare game show saw players facing their fears while doing things like sticking their arms into containers full of bugs or consuming gross animal parts. Anyone too afraid to go through with it was eliminated.
It might need a new host, format, or perhaps include celebrity players or competitors from other reality shows. Nonetheless, Fear Factor would be a fun, and gross one to bring back – again.