For some TV fans, a guilty pleasure series is a genre that they don't typically watch, and for others, it's a particularly corny or cheesy show that is heartwarming but not as well-crafted as some other series. No matter what someone's definition of the term is, everyone can agree that it's nice to have at least one show in the rotation that is a break from more serious prestige drama or critically acclaimed comedies.
From a sitcom that is no longer on the air to some reality series that always offer up entertainment, Reddit users are sharing their recommendations for favorite guilty pleasure TV shows that they just can't help but enjoy watching.
Rules Of Engagement (2007-2013)
Stream on Starz
One Redditor wrote that Rules Of Engagement is their guilty pleasure TV series, explaining, "I just adore the show" because "it's really wholesome and just a lot of fun to watch."
While the sitcom isn't considered one of the most hilarious or unique, fans like watching the characters: two couples in serious relationships (one engaged, one married) and two pals who aren't in relationships.
The Secret Life Of The American Teenager (2008-2013)
Stream on Hulu
While The Secret Life Of The American Teenager isn't widely considered one of the best teen dramas, it's a fun guilty pleasure show about Amy, who learns that she's pregnant while still a high school student.
One Redditor wrote, "I watched every season of The Secret Life of the American Teenager in its original run and then I recently rewatched on Netflix." Fans get caught up in Amy and Ben's relationship along with the other dramatic romances and friendships on the series.
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Stream on HBO Max
Reddit user Jonfinnz enjoys Gossip Girl and described it as "a compelling story about absurdity rich kids with way too much power living and partying in the city."
There are definitely some over-the-top moments on Gossip Girl that put it into the guilty pleasure category, especially if someone doesn't love other young adult dramas and often watches something a bit more serious than this show. From the pilot, it's hard to stop watching thanks to the scheming characters and intense episodes.
Married At First Sight (2014-)
Stream on Hulu
Reddit user queuedUp said that "Married At First Sight" is their guilty pleasure TV show, the Lifetime reality series about couples who tie the knot without having met each other before.
In each season, the final episode features a "Decision Day" as the couples choose if they will split up or remain married. Whether viewers love reality TV or not, it's hard not to get swept up in each couple's story and wonder who will make what choice.
Love It Or List It (2008-Present)
Stream on Discovery+
Whether TV fans are watching older HGTV series or more recent additions to the network's line-up, many people enjoy watching home renovation/decor experts. Even though these shows follow a formula, it's still enjoyable seeing what satisfying and beautiful changes can be achieved in a short amount of time.
One Redditor said that they love watching Love It Or List It and their guilty pleasure would be "People renovating houses." Reddit user jellybeanbabies replied, "almost the entire HGTV is my guilty pleasure." Hosted by David Visentin and Hilary Farr, the show is definitely fun to watch.
Storage Hunters (2011-2014)
Stream on Pluto TV/Buy on AppleTV
For many TV fans, reality TV shows are guilty pleasures, whether they watch Bravo, TLC, the Food Network, or HGTV. It's entertaining becoming caught up in the drama.
Reddit user Sil3ntPr3d loves Storage Hunters and wrote, "I cannot seem to stop watching it. I just love the anticipation before they open the lockers." When compared to other reality shows, this one is fairly low stakes which makes it a soothing and calming show to watch.
Scorpion (2012-2018)
Stream on Paramount+
One Redditor loves watching Scorpion and explained, the "plots of episodes rarely make any sense and it is seriously cheesy."
Scorpion had some bad episodes and it's true that there are many moments on the show that are cheesy. But the story of a group of intelligent people attempting to help others and solve issues is fairly addictive and it's hard to look away from each episode of the show's four seasons.
Gotham (2014-2019)
Stream on Netflix
Sometimes a movie or TV adaptation of a beloved comic book series or iconic character falls short of fan expectations, but no matter how corny or dull it can be, it still counts as a fun and entertaining guilty pleasure series.
One Redditor wrote that while Gotham takes "every origin story from the comics," they consider it a guilty pleasures how because "I love Batman villains."
The Real Housewives Of New York City (2008-)
Stream on Hulu
One Redditor loves The Real Housewives of New York City and wrote, "Pretty much every episode in the Real Housewives franchise is the same episode...and yet, I cannot seem to stop."
From the most famous RHONY episodes to some less memorable episodes without quite as much drama, chances are that many people consider the Bravo reality franchise to be one of their guilty pleasures. Viewers expect arguments and they know what they're going to get when they tune into each episode.
This Is Us (2016-2022)
Stream on Hulu
Reddit user kingoflint282 said that This Is Us is "bit sappier than what I usually watch" but they are "emotionally invested."
This Is Us may have some cheesy moments, and fans might not always want to cry when watching TV. But the heartwarming series has well-written characters and some big twists that feel earned, making it an emotionally-driven series that fans can feel good about watching.