Reality television has a reputation for being crazy, intense, and sometimes even depressing to watch. The stars of The Real Housewives franchise are always arguing with one another (when they're not turning tables -- literally -- or throwing wine in each other's faces, that is). Competition shows can get old after a while since people can get caught up in the desire to win.
Thanks to Netflix, there are tons of reality shows that are actually enjoyable to tune into. From love to baking to real estate, all kinds of topics are covered, and there's definitely something for everyone here.
Read on to find out about 10 uplifting reality shows to watch on Netflix.
The Great British Bake Off
For some people, baking is the best way to relieve stress and pass the time on a Sunday afternoon. For others, even the thought of making baked goods at home is enough to stress them out. To each their own... but one thing that everyone can agree on it: watching other people make delicious creations is a good time.
It seems like everyone has seen this show by now, and for good reason: it's fun and who wouldn't want to stare at gorgeous desserts? The Great British Bake Off is definitely an uplifting reality show that deserves all of the praise that it has been getting. There are three judges -- Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood, and Mary Berry -- and there have been nine seasons so far.
Nailed It!
Nailed It! has been around for four seasons now and started streaming on Netflix in March 2018. The series is hosted by Jacques Torres and Nicole Byer. It's a baking competition show but with a twist: instead of making the most flawless creations around, the show is totally cool with the bakers trying their best and the end product looking a bit messy. They're attempting to make versions of baked goods that they find online, and anyone who hasn't seen it yet is in for a treat (no pun intended).
This is an uplifting reality show as it has a really nice tone and good vibes.
Selling Sunset
Reality shows about real estate and home renovation have become a genre all by itself. People go crazy for Chip and Joanna Gaines and their show Fixer Upper (which is, unfortunately, over) and people who love these types of shows need something new to get into.
Netflix has its own real estate reality show offering, Selling Sunset, which started streaming this year.
The show is about real estate agents who work at The Oppenheim Group, and they sell extremely fancy and luxurious homes. If someone wants to spend a nice relaxing evening at home watching pretty people sell pretty properties, this is definitely a good, uplifting choice.
Chef's Table
Chef's Table is another good bet when looking for an uplifting reality show on Netflix. It's impossible to overstate how beautifully shot and made this series is. Each episode focuses on one chef's story, letting viewers learn about their background, family and personal life, and their current restaurant. The show is inspiring, moving (it might make some viewers cry), and of course, the food looks absolutely delicious.
There have been six seasons so far, and there is a season that focuses on France and one that focuses on pastry. Some particularly great episodes: Grant Achatz from Alinea in Chicago, Dan Barber from Blue Hill in New York City, Nancy Silverton from Mozza in Los Angeles, and Christina Tosi of Milk Bar in NYC fame.
Somebody Feed Phil
Yup, there are a lot of uplifting reality shows on Netflix that are about food, which is good news for foodies out there. Somebody Feel Phil is another great one to check out.
There have been two seasons so far, and the show follows Phil Rosenthal (who is famous for being the creator of the beloved Ray Ramano sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond) as he travels the world and eats.
Since Phil is so funny, the show is honestly a true joy to watch. There are two seasons for people to check out, and Phil travels to places such as Lisbon, New Orleans, Tel Aviv, and Saigon, just to name a few.
Tidying Up With Marie Kondo
The only thing better than that happy feeling of having a clean house might be watching someone help others clean. Seriously, check out the Netflix reality series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and see how meditative and uplifting watching this show is.
When the show started streaming in early 2019, people went wild for it (and also became motivated to de-clutter). Marie Kondo is kind and charming, and viewers will be pulled into the show. It's cool to learn about her method of cleaning up (and it's definitely deeper than just "throw out what doesn't spark joy" which is what most people assume the method is).
Westside
TV and film are no stranger to aspiring singers with big dreams. There have been some successes, like Fame (which was both a 1980 movie and TV show which started in 1982). There have also been some flops, like the 2018 TV series Rise which only got a single season.
If it's uplifting and inspiring to watch fictional people try to make their dreams happen, it's even more so to watch real people. Westside is another solid choice for a Netflix reality show that will put a smile on anyone's face.
The eight-episode first season focuses on singers in L.A. There doesn't seem to be a ton of buzz around this show, which started streaming in November 2018, but it's worth checking out since it has a very positive premise.
The Final Table
The Final Table is another good bet when it comes to an uplifting reality show on Netflix. It's definitely more interesting than a typical competition show as the people competing are real chefs who have tons of experience and expertise.
There has been one season so far, which started streaming in 2018, and reality TV fans who are also fascinated by food would be happy with this binge watch. Sometimes it's just really nice and relaxing to watch other people cook, and viewers will learn a thing or two since they're watching actual chefs.
Sugar Rush
Calling anyone with a sweet tooth: Sugar Rush is a great, uplifting reality series to watch on Netflix.
There has been one eight-episode season so far. In each episode, two chefs -- Adriano Zumbo and Candace Nelson -- and host Hunter March oversee a group of bakers who are trying to get $10,000.
When someone's having a bad day, grabbing a chocolate chip cookie or cupcake from a fancy bakery is always a way to turn it around. Why not watch Sugar Rush instead (or, okay, grab the sweet treat and then sit down on the couch and turn on this show).
Queer Eye
The Netflix reboot of the original series, Queer Eye For The Straight Guy (which aired on Bravo), has been crazy successful. Fans can't get enough of The Fab Five: Jonathan Van Ness (grooming), Karamo Brown (culture), Bobby Berk (the designer), Tan France (the fashion guy), and Antoni Porowski (the foodie). The third season started streaming on Netflix in March 2019.
The series is uplifting and also a fairly emotional watch. In every episode, The Fab Five give someone a makeover, but deeper and more important subjects are explored and the series focuses on more than someone's physical appearance. It's definitely worth checking out.