17 most-watched Reality TV Shows that you just cannot miss

Reality shows are often known as the favorite pastimes of viewers. As they hardly require the strict attention needed to understand while watching documentaries or other fictional series. Reality shows are usually light-hearted and fun to watch. However, they can also be influential. Sometimes the audience tends to follow the style, behavior, and mannerisms of their favorite contestants that they are rooting for. While numerous reality shows can be boring, here's a list of 17 most-watched TV shows that you cannot miss.

Please note, that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

1) Survivor

Number one on the list is the Survivor which has been going strong for over two decades. This reality show revolves around a group of contestants who compete with each other for the prize of a million dollars. Faced with the challenges of nature where their physical strength is tested. These contestants have to survive on an island with eliminations every week. This show airs on CBS and should not be missed.

2) The Amazing Race

Created by Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, The Amazing Race has been going strong for 34 seasons. Phil Keoghan is the host of the show. With a prize of a whopping $100,000, this show has been a cult favorite of numerous fans. In the show, the contestant teams have to trek through various new destinations competing with each other. There are various challenges such as U-Turn and Blind Yeild which increase the difficulty for the contestants. This reality show has received several accolades including an Emmy.

3) Big Brother

George Orwell’s Ninety Eighty-Four inspired the title of this reality show. This reality show has been going on for over two decades and its popularity is still on the high. The contestants in the show have to live in a house cut off from the outside world with constant invigilation. The whole house is rigged with as many as 94 cameras along with multiple microphones to monitor the moves of the contestants all the time. The contestants have to go through challenges of survival and endure evictions to ultimately be the only one contestant remaining. The prize money is $50,000.

4) RuPaul’s Drag Race

This American reality show is a competition for the crown of America’s Next Drag Superstar. This show has received 26 Emmy Awards throughout its airtime. In this show, the contestants have to take part in challenges like the runway, lip sync battles, stand-up comedy, photo shoots, and improv challenges to win a cash prize and title. Many famous drag queens have participated in this competition hosted by the world-famous RuPaul who has a growing audience with each passing season.

5) American Idol

Known to be one of the most influential and revolutionary reality shows, American Idol has had a strong fanbase since its inception. The competitors come from all over America to get their ticket to success and fame. Artists like Kellly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood won American Idol in separate seasons. Ryan Seacrest has been the loyal host of this show since the beginning. This reality show is a staple for the audience and should be on the list of must-watch TV series.

6) The Bachelor

This dating reality show is an American staple according to its loyal fans. The revolves around a bachelor who has to date several women over the weeks with the motive of finding the one for whom he can go down on his knees. Known for its drama, the show is sometimes speculated to receive negative reviews from the audience as hardly any of the relationships that form in the show last. However, the fans have positive reviews for this show as well.

7) Project Runway

Project Runway features judges namely, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Tim Gunn, and Michael Kors. This reality show is a pioneer in itself for it has over 30 international iterations. In this show, amateur fashion artists face challenges and eliminations for the ultimate cash prize which in turn helps to launch their own business. Several artists like Christian Siriano and Leanne Marshal have gained momentum in their careers through this show. Project Runway has had a loyal fanbase throughout its air time and is one of the top reality shows according to the viewers.

8) The Real World

The Real World is an American reality TV series that started airing in 1992. The show revolves around the lives of the contestants who are chosen to live in a house for months. The contestants have cameras around them that record their interpersonal relationships. The show has been an inspiration for several other shows like The Challenge. This show is a must-watch according to the viewers of reality shows.

9) Top Chef

Hosted by Padma Lakshmi this culinary show is considered to be one of the best culinary shows out there. The contestants aspiring for the title compete with each other to prepare mouthwatering and savory dishes that are presented to a team of judges. Tom Colicchio has been the head judge of this show for a very long time. There are intense challenges such as Last Chance Kitchen and Sudden Death. Contestants are eliminated each week and is a staple for reality show lovers.

10) The Voice

This reality show is not just any singing competition. It is a challenge in itself. The show comprises four judges who are on the lookout for the best voice in the country. The judges choose the contestants solely on their voices as they face the opposite direction. They need to choose the voice they would like to coach and turn their chairs accordingly. If multiple judges choose the same voice then it is up to the contestant to choose which judge they would like as their coach. This show has given fame to numerous aspiring singers such as Melanie Martinez.

11) Hell’s Kitchen

Airing since 2005, this culinary show is known to keep the viewers engaged with its drama and tension. Aspiring chefs contest with each other to become the winner. Facing the challenge of Gordon Ramsay, known for his hot-headed personality. The contestants face rigorous challenges in this high-tension environment to prove their culinary skills. This show is aired on Fox. The prize for this show is the winner gets to be the head chef at one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants.

12) The Real Housewives

The show revolves around the lives of five housewives living in the wealthiest communities in the United States. Their extravagant lifestyle and opinionated banter provide the show with the drama that the audience enjoyed. This show has been a guilty pleasure for numerous viewers for its drama-filled nature and has been an inspiration for numerous other reality shows. Each season brings new faces keeping the audience engaged.

13) Shark Tank

This Primetime Emmy-winning show is one of the best reality shows according to the viewers. In this show, entrepreneurs prepare their pitch about the products that they offer to the ‘sharks’ who are some of the wealthiest and most successful investors to get an investment for their product. Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran have been the head ‘sharks’ of this show with other ‘sharks’ that keep rotating through seasons. Several entrepreneurs have found success through this show including Scrub Daddy who has achieved a net worth of about $200 million.

14) 90 Day Fiancé

This show can be considered as a test of love. As couples take the journey of a 90-day engagement visa process. An American meets their global partner that they find online or through other methods and they reunite in the hopes of getting married to each other. The viewers often find this show engaging with drama and tension that they enjoy. This show has been listed as the must-watch television series for reality show fans.

15) The Great British Bake Off

This show features contestants who are amateur bakers in their journey to become UK’s best Amateur Baker. The contestants are faced with several baking challenges like showstopper bakes, technical challenges, and even one where they all have to follow the same recipe. The show is judged by Paul Holly and Prue Leith who are known for their culinary skills. The Great British Bake Off has received the BAFTA awards multiple times and is a staple for reality show viewers.

16) America’s Next Top Model

This high-fashion modeling competition show revolves around the contestants who want to shine in the cutthroat competitive world of modeling. Tyra Banks is the judge of the show along with a set of other judges. The contestants have to go through various challenges such as runway walks, makeover episodes, and ‘smizing’ lessons from Tyra. The show also promotes body positivity and diversity which is acclaimed by the viewers. This show has been among the top-watched reality shows.

17) Fear Factor

This show is a challenge for the contestants to face their deepest and darkest fears. In this show, the contestants face grueling and repulsive challenges to come out as the winner including holding on to their dear life to avoid swimming with crocodiles to even eating repulsive foods. This show has won several accolades including the Emmy for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. This show is known to grab the attention of the viewers and is highly entertaining.