20 craziest prizes ever won on Reality TV shows 

Reality TV shows are known to have one of the biggest audiences and have been one of the major genres. These shows are known for their ultimate test of skill, and endurance which the viewers enjoy watching. Beyond fame and fortune reality TV shows often offer prizes that can be truly surprising and crazy. It could be mind-boggling possessions to bizarre offerings, reality TV shows bring dramatics to their show using their prizes. In this list, we are going to talk about the 20 craziest prizes ever won on Reality TV shows.

1) Duel

This highly competitive gameshow was known for its lucrative prizes. 24 contestants compete against each other in a series of trivia challenges that feature difficult tasks. They had head-to-head battles along with strategic gameplay which required the contestants to resort to psychological manipulation of each other. The show’s key element was the progressive jackpot which progressively increased the prize money. The highest amount of prize money won in this show was $1,795,000 by Ashlee Register who won the entire accumulated jackpot.

2) Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? is one of the most well-known reality TV game shows that is famous for its huge prize money. In this show, the contestants are required to answer a series of multiple-choice questions with increased difficulty as the amount of prize money increases. The contestants are guaranteed to win a certain amount of money in some of the levels such as the Guaranteed Money Levels. The highest amount won in the show was $2,180,000 by Kevin Olmstead in 2001.

3) Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! Is an American Game show which has an interesting and unique concept. In this, the contestants are given answers to which they must respond with correct questions. Three contestants compete against each other in the three rounds of the game. The rounds are Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! Round and Final Jeopardy! There are buzzer systems with which the contestants have to answer. The highest amount won by a contestant in this show was $4,938,436, by Brad Rutter.

4) The Million Second Quiz

The Million Second Quiz is a unique game show where contestants compete for a prize of up to $2 million for a period of 1,000,000 seconds. The contestants have to answer trivia questions so that they can maintain their position in the “money chair” where for each second they earn $10. This show had a unique aspect where the viewers could watch the game show live and even participate in some of the interactive elements of the show. The highest prize money won at this show was $2,600,000 which was won by Andrew Kravis.

5) Survivor

This reality game show has a difficult concept and is one of the most-watched shows. Survivor features a group of contestants who are known as “castaways” who are stranded on an island where they have to survive their eliminations and also complete the challenges. The contestants have to find food, water, and shelter by themselves. This show has been one of the longest-running shows of all time. The highest prize money won at Survivor was $2,000,000 won by Tony Vlachos.

6) The Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is a game show where two teams travel to various destinations overcoming challenges that include deciphering clues, navigating public transportation, interacting with locals, and similar tasks. The last team that arrives at the pit stop is eliminated. The team that reaches the destination first wins the race. The prize money is a whopping $1 million which is the standard prize money won by the teams each season.

7) Big Brother

Big Brother is a reality competition show that has been going on for over two decades. In this show, the contestants have to stay in an isolated house that is separated from the outside world. In the house, the contestants are under 24x7 surveillance with numerous cameras and microphones. The contestants have to survive the elimination rounds and finally be left with only one contestant who becomes the winner. This is a popular show and has a huge fanbase. The prize money is $750,000 which has been constant since season 23 of this show.

8) The Circle

The Circle is a game show where the contestants have to live in separate apartments and communicate with each other through the custom-built social media platform which is within the game. In this, the contestants can create their own persona or play as themselves and compete with each other to become “influencers”. The show is filled with captivating dynamics of social media. The highest prize won was $150,000 during season 4 of the show.

9) The Challenge

The Challenge is known for its grueling challenges that the contestants have to participate in to become the winner. The gameplay includes daily challenges which when won can gain immunity and advantages. There are elimination rounds where the losers from the daily tasks compete head to head to avoid being removed. The challenges are often taxing on the body as they are difficult and require mental toughness as well. The prize money is $100,000.

10) American Ninja Warrior

American Ninja Warrior is a reality show that focuses on the physical strength and mental fortitude of its contestants. The contestants have to go through several challenges that have obstacles testing their body strength, balance, core stability, and quick thinking. Some of the challenges include Warped Wall, Salmon Ladder, Rolling Log, Spider Trap, Bar Hop, Jumping Spider, Floating Steps, and Spin Wheel. This show has a huge fanbase and has been one of the most famous reality shows. The highest prize money at this show is $100,000.

11) American Idol

American Idol is one of the most influential reality shows of all time. The contestants come from all across America and their singing capabilities are tested by famous judges. This show has been a ticket to success for various artists like Kelly Clarkson. The winner is determined through voting. The contestants are narrowed down through elimination rounds. The winner gets a recording contract with a major label which can be the boosting factor in the aspiring singer's career along with the cash prize of $125,000.

12) America’s Got Talent

This is one of the most unique reality shows where contestants from across America come to show their varied talents to a panel of celebrity judges. The contestants have a wide range of talents including, singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and many more. After the contestants are selected through the auditions they then perform live in front of the judges. The judges and the audience voted to choose the performances that they liked. The winner gets a prize of $1 million.

13) Top Chef

This culinary show is known to have a huge fanbase for its creativity, competitive intensity, and entertaining judges. Top Chef features chefs who compete against each other for the ultimate prize of the title of Top Chef. The challenges include tests on the skills of the competitors. There is an elimination round in each episode as well where one or more chefs are eliminated according to their performance. The prize money for the winners is $250,000.

14) Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is a reality show that is known for its engaging and tension-filled episodes. It features aspiring chefs who face various culinary challenges along with serving multi-course meals. The show is hosted by Gordon Ramsay who is known for his fiery personality and wit amongst the fans. The contestants are divided into teams and face challenges which include both team and individual tasks. The winners get a cash prize of $250,000 along with becoming the head chef at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant.

15) Squid Game: The Challenge

Squid Game: The Challenge is based on the popular Netflix series Squid Game. In the show, the contestants have to go through challenges that are based on Korean children’s games such as Red Ligh Green Light, and Tug-of-War similar to the Korean series. Though unlike the series this reality show does not have any life or death consequences. The show tests the contestants’ endurance, strategy, and teamwork. The winner gets the prize money of $4.56 million.

16) The Voice

The Voice is a singing competition where aspiring singers compete with each other. In this show, the judges have to choose contestants with just their voices as their backs are turned in the opposite direction. If more than one judge chooses a single contestant then the contestant can decide under whose mentorship they would like to continue. This show has a huge fanbase. The contestants compete against each other facing various challenges such as live performance and battle rounds. The ultimate prize for the winner is $100,000 along with a recording contract with a major record label.

17) Project Runway

Project Runway is a reality show where the contestants are aspiring fashion designers who compete against each other facing new challenges. The challenges often include creating pieces on a limited budget, unconventional materials, and sometimes on specific themes as well. The contestants are eliminated throughout the show after the judges select the finalists. The winner receives a cash prize of $250,000 along with a feature spread in the Elle magazine. The winners also get a mentorship with the Council Of Fashion Designers of America( CFDA).

18) Beast Games

MrBeast who is a renowned YouTuber, philanthropist, and entrepreneur has created this show inspired by the Netflix series Squid Game. The show features 1000 contestants who face a series of physical and mental challenges to become the ultimate winner. Beast Games takes place in a specially constructed area known as Beast City which is filled with intricate obstacles and games for the contestants. The contestants are also eliminated according to their performance. This show offers a prize of $5 million in cash, a Lamborghini, and a private island.

19) RuPaul’s Drag Race

RuPaul’s Drag Race hosted by RuPaul features drag queens competing for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. The contestants compete against each other on various challenges such as runway, acting, design, and lip sync. RuPaul along with other judges critiques the contestants and eliminates two contestants each week. RuPaul’s Drag Race is known among its fans for its creativity, and talent and for creating visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. The prize for the show is $200,000 along with the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar..

20) Fear Factor

This American Stunt/game show features contestants who compete against each other while facing gruesome and challenging tasks. The contestants have to overcome their fears to win this show. The challenges often include extreme heights, insects, confined spaces, and similar things. The contestants are eliminated if they fail to fulfill their tasks. The show has a huge fanbase for its extreme challenges. The prize for the winners is $50,000.