The Best Reality Shows of 2025

In 2025, television viewers had a huge variety of reality shows to choose from, available on both traditional TV and online platforms. Popular, long-running series returned alongside exciting new shows, sparking plenty of discussion. Many of these programs used interesting challenges and social tests to examine how people behave in different situations. This list highlights the best reality series that premiered or had new episodes in 2025.

‘The Traitors’ (2023–2025)

As a huge fan of this show, I was so excited when the third season dropped on Peacock in January 2025! It’s this really clever psychological competition where celebrities are stuck in a castle, trying to figure out who’s secretly trying to sabotage them. Alan Cumming was back as host, which is always fantastic. This season, they upped the ante with some new game twists, making it even harder to win money for charity and the banishment ceremonies were seriously intense. It really kept you guessing!

‘Love Is Blind’ (2020–2025)

The latest season of the popular dating show premiered on Netflix in early 2025, this time set in a new city. Singles dated each other from private pods, building connections based on personality rather than appearance. Once engaged, the couples had to navigate the challenges of real life, including moving in together and meeting each other’s families. The season culminated in dramatic wedding ceremonies where viewers found out which couples would tie the knot and which would go their separate ways.

‘Survivor’ (2000–2025)

As a huge fan, I was so excited to watch seasons forty-eight and forty-nine of my favorite show on CBS in 2025! Jeff Probst was back, putting a new group of castaways through the wringer with tough challenges and all the social games we love, still filmed in beautiful Fiji. This season really emphasized how important it is to manage limited resources and make secret alliances – you really had to be on your toes to avoid getting voted out at Tribal Council. Honestly, these new seasons kept up the quick pace and complex strategy that’s made the show so addictive for over twenty years!

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–2025)

The twenty-ninth season of the popular dating show premiered on ABC in January 2025. A single man looked for his future wife among a group of women, going on dates both with the group and individually. This season included travel to different countries and heartfelt conversations as he worked to find the right person. Viewers watched as the contestants tried to find love while being filmed.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ (2009–2025)

The seventeenth season of this award-winning show premiered in early 2025, introducing a fresh group of talented drag queens. Throughout the season, the contestants competed in challenges that tested their skills in fashion, comedy, and lip-syncing, all while hoping to impress the judges. RuPaul led the queens through these weekly tests of creativity and performance ability. The season culminated in a finale where one queen was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar.

‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ (2023–2025)

The highly anticipated second season of the competition premiered on Netflix in 2025, featuring bigger sets and even more intense challenges. Hundreds of contestants from across the globe faced off in familiar childhood games with a competitive twist. Players strategically teamed up and backstabbed each other, all vying for a multi-million dollar prize. Building on the first season’s suspense, this new installment also introduced a fresh set of games for the players to overcome.

‘Physical: 100’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this popular South Korean fitness competition launched in 2025, reaching viewers around the world. One hundred athletes from various sports backgrounds pushed their limits in challenging tests of strength, speed, and stamina. The show’s goal was to discover the peak of human physical ability through both individual and team challenges. Its impressive production quality and intense athletic performances kept it a favorite among international audiences.

‘Selling Sunset’ (2019–2025)

As a total reality TV and real estate junkie, I was so ready for the ninth season of Selling Sunset! It dropped in 2025 and, honestly, it didn’t disappoint. The show really dives into the stunning, multi-million dollar homes these agents are selling all over Los Angeles. But it’s not just about the properties, you know? A big part of what keeps me watching is the drama – the competition between the agents is fierce, and their personal lives are always spilling into work. It’s a glamorous peek into their world, full of amazing houses and even more amazing conflicts. Basically, it’s the perfect guilty pleasure!

‘The Kardashians’ (2022–2025)

The seventh season of this show launched on Hulu in 2025, giving viewers an intimate look at a well-known family. Cameras followed the sisters as they balanced running their businesses with raising their children. The season covered both what was happening in their public lives and important personal moments, offering a genuine glimpse into who they are. Fans enjoyed seeing honest conversations and behind-the-scenes footage of the family during big occasions and everyday life.

‘American Idol’ (2002–2025)

The twenty-third season of the popular singing competition kicked off in early 2025, searching for the next big music star. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show featured hopeful singers auditioning for a panel of music industry judges. The season followed the contestants’ progress, from the first auditions all the way to the live performances in Hollywood. During the final rounds, the performers sang songs from many different genres, hoping to win over the audience’s votes.

‘The Voice’ (2011–2025)

In 2025, NBC brought back its popular singing competition with fresh seasons and a new group of celebrity coaches. The show kept its signature ‘blind auditions,’ where coaches choose singers based solely on their voices. Contestants then competed in battle rounds and knockout sessions to make it to the live shows. A key part of the series remained the guidance and support the famous coaches provided to the up-and-coming singers.

‘MasterChef’ (2010–2025)

The fifteenth season of the cooking competition premiered on FOX in the summer of 2025. Gordon Ramsay and the judges tested the abilities of home cooks with tough challenges. Contestants raced against the clock to create delicious dishes and avoid being eliminated. Throughout the season, viewers saw the cooks improve their skills as they competed for the grand prize and a cash reward.

‘Top Chef’ (2006–2025)

In 2025, Bravo launched the twenty-second season of its popular cooking competition, highlighting the cuisine of a new location. Talented chefs faced off in Quickfire and Elimination challenges, demonstrating their skills and creativity. Judges tasted and assessed each dish, considering flavor, presentation, and originality, to decide who would continue. This season emphasized regional food traditions and pushed the chefs to cook in diverse settings.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ (2013–2025)

As a longtime fan, I was so glad when season twelve finally arrived in 2025! It was fascinating to see what the SUR crew – both current and former employees – were up to. There was a lot of fallout from past drama, and everyone was trying to balance their friendships with new business opportunities. It was especially interesting to watch how established relationships were affected by everything happening in their personal lives and with their careers. Honestly, the show still delivers on the drama and messy relationships that we all tune in for – it’s a Bravo staple for a reason!

‘Below Deck’ (2013–2025)

The twelfth season of this show, which follows life aboard a yacht, premiered in 2025 and took viewers to a new tropical destination. Each episode highlighted the captain and crew as they dealt with demanding clients and unexpected problems while sailing. Working and living in close quarters on the luxury yacht often led to both professional difficulties and personal conflicts. The series continues to provide an inside look at the challenging and glamorous world of high-end yachting and customer service.

‘The Amazing Race’ (2001–2025)

The thirty-seventh season of this popular worldwide competition kicked off in 2025, sending teams on an exciting race across several continents. Contestants solved puzzles, tackled challenges – both physical and cultural – and raced to reach designated checkpoints at the end of each stage. The show highlighted how important teamwork and good direction-finding skills were, as teams tried to avoid elimination. Viewers were captivated by the beautiful locations and the stressful choices the racers made along the way.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–2025)

The twenty-seventh season of the show premiered on CBS in the summer of 2025. A group of diverse contestants lived together in a house constantly monitored by cameras and microphones. Each week, they competed in challenges for power and voted to eliminate one another, forming complex strategies and secret alliances along the way, all in the hopes of being the last contestant remaining.

‘Love Island USA’ (2019–2025)

The seventh season of the dating show premiered in 2025, featuring a group of singles living in a stunning villa. To stay in the competition, contestants had to pair up, but new people constantly arrived to shake things up. Viewers got to vote for their favorite couples using an app, heavily influencing who stayed and who left. The season was full of romance, drama, and exciting recoupling ceremonies that kept audiences hooked all summer long.

‘Naked and Afraid’ (2013–2025)

As a huge fan of survival shows, I was really excited for the eighteenth season, which premiered in 2025. What made this one different was that they paired up complete strangers and dropped them into some seriously challenging wilderness areas. It was fascinating to watch them scramble for the basics – food, water, and shelter – all while battling the elements and local animals. The show really highlighted how much mental and physical strength it takes to last twenty-one days with absolutely no comforts of home. Each episode followed their whole journey, from when they first met to the moment they were finally rescued.

‘Alone’ (2015–2025)

The twelfth season of this challenging survival show first aired on the History Channel in 2025. Ten contestants were dropped in isolated areas with minimal supplies and no film crew. They had to find their own food and shelter while battling the elements and loneliness, all in an effort to survive longer than the others. This season highlighted both the mental strain of being alone and the specific skills necessary for long-term survival in the wilderness.

‘Shark Tank’ (2009–2025)

The latest season of the show, which aired in 2025, saw entrepreneurs presenting their business ideas to a group of potential investors. These investors, often called ‘sharks,’ assessed each idea and tried to negotiate ownership stakes in the companies. Throughout the season, viewers also got to see how previous contestants were doing and how much success they’d found since being on the show. The series continues to be a valuable resource and source of motivation for small business owners and anyone hoping to start their own company.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2005–2025)

The latest season of the popular ballroom competition premiered in 2025 with a fresh group of celebrities paired with professional dancers. Each week, the couples performed different dances hoping to win over the judges and viewers. The show included special themed nights and impressive performances, highlighting how much the celebrity dancers improved. Ultimately, the pair who demonstrated the most growth and skill won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–2025)

The popular singing competition returned in 2025 with new episodes full of amazing costumes and well-known celebrities. Judges and viewers tried to figure out who the masked singers were by listening to their voices and watching their performances. Each week, one singer was revealed after being voted off by the audience. The show remained a success thanks to its playful atmosphere and the excitement of discovering the identities of the famous performers.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–2025)

The ninth season of the show premiered on Netflix in 2025, following the Fab Five as they transformed the lives of people in a new city. The team offered advice on everything from fashion and food to home decor and culture. Each episode highlighted personal journeys of growth and self-love through complete lifestyle changes, staying true to the show’s heartfelt approach and focusing on making a real difference for the people they featured.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–2025)

The seventh season of the popular dating show debuted on Netflix in 2025, bringing together a group of singles looking for love. The contestants faced a unique challenge: building strong emotional connections without any physical contact, as doing so would reduce the prize money. A virtual assistant named Lana kept watch and penalized rule-breakers. This season focused on how hard it is to break old habits and the benefits of forming real relationships.

‘The Circle’ (2020–2025)

The eighth season of the show premiered in 2025, featuring a new cast living separately in their own apartments. These contestants interacted solely through a unique social media platform, where they had the option to present their true selves or create fake online identities. Throughout the season, players ranked each other, deciding who would become popular ‘influencers’ and who would be eliminated. The show explored how people construct their identities online and the methods they use to gain followers and status in the digital world.

‘Selling the OC’ (2022–2025)

The fourth season of the real estate series premiered in 2025, showcasing the agents of the Oppenheim Group as they worked in Orange County. Each episode highlighted beautiful homes along the coast and the intense competition within the luxury real estate world. The season’s main storylines revolved around office dynamics and the personal relationships – and conflicts – between the agents, all set against the backdrop of sunny California.

’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014–2025)

The eleventh season of this dating show, which premiered in 2025, followed couples applying for a K1 visa – a special visa for fiancés. The show documented their journey as they had ninety days to decide if they would get married in the United States. Many couples faced challenges due to cultural differences and doubts from family members, all while trying to secure their legal status. The series continued to be a hit because it realistically portrayed the difficulties and rewards of international love and the immigration process.

‘Married at First Sight’ (2014–2025)

The nineteenth season of the show, which began in 2025, followed strangers who met as they said their wedding vows. Couples were matched by experts using personality assessments and what they were looking for in a partner, to test if love could blossom through marriage. They lived together for several weeks, and then had to decide on ‘Decision Day’ whether to remain married or get divorced. The season offered a close-up look at the difficulties of starting a relationship with someone you’ve never met before.

‘The Golden Bachelorette’ (2024–2025)

The second season of this dating show, which premiered in 2025, followed a senior woman hoping to find love again. Several mature men competed for her heart through dates and social events. The show highlighted how wonderful it is to find connection and romance at any stage of life. Viewers enjoyed the genuine conversations and the fresh outlook of the older contestants.

‘Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars’ (2023–2025)

The third season of the competition, which began in 2025, followed entrepreneurs working in the food and drink business. Gordon Ramsay put their business skills and cooking abilities to the test with tough challenges. The winner received a large investment from Ramsay to help expand their company. This season highlighted how great cooking needs to be combined with strong business and marketing skills.

‘Next in Fashion’ (2020–2025)

The latest season of this fashion competition debuted on Netflix in 2025, featuring a fresh group of aspiring designers. Throughout the season, the contestants completed different sewing and design challenges to demonstrate their creativity and skills to the judges. Well-known figures from the fashion world joined as guest judges, offering advice and helping to determine who would move forward. The winner received a cash prize and the chance to release their own collection worldwide.

‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’ (2023–2025)

The latest season of this tough military training show premiered in 2025, with celebrities as the recruits. They faced demanding physical and mental tests led by highly skilled special forces experts in a difficult setting. Unlike other competition shows, this one emphasized the recruits’ strength and character, rather than simply eliminating them. As the training became incredibly intense in the final days, many recruits voluntarily chose to quit.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (2005–2025)

In 2025, the twenty-fourth season of the challenging cooking competition featured Gordon Ramsay guiding two groups of hopeful chefs. They battled it out in a real restaurant kitchen, facing the stress of busy dinner services. Ramsay gave tough criticism and removed chefs who didn’t perform well enough for his restaurants. The winning chef earned a top position as head chef at one of Ramsay’s premier restaurants.

‘Lego Masters’ (2020–2025)

I was so excited when the fifth season of this amazing building competition finally hit FOX in 2025, and Will Arnett was a fantastic host! Watching the teams work together to create these incredible, detailed scenes entirely out of LEGOs was just awesome. The judges weren’t just looking at how things looked though – they really wanted to see creativity, technical skill, and a good story come through in each build. It’s a show that really celebrates how clever the builders are and just how much you can do with LEGOs!

‘Pawn Stars’ (2009–2025)

The twenty-third season of the popular reality show, which premiered in 2025, took viewers inside the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. Rick Harrison and his family examined interesting historical items and worked to get the best deals from people looking to sell. Each episode included specialists who shared details and verified the authenticity of various artifacts. The show continued to be both informative and engaging, combining history with the world of business.

‘Bar Rescue’ (2011–2025)

The tenth season of this show, which gives struggling bars a complete makeover, premiered in 2025. Host Jon Taffer used his knowledge of the bar industry to pinpoint issues with how the bars were run, their staff, and their drinks menus. Each week, the show ended with a full remodel of the bar and a plan to help it thrive. The series also showed how much money and effort bar owners put into their businesses, and the challenges they face.

‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010–2025)

Season fourteen of this popular Bravo show premiered in 2025, following the lives of affluent women in Southern California. The show highlighted their luxurious social lives and the complicated relationships between them. New cast members joined the group, bringing both excitement and drama to the existing dynamic. Throughout the season, viewers watched as the women navigated personal and career achievements in their glamorous world.

‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ (2008–2025)

Okay, so the latest season of this show – the sixteenth, can you believe it? – dropped in 2025, and it’s all about a group of women living their lives in Manhattan. Honestly, it’s fascinating watching them juggle their careers, families, and the whole New York social scene. There’s a lot of drama, naturally – things really came to a head on their trips and at dinner parties, with old grudges and new fights bubbling up. But what I really loved is how the season felt like New York, you know? It really captured the vibe through the eyes of these ambitious, successful women.

‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ (2020–2025)

Season six of the reality show premiered in 2025, continuing to document the lives of women navigating Salt Lake City’s social circles. This season focused on the aftermath of past legal issues and personal conflicts within the group. The show’s setting in Salt Lake City offered a unique cultural environment for the cast’s relationships and the drama that unfolded. Viewers were captivated by both the intense storylines and the personal journeys of the women involved.

‘Southern Charm’ (2014–2025)

The tenth season of this reality show, which premiered in 2025, followed the lives of Charleston’s social elite. The series explored how the cast members balanced the demands of Southern traditions with their modern careers and relationships. Viewers saw both glamorous parties and personal moments, offering a glimpse into the intricate connections within the group. The show’s combination of historical context and current drama kept it popular with audiences.

‘Catfish: The TV Show’ (2012–2025)

The ninth season of this show, which originally aired in 2025, followed Nev Schulman as he helped people find out if the people they met online were who they said they were. Each episode explored why people create fake online identities and how being deceived online affects those who are tricked. The show followed Nev as he tracked down the real people behind online profiles, revealing their true identities. With more and more people connecting online, the series remained popular and relevant.

‘The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On’ (2022–2025)

The latest season of this relationship show premiered on Netflix in 2025, following couples facing a make-or-break moment. Each partner issued an ultimatum, and the other questioned whether they were ready for marriage. Over several weeks, the participants explored connections with other people before ultimately deciding to either commit to their original partner or move on. The show offered a candid and emotional exploration of the challenges of long-term relationships and finding the right match.

‘Perfect Match’ (2023–2025)

The third season of the Netflix dating show, which started in 2025, brought together stars from other reality TV programs. The contestants shared a luxurious villa and competed in challenges designed to test how well they matched with their partners. Winning these challenges gave them the power to introduce new singles and even disrupt existing couples. Throughout the season, viewers saw plenty of strategy and romance as everyone looked for their ideal partner.

‘Love Island UK’ (2015–2025)

The twelfth season of the popular dating show premiered in 2025, following a group of singles living in a luxurious villa. The show kept its quick pace with regular partner switches and viewer votes that determined who stayed and who left. New contestants and the show’s signature Casa Amor twist challenged the couples. Ultimately, the season ended with a live finale where viewers decided which couple would win.

‘The Mole’ (2022–2025)

The latest season of this intense competition show premiered in 2025 with a fresh cast of players and a secret saboteur among them. The contestants collaborated on challenging tasks to increase a shared prize, but one player was secretly working against the team. Throughout the season, players regularly guessed who the saboteur was, and the person with the most incorrect guesses was eliminated. The show centered around the growing paranoia and distrust within the group as they tried to uncover the Mole’s identity.

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ (2007–2025)

In the ninth season of this restaurant makeover show, which aired in 2025, Gordon Ramsay worked with struggling restaurants to turn them around. He pinpointed problems with the food, cleanliness, and how the restaurants were run, then completely revamped them. The show followed the owners’ emotional experiences as they tried to save their businesses, and each episode revealed the final results and whether the improvements lasted.

‘Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles’ (2006–2025)

As a longtime viewer, I have to say the sixteenth season of this real estate show, which hit screens in 2025, didn’t disappoint. We got an inside look at some truly stunning, multi-million dollar homes across California, and the drama wasn’t just about the properties themselves. It was fascinating to watch these top agents navigate the cutthroat world of luxury sales, all while juggling their personal lives – from big milestones to everyday family commitments. If you’re a fan of gorgeous architecture and a peek behind the curtain of high-end real estate, this season definitely delivered.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–2025)

The twenty-first season of the show, which premiered in 2025, followed a woman looking for a husband. Several men competed for her affection through dates and meetings with their families. The season featured plenty of drama and tough choices as she eliminated contestants, ultimately leading to a proposal and the possibility of a long-term connection.

‘Project Runway’ (2004–2025)

The twenty-first season of the popular fashion competition began in 2025, introducing a fresh group of aspiring designers. Each week, these designers were challenged to create innovative and well-made garments while working against the clock. A panel of judges critiqued their work on the runway, and one designer was eliminated each week. The season concluded with a final show during fashion week, where the winner received a prize package designed to launch their career.

Share which of these programs was your personal favorite to watch this year in the comments.

2026-01-06 18:21