Reality shows are a guilty pleasure for some, while others shamelessly enjoy the chaos that often takes place in these series. Whether it’s marrying someone you just met, taking a jet to cross state lines, or flipping tables at fancy dinner parties, something out of pocket is bound to happen. People find entertainment in other people’s lives, especially when there is struggle, pain, and wealth involved, so they can escape the reality of their own lives. With the guilty pleasure aspect of it, one might not be too enthused to share that they enjoy these shows. So with that being said, here’s a list of the reality shows we love to hate.
Updated on September 12th, 2023, by Evan Lewis: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
10 Big Brother (2000-Present)
Big Brother is a show with iterations spawned across many nations, but the American version was the first to see worldwide attention. It is also the longest-running version of the iconic franchise, and with good reason. There are plenty of memorable names, viral moments, and hated characters; way too much to choose from. The HouseGuests in Big Brother are forced to live in the same house with no contact with the outside world. There, they will form alliances, compete in challenges, and manipulate each other in the quest to with a cash prize of $750,000 US dollars.
Big Brother casts everyday people for the most part, and with that comes the risk of some bad apples making their way in. In turn, there are often controversies of bigotry, assault, and bullying, because as we all know, “everyday” people are capable of being very cruel to one another. The strategy and less hateful drama is always a joy to watch though, and watching the 24/7 live feeds becomes addicting very fast.
9 Mama June (2017-Present)
After Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was a spin-off show that focused on her mother, Mama June. At first, the premise was June’s weight loss journey, and her aspiration to lead a more healthy lifestyle. Now that she lost most of the weight she wanted, the show expanded to the overall family dynamics and the unresolved tension that still lingers.
Some of her children do not have the best relationship with June, and seeing how she behaves at times (on and off-air), it is not too difficult to sit and wonder why. Unfortunately for us, seeing June and her family navigate these issues is entertaining, and that translates to viewership. The show has been running for 6 seasons now, and there will likely be plenty more.
8 Love Island (2015-Present)
Love Island is a dating competition show that found its start in Britain but has spread its reach to various countries after finding popularity. The United States edition specifically made its debut in the summer of 2015. The show’s format is rather simple; young and attractive singles are placed together on an island and are expected to meet their pair during the game. These pairings are not permanent, however, and can change at any moment.
There are also challenges to add some extra drama, where the players can obtain special rewards if they can prove compatibility with their partners. A lot of the hate and controversy stems from poor behavior from cast-mates, the standards of body image that are displayed, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Regardless, the fights and drama are far too juicy not to tune in.
7 90 Day Fiancé (2014-Present)
In 2014, TLC rolled out the first season of this very interesting, sometimes problematic show, with the plot running on couples who meet mostly on an international vacation, quickly fall in love in a wickedly short amount of time, and then apply for the K-1 visa.
From there, they have 90 days to decide if they want to marry each other, but many times, it comes to a screeching halt when the truth comes out with either appearances, unfaithfulness, or simple conflicts that escalate into much more. Most of the couples have a stark age gap or language barrier that keeps communication to a minimum, and many viewers often expect something fishy to be happening.
6 The Kardashians (2007-Present)
Quite possibly one of the most famous families in the world, the Kardashian family has been gracing our screens since early 2007, starting as a reality show run by the head of the family, Kris Jenner. Over the several years it’s been airing, and now a new series on Hulu, the show has developed into more than just something that airs from week to week.
Billionaires make up most of the members of the family, and most of them have their own businesses and spin-off series. Fans of the show have watched several of the members grow up; Kylie and Kendall were young kids when it first started. And with the new season premiering a few weeks ago, ET states that fan favorite Scott Disick has made his first cameo on the show.
5 Jersey Shore (2009-2012)
Jersey Shore premiered on MTV in 2009 and quickly became a cult classic of sorts, the moment Snooki, Pauly D, Ronnie, Mike “The Situation”, J-Woww, Sammi, Vinnie, and Deena graced television. The show was created based on eight strangers, all relatively young adults, staying in a beach house on the Jersey Shore for the entire summer. Drama was constantly stirred, fights would break out at a moment’s notice; spontaneous hookups were documented, and fans ate it up every single week.
Toxic masculinity was constantly displayed; alcoholism and drug habits were encouraged, and just bad behavior in general premiered every Thursday night. The original show ended in 2012 with a stunning six seasons in such a short amount of time, and years later, a reunion of sorts was made with Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.
4 The Real Housewives (2005-Present)
Whether you know them from Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Athens, or Salt Lake City, The Housewives are iconic and always ready to flip tables. There have been eleven American series, nineteen international installments, and over twenty spinoffs about these ladies that demand to be seen and known.
Similar to Southern Charm, audiences are attracted to the lives the Housewives live; a handful of kids, a rich husband, a lavish home, and some light crime that’s often swept under the rug.
3 Teen Mom (2009-2022)
Much like other MTV reality shows, Teen Mom exploits the lives of young mothers and their children. Through hardships, addictions, failed relationships, and health scares, Teen Mom has gained a steady following through old seasons and new reunion shows.
Some of the most well-known couples have basked in the light of social media, while others have gone to prison for abuse and allegations, all stemming from being on the show. There’s a belief that people who enjoy watching other people’s hardships just enjoy people being in pain for their entertainment, and through the episodes of the Teen Mom series, one could apply that to this.
2 Southern Charm (2013-Present)
This reality show has had eight successful seasons and showcases the lives of a wealthy friend group in South Carolina. There’s plenty of drama, betrayal, fights – both physical and verbal, as well as lovable characters.
Southern Charm displays a type of lifestyle that many viewers find attractive, watching as these adults, who often act like children, busy themselves with shopping and getting drunk at one in the afternoon. The show is written and produced by Whitney Sudler-Smith, who’s also a cast member, and includes his extravagant mother Patricia. Patricia is a fan favorite throughout each season and has her own fancy website, so one could feel closer to her.
1 The Bachelor/Bachelorette (2002-Present)
Arguably the most popular reality television shows on cable, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette run based on one man or woman surrounding themselves with more than twenty companions to duke it out to find true love. This show has had plenty of problematic issues arise from the successful seasons, as well as the many spin-offs, such as Bachelor in Paradise.
People competing with each other for a moment of attention from a single individual hasn’t garnered the most healthy relationships, and more often than not, the final couple doesn’t make it more than a year. The first bachelor found love in 2002 and sadly, the majority of them have been white, with two exceptions, Rachel Lindsay and Matt James.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
