30 Overrated Reality Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Reality television has evolved from a niche broadcasting experiment into a dominant force in global entertainment, shaping cultural trends and producing some of the most recognizable figures in the world. While many of these programs consistently top viewership charts and generate massive social media engagement, they often face scrutiny regarding their authenticity and depth. Critics and viewers alike frequently debate the merits of shows that rely on repetitive formats, scripted drama, or the sensationalization of personal lives. This list examines 30 prominent reality series that have maintained high levels of popularity despite being frequently labeled as overrated by various segments of the audience.

‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (2007–2021)

This long-running series chronicled the personal and professional lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family as they navigated fame and business. It is credited with pioneering the modern influencer era and establishing a blueprint for reality television marketing. However, many critics argue that the program relied heavily on staged scenarios and publicized family drama to maintain its high ratings. Despite these critiques, ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ became a cultural staple and launched several multi-million dollar business empires.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–Present)

This dating competition features one man who selects a potential spouse from a group of female contestants through a series of dates and eliminations. The show follows a rigid format consisting of group activities, emotional confessionals, and the signature rose ceremony. Critics frequently point out the series’ lack of diversity in its early seasons and the statistically low rate of lasting marriages produced by the show. Nevertheless, ‘The Bachelor’ remains a ratings giant for ABC and has produced a vast network of spin-off programs.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–Present)

As the first spin-off of the original franchise, ‘The Bachelorette’ reverses the gender roles by having a single woman choose from a pool of male suitors. The program mirrors the format of its predecessor, emphasizing high-stakes romance and dramatic confrontations between contestants. While it maintains a dedicated fan base, some viewers argue that the show has become formulaic and predictable over its many seasons. The series continues to be a central part of the reality dating landscape, even as audiences question the sincerity of the participants.

‘American Idol’ (2002–Present)

This singing competition aims to discover the next great pop star through nationwide auditions and public voting. It was a pioneer of the genre in the early 2000s, producing several legitimate superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. In recent years, critics have noted that the show focuses more on the emotional backstories of the contestants than on the actual music. Despite a brief cancellation and a move to a new network, ‘American Idol’ continues to draw millions of viewers who tune in for the judging panel and the talent.

‘The Voice’ (2011–Present)

‘The Voice’ sets itself apart from other singing competitions by using “blind auditions” where judges cannot see the performers. The show emphasizes the coaching aspect, with famous musicians mentoring contestants to improve their vocal skills. Some viewers find that the revolving door of celebrity coaches often overshadows the actual contestants, few of whom have achieved major commercial success. The program remains popular for its unique format and the chemistry between the high-profile judges on the panel.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2005–Present)

In this competition, celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines for a panel of judges. The show combines elements of sportsmanship with the glitz of Hollywood, featuring stars from various industries. Critics often argue that the “celebrity” status of some participants is a stretch and that the voting process can become a popularity contest. Despite these concerns, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ remains a mainstay of network television, known for its high production values and occasionally surprising talent.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–Present)

Based on a South Korean format, this show features celebrities singing in elaborate, full-body costumes to hide their identities. A panel of judges and the audience try to guess who is under the mask based on vocal clues and performance style. While the show is a visual spectacle, some critics describe it as “fever dream” television that prioritizes gimmickry over musical quality. Its high ratings suggest that audiences enjoy the mystery and the campy nature of the costumes regardless of the technical singing ability.

‘Love Island’ (2015–Present)

This British reality show involves a group of contestants, known as Islanders, living in isolation in a villa while being constantly monitored. To remain in the villa, participants must couple up with each other, with the public eventually voting for a winning pair. The show is often criticized for its depiction of toxic relationship dynamics and the pressure it places on contestants’ body images. Despite the controversy, ‘Love Island’ has become a massive international franchise with versions produced in numerous countries.

‘Survivor’ (2000–Present)

‘Survivor’ places a group of strangers in an isolated location where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. Contestants compete in challenges for rewards and immunity from elimination, while also navigating a complex social game. While it is hailed as a foundational reality show, some long-time fans feel the modern seasons are over-saturated with “advantages” and “twists” that detract from the original premise. The show continues to be a leader in the genre, maintaining a loyal audience and high critical praise for its production.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–Present)

This series follows a group of people living together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones, recording their every move. One participant is voted out each week until only one person remains to claim the cash prize. Critics often point to the “live feeds” as a source of controversy, as they frequently capture problematic behavior from the houseguests. ‘Big Brother’ remains a summer staple, known for its strategic gameplay and the intense psychological toll it takes on the participants.

‘Jersey Shore’ (2009–2012)

‘Jersey Shore’ followed the lives of eight housemates spending their summer at the Jersey Shore in New Jersey. The show became a massive cultural phenomenon, introducing terms like “GTL” and making its cast members household names. Critics attacked the show for promoting negative stereotypes and featuring excessive drinking and physical altercations. Even though the original series ended over a decade ago, its impact is still felt through various spin-offs and the continued fame of the original cast.

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

As one of the most popular installments of the franchise, this show focuses on the opulent lives of women living in Beverly Hills. The series is famous for its high-fashion wardrobes, luxury lifestyle, and intensely personal feuds. Viewers often criticize the show for featuring manufactured drama and focusing on the problems of the ultra-wealthy. However, ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ consistently delivers high ratings and remains a cornerstone of the Bravo network’s programming.

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

This iteration of the franchise follows a group of socialites and businesswomen as they balance their careers and personal lives in Manhattan. The show is known for its fast-paced dialogue and the long-standing, often volatile, friendships between the cast members. Some critics argue that the series has struggled to maintain its relevance after several major cast shake-ups and a full reboot in later seasons. Despite this, ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ remains a fan favorite for its unique brand of urban social dynamics.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ (2013–Present)

Originally a spin-off of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, this show follows the staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants in West Hollywood. It gained notoriety for the intricate and often messy interpersonal relationships among the young, aspiring actors and models on staff. While the “Scandoval” controversy brought the show back into the cultural zeitgeist, some viewers find the constant cycle of betrayal and reconciliation to be exhausting. The show continues to be a major success, proving the longevity of soap-opera-style reality television.

’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014–Present)

This series follows couples who have applied for or received a K-1 visa, which is available uniquely to foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens. The couples have 90 days to marry before the visa expires and the foreign partner must leave the country. Critics often suggest that the show exploits vulnerable people and sensationalizes the complexities of international immigration for entertainment. Regardless of the ethical debates, ’90 Day Fiancé’ has grown into a massive franchise with over a dozen successful spin-off series.

‘Selling Sunset’ (2019–Present)

‘Selling Sunset’ follows the real estate agents of The Oppenheim Group as they sell high-end luxury homes in Los Angeles. The show blends high-stakes business deals with the personal drama and rivalries of the agents. Many viewers have questioned how much real estate is actually sold during the filming, suggesting the show is more about the interpersonal conflicts than the properties. The program has been a hit for Netflix, capitalizing on the public’s fascination with luxury real estate and glamorous lifestyles.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–Present)

In this reality dating show, a group of attractive singles are placed in a villa and told they cannot engage in any sexual activity or physical intimacy. If they break the rules, the prize money for the group decreases. Critics often describe the premise as shallow and the contestants as being coached to act in specific, predictable ways. Despite these observations, ‘Too Hot to Handle’ frequently trends on streaming platforms and has been renewed for multiple seasons.

‘Love Is Blind’ (2020–Present)

This social experiment features men and women who talk to each other through “pods” where they can hear but not see one another. Couples get engaged before ever meeting face-to-face and then move in together to see if their physical connection matches their emotional one. Some viewers find the accelerated timeline to marriage to be unrealistic and the drama to be heavily influenced by production. ‘Love Is Blind’ remains one of the most talked-about reality shows on social media due to its polarizing participants and chaotic weddings.

‘The Circle’ (2020–Present)

‘The Circle’ is a competition where players live in separate apartments in the same building and only communicate through a social media platform. Players can choose to be themselves or “catfish” as someone else to become the most popular and win the prize money. Critics have noted that the show’s emphasis on social media popularity can feel repetitive and that the contestants’ reactions are often over-the-top. The show’s unique visual style and commentary on digital identity have nonetheless earned it a consistent audience.

‘Duck Dynasty’ (2012–2017)

This series followed the Robertson family, who became wealthy through their family-operated business, Duck Commander. The show focused on their rural lifestyle in Louisiana and their strong family values. While it was once the most-watched nonfiction series in cable television history, it faced significant controversy regarding comments made by family members in interviews. Critics also pointed out that the “backwoods” image of the family was somewhat at odds with their actual multi-millionaire status.

‘Pawn Stars’ (2009–Present)

‘Pawn Stars’ takes place at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, where customers bring in artifacts to sell or pawn. The show features the Harrison family as they evaluate the items and negotiate prices with the help of various experts. Some viewers have noted that many of the “walk-in” customers are actually pre-screened and that the negotiations are rehearsed for the cameras. Despite the questions of authenticity, ‘Pawn Stars’ remains popular for its educational snippets and the historical significance of the items featured.

‘Shark Tank’ (2009–Present)

Aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors, known as “sharks,” in hopes of securing a financial deal. The show highlights the tension of negotiations and the personal stories behind the products being pitched. While ‘Shark Tank’ has helped launch successful brands, it is often criticized for the way it simplifies complex venture capital processes for television. The deals made on screen frequently fall through during the due diligence phase after filming ends, leading some to question the show’s lasting impact.

‘Dance Moms’ (2011–2019)

‘Dance Moms’ followed the early careers of children at the Abby Lee Dance Company and the frequent conflicts between their mothers and instructor Abby Lee Miller. The show was known for Miller’s harsh teaching style and the intense competitive environment of the junior elite team. Many child advocacy groups criticized the program for the emotional stress it appeared to place on the young dancers. Despite the controversy, ‘Dance Moms’ was a major hit and launched the careers of several young stars, including Maddie Ziegler.

‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ (2009–2016)

This show explored the world of child beauty pageants, following the parents and children who compete for titles and prizes. It often highlighted the extreme measures parents took to prepare their children, including elaborate costumes and professional coaching. Critics and psychologists frequently expressed concern over the sexualization of young children and the pressure placed on them by their parents. The show remained a ratings success for TLC, though it continues to be cited as an example of the darker side of reality television.

‘Catfish: The TV Show’ (2012–Present)

Based on a 2010 documentary, this series follows hosts as they help people discover if the person they are in an online relationship with is actually who they claim to be. Each episode typically involves a confrontation where the “catfish” is revealed, often leading to emotional discussions. Some viewers argue that the show’s formula has become repetitive after many years on the air and that the participants’ motivations are sometimes questionable. ‘Catfish: The TV Show’ remains a staple of MTV, tapping into modern anxieties about digital deception.

‘Married at First Sight’ (2014–Present)

In this series, a panel of experts pairs up strangers who agree to marry the moment they first meet. The show follows the couples through their wedding, honeymoon, and several weeks of living together before they decide whether to stay married or divorce. Critics often question the “scientific” nature of the matchmaking and point to the very low success rate of the marriages. Despite the high divorce rate among participants, ‘Married at First Sight’ continues to attract viewers interested in the extreme social experiment.

‘Below Deck’ (2013–Present)

‘Below Deck’ follows the lives of the crew members who work and reside aboard a luxury yacht during charter season. The show focuses on the “work hard, play hard” mentality of the crew and the demands of their wealthy, often eccentric, guests. Some critics argue that the show focuses too much on the drunken antics of the crew rather than the actual mechanics of yachting. The series has nevertheless spawned several successful spin-offs and remains a top performer for its network.

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

This series features couples on the verge of marriage where one partner has issued an ultimatum. The couples “break up” and enter a trial marriage with a different partner from one of the other couples before deciding if they want to marry their original partner or leave them. Many viewers find the premise to be fundamentally flawed and psychologically damaging to the relationships involved. Despite the criticism of its moral implications, the show’s high drama ensures it remains a trending topic.

‘Bling Empire’ (2021–2023)

‘Bling Empire’ followed the lives of wealthy East Asian and East Asian-American socialites based in Los Angeles. The show focused on their extravagant parties, high-end fashion, and the complicated social hierarchy within their circle. Some critics felt the show was a derivative version of other “wealth-porn” reality shows and lacked the charm of the films it was compared to. While it initially drew a large audience, the show was eventually canceled after three seasons, illustrating the fickle nature of the genre.

‘The Kardashians’ (2022–Present)

After their original show ended, the Kardashian-Jenner family returned with a new series on a streaming platform. This version features a more cinematic style and continues to document their evolving businesses and personal milestones. Critics have noted that while the production quality has increased, the content remains largely the same as their previous series. The show serves as a testament to the family’s enduring brand, even as some audiences express fatigue with their constant media presence.

Share your own thoughts on which reality shows you believe are the most overrated in the comments.