The Best Reality Shows of 2025

The 2025 television season provided a massive selection of unscripted programming that reached audiences across multiple digital and linear platforms. New seasons of legendary franchises arrived alongside innovative fresh concepts to define the cultural conversation. Many of these programs utilized social experiments and high stakes competitions to explore human behavior in unique environments. This comprehensive list details the top reality series that aired new episodes or premiered during the 2025 calendar year.

‘The Traitors’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this psychological competition series launched in January 2025 on the Peacock streaming service. Alan Cumming returned to host a new group of celebrities who gathered at a remote castle to play a game of deception. Contestants worked to build a prize fund while attempting to identify the secret traitors among the group. This season introduced new game mechanics that increased the difficulty of the challenges and the intensity of the banishment ceremonies.

‘Love Is Blind’ (2020–2025)

Netflix released the eighth season of this popular dating experiment in early 2025 with a focus on a new metropolitan area. The show followed single individuals as they formed emotional connections in isolated pods without seeing their partners. Couples faced real world challenges after their engagements as they moved in together and met their families. The finale captured the high drama of the wedding ceremonies where participants decided whether to say I do or walk away.

‘Survivor’ (2000–2025)

CBS aired the forty-eighth and forty-ninth seasons of this legendary competition show during the 2025 calendar year. Jeff Probst continued to lead groups of castaways through demanding physical trials and complex social maneuvering in Fiji. The seasons focused on limited resources and the necessity of forming secret alliances to avoid elimination at tribal council. These installments maintained the fast pace and strategic depth that have defined the series for over two decades.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–2025)

The twenty-ninth season of this dating staple premiered in January 2025 on the ABC network. One man sought a lifelong partner from a group of women through a series of group dates and private excursions. The season featured international travel and emotional confessions as the lead narrowed his choices toward the final rose ceremony. Viewers followed the romantic journey as participants navigated the complexities of finding love in a televised environment.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ (2009–2025)

Season seventeen of this Emmy winning competition series debuted in early 2025 with a new roster of talented performers. The contestants showcased their skills in fashion design and comedy and lip sync performance to impress a panel of judges. RuPaul guided the queens through various weekly challenges that tested their creativity and professional stage presence. The season concluded with a grand finale where one winner received the title of Americas Next Drag Superstar.

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

The second season of this massive competition series arrived on Netflix in 2025 with even larger sets and higher stakes. Hundreds of players from around the world competed in childhood games modified for a reality television format. Participants formed alliances and betrayed one another to remain in the hunt for a multi million dollar prize. This installment expanded on the psychological tension of the first season while introducing brand new games for the cast to navigate.

‘Physical: 100’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this South Korean fitness competition debuted in 2025 to a global audience. One hundred contestants with diverse athletic backgrounds competed in grueling tests of strength and agility and endurance. The program aimed to find the ultimate human physique through a series of individual and team based quests. The high production values and intense physical displays continued to make the show a standout hit for international viewers.

‘Selling Sunset’ (2019–2025)

The Oppenheim Group agents returned for a ninth season in 2025 to showcase luxury real estate in Los Angeles. The episodes focused on high value listings and the professional rivalries within the high end brokerage. Personal relationships and workplace dynamics remained a central focus as the cast members balanced their careers with private lives. The series maintained its reputation for glamorous settings and significant interpersonal drama among the successful real estate professionals.

‘The Kardashians’ (2022–2025)

The seventh season of this lifestyle series premiered in 2025 on Hulu and provided an inside look at the famous family. Camera crews followed the sisters as they managed their various business empires and navigated motherhood. The episodes addressed public headlines and private milestones to offer a personal perspective on their lives. Fans engaged with the candid conversations and behind the scenes footage of the family during major events and everyday moments.

‘American Idol’ (2002–2025)

The twenty-third season of this singing competition began its search for the next music superstar in early 2025. Ryan Seacrest hosted the program as aspiring vocalists auditioned before a panel of industry professionals. The season followed the journey of the performers from the initial auditions to the live shows in Hollywood. Contestants performed various genres of music to win the votes of the viewing public during the final stages of the competition.

‘The Voice’ (2011–2025)

NBC aired new seasons of this vocal competition in 2025 featuring a rotating panel of celebrity coaches. The show maintained its unique blind audition format where coaches selected team members based only on their singing ability. Vocalists participated in battle rounds and knockout sessions to advance toward the live performance episodes. The series continued to focus on the mentorship between the established stars and the emerging artists.

‘MasterChef’ (2010–2025)

The fifteenth season of this culinary competition premiered in the summer of 2025 on the FOX network. Gordon Ramsay and his fellow judges evaluated the skills of talented home cooks in a series of difficult kitchen challenges. Participants prepared diverse dishes under strict time limits to avoid elimination from the competition. The season highlighted the culinary growth of the contestants as they vied for the title and a significant cash prize.

‘Top Chef’ (2006–2025)

Bravo released the twenty-second season of this professional cooking series in 2025 with a focus on a new culinary destination. The competition featured experienced chefs who participated in Quickfire and Elimination challenges to showcase their technical expertise. Judges evaluated the flavor and presentation and creativity of each dish to determine who would stay in the kitchen. The season explored local food cultures and tested the ability of the chefs to adapt to various environments.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ (2013–2025)

The twelfth season of this reality series returned in 2025 to follow the lives of employees and alumni of SUR. The cast navigated evolving friendships and business ventures in the wake of previous personal conflicts. Long term relationships were tested as the group dealt with the consequences of their public lives and career changes. The show remained a focal point for Bravo viewers due to its long history of interpersonal drama and social entanglements.

‘Below Deck’ (2013–2025)

The twelfth season of this maritime series aired in 2025 and documented the experiences of a yacht crew in a new tropical location. The episodes followed the captain and crew as they managed high maintenance charter guests and technical challenges on the water. Professional duties and personal tensions often collided within the tight quarters of the luxury vessel. The series continued to offer a fascinating look at the high stakes world of luxury yachting and the service industry.

‘The Amazing Race’ (2001–2025)

Season thirty-seven of this global competition series launched in 2025 with teams racing across multiple continents. Participants followed clues and completed physical and cultural tasks to reach pit stops at the end of each leg. The show emphasized the importance of communication and navigation as teams worked to avoid being the last to arrive. Viewers enjoyed the scenic locations and the high pressure decisions made by the contestants throughout the race.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–2025)

The twenty-seventh season of this social experiment aired during the summer of 2025 on CBS. A diverse group of houseguests lived together in a house equipped with cameras and microphones recording their every move. Players competed in challenges to win power and voted to evict their fellow housemates each week. The season featured complex strategies and secret alliances as the participants aimed to be the last person standing.

‘Love Island USA’ (2019–2025)

The seventh season of this dating series premiered in 2025 and followed a group of singles in a beautiful villa. Islanders were required to couple up to avoid elimination while new arrivals frequently disrupted established relationships. The audience played a significant role in the outcome by voting for their favorite couples through a mobile application. The season was filled with romantic connections and dramatic recoupling ceremonies that kept viewers engaged throughout the summer.

‘Naked and Afraid’ (2013–2025)

The eighteenth season of this survival series debuted in 2025 and featured pairs of strangers left in extreme wilderness environments. Participants had to find food and water and shelter while dealing with harsh weather and local wildlife. The show emphasized the mental and physical resilience required to survive for twenty-one days without any modern conveniences. Each episode followed the journey from the initial meeting to the eventual extraction point.

‘Alone’ (2015–2025)

The twelfth season of this intense survival competition premiered in 2025 on the History Channel. Ten participants were placed in remote locations with limited gear and no camera crew to document their experiences. The individuals had to provide for themselves while enduring isolation and extreme natural conditions to outlast their competitors. The season showcased the profound psychological impact of solitude and the specialized skills needed for long term survival.

‘Shark Tank’ (2009–2025)

The sixteenth season of this business reality show continued in 2025 with entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a panel of wealthy investors. The sharks evaluated the potential of various products and services while negotiating for equity in the companies. Many episodes featured updates on past businesses and the success they achieved after appearing on the program. The series remained an influential platform for small business owners and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2005–2025)

The thirty-fourth season of this ballroom competition aired in 2025 with a new cast of celebrities and professional partners. The pairs performed various dance styles each week to impress a panel of judges and gain votes from the audience. The show featured themed nights and elaborate production numbers that showcased the progress of the amateur dancers. The competition concluded with the awarding of the Mirrorball Trophy to the most improved and talented pair.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–2025)

New seasons of this mystery singing competition aired in 2025 featuring elaborate costumes and celebrity contestants. The panel of judges and the audience attempted to guess the identities of the performers based on vocal clues and stage performances. One singer was unmasked in each episode after being eliminated from the competition by the voting audience. The show continued to be a hit for its whimsical nature and the surprising reveals of famous faces.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–2025)

The ninth season of this makeover series arrived on Netflix in 2025 and featured the Fab Five helping individuals in a new city. The experts provided guidance on fashion and grooming and food and interior design and culture. Each episode focused on personal growth and self acceptance through the lens of a comprehensive lifestyle transformation. The series maintained its emotional core as the hosts worked to improve the lives of their heroes in meaningful ways.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–2025)

The seventh season of this reality dating experiment premiered in 2025 on Netflix with a group of attractive singles. Participants were challenged to form deep emotional bonds without engaging in physical intimacy to keep the prize fund intact. A virtual assistant named Lana monitored their behavior and deducted money for every violation of the rules. The season explored the difficulty of changing habits and the rewards of developing genuine connections.

‘The Circle’ (2020–2025)

The eighth season of this social media competition launched in 2025 with a fresh group of players living in isolated apartments. Contestants communicated only through a specialized social platform where they could choose to be themselves or create catfishing personas. Players rated each other throughout the season to determine who would be the influencers and who would be blocked. The program examined the nature of online identity and the strategies people use to gain popularity in a digital space.

‘Selling the OC’ (2022–2025)

The fourth season of this real estate spin off debuted in 2025 and followed the agents of the Oppenheim Group in Orange County. The episodes featured stunning coastal properties and the competitive nature of the high end housing market. Internal office politics and interpersonal conflicts among the agents provided the central narrative of the season. The show combined professional success with personal drama in a picturesque California setting.

’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014–2025)

The eleventh season of this international dating series aired in 2025 and documented the lives of couples applying for a K1 visa. The show followed the pairs as they navigated the ninety day period before their planned weddings in the United States. Cultural differences and family skepticism often created obstacles for the couples as they worked toward their legal status. The series remained popular for its authentic look at the complexities of international relationships and immigration.

‘Married at First Sight’ (2014–2025)

The nineteenth season of this social experiment premiered in 2025 and featured strangers who met for the first time at the altar. Experts matched the couples based on psychological profiles and personal preferences to see if love could grow from a legal marriage. The participants lived together for several weeks before deciding whether to stay married or get a divorce on Decision Day. The season provided an intimate look at the challenges of building a relationship with a complete stranger.

‘The Golden Bachelorette’ (2024–2025)

The second season of this senior dating series premiered in 2025 and featured a woman in her later years looking for a second chance at love. A group of mature men competed for her affection through various dates and social gatherings. The show emphasized the beauty of finding companionship and romance at any age. Viewers appreciated the heartfelt conversations and the unique perspective of the older participants in the dating world.

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

The third season of this business competition aired in 2025 and featured entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Gordon Ramsay tested the business acumen and culinary knowledge of the participants through a series of demanding challenges. The winner of the competition received a significant investment from Ramsay to help grow their business. The season focused on the intersection of culinary talent and professional marketing and operations.

‘Next in Fashion’ (2020–2025)

The third season of this fashion competition premiered in 2025 on Netflix with a new group of talented designers. The contestants worked on various sewing and design projects to showcase their personal style and technical skills to the judges. High profile guest judges from the fashion industry provided feedback and helped decide who would advance. The winner received a cash prize and the opportunity to launch their own collection on a global platform.

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

The third season of this grueling military training series debuted in 2025 and featured a cast of celebrity recruits. Participants underwent physical and mental challenges led by elite special forces instructors in a harsh environment. The show focused on the endurance and character of the recruits rather than traditional eliminations. Many participants chose to withdraw as the intensity of the training reached its peak during the final days.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (2005–2025)

The twenty-fourth season of this intense culinary competition aired in 2025 with Gordon Ramsay leading two teams of aspiring chefs. The participants worked in a professional kitchen environment where they had to survive high pressure dinner services. Ramsay provided rigorous feedback and eliminated chefs who could not meet the standards of his prestigious restaurants. The winner of the season earned a head chef position at one of the flagship locations in the Ramsay empire.

‘Lego Masters’ (2020–2025)

The fifth season of this creative competition series premiered in 2025 on the FOX network with Will Arnett as the host. Teams of builders worked together to create elaborate structures and scenes using only Lego bricks. The judges evaluated the builds based on creativity and technical skill and the ability to tell a story. The show celebrated the ingenuity of the participants and the limitless possibilities of the iconic building blocks.

‘Pawn Stars’ (2009–2025)

The twenty-third season of this long running reality show aired in 2025 and followed the daily operations of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. Rick Harrison and his family evaluated unique historical items and negotiated with sellers for the best price. The episodes featured experts who provided background information and authentication for a wide range of artifacts. The series continued to educate and entertain viewers with its blend of history and business.

‘Bar Rescue’ (2011–2025)

The tenth season of this business makeover series premiered in 2025 and featured Jon Taffer helping struggling bar owners. Taffer utilized his industry expertise to identify problems in operations and staffing and beverage programs. Each episode concluded with a complete renovation of the establishment and a new plan for future success. The show highlighted the emotional and financial stakes involved in the hospitality industry.

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

The fourteenth season of this flagship Bravo franchise aired in 2025 and documented the lives of wealthy women in Southern California. The episodes focused on high end social events and the complex friendships among the cast members. New additions to the group brought fresh energy and new conflicts to the established social circle. Viewers followed the personal and professional milestones of the women throughout the glamorous season.

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

The sixteenth season of this long running series premiered in 2025 and featured a diverse group of women living in Manhattan. The show explored the fast paced lives of the cast as they navigated careers and family and the social scene of the city. Tensions rose during group trips and dinner parties as the women addressed long standing issues and new disagreements. The season captured the unique energy of New York through the eyes of its successful female residents.

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

The sixth season of this reality series returned in 2025 to follow the lives of women in the Utah social scene. The episodes dealt with the fallout of previous legal and personal dramas within the group. The unique cultural backdrop of Salt Lake City provided a distinctive setting for the evolving relationships and conflicts among the cast. Fans engaged with the dramatic storytelling and the personal growth of the participants during the season.

‘Southern Charm’ (2014–2025)

The tenth season of this reality series premiered in 2025 and offered a look at the lives of socialites in Charleston. The cast navigated the traditions and expectations of Southern society while managing modern relationships and business ventures. The episodes featured large social gatherings and intimate conversations that revealed the complexities of the group dynamics. The show remained a staple of unscripted television due to its blend of history and contemporary drama.

‘Catfish: The TV Show’ (2012–2025)

The ninth season of this investigative series aired in 2025 and followed Nev Schulman as he helped individuals uncover the truth about online relationships. The show explored the motivations behind digital deception and the emotional impact on those who were misled. Each episode featured a journey to meet the person behind the screen and reveal their true identity. The series continued to resonate with audiences in an era where digital connections are increasingly common.

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

The third season of this relationship experiment launched on Netflix in 2025 with several couples at a crossroads in their relationships. One partner gave an ultimatum while the other was unsure about marriage. The participants spent several weeks living with other people before deciding whether to commit to their original partner or end the relationship. The show provided a raw and emotional look at the difficulties of long term commitment and the search for compatibility.

‘Perfect Match’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this Netflix dating competition premiered in 2025 and featured stars from various reality programs. The contestants lived in a luxury villa and competed in challenges to prove their compatibility as couples. Winners of the challenges gained the power to bring in new people and potentially break up existing pairs. The season was filled with strategic moves and romantic drama as the players searched for their perfect match.

‘Love Island UK’ (2015–2025)

The twelfth season of this original dating sensation aired in 2025 and followed a group of singles in a sun drenched villa. The show maintained its fast paced format with frequent recouplings and public votes that decided the fate of the islanders. Relationships were tested by new arrivals and the famous Casa Amor segment of the competition. The season concluded with a live finale where the winning couple was crowned by the viewing public.

‘The Mole’ (2022–2025)

The third season of this high stakes competition series returned in 2025 with a new group of players and a hidden saboteur. The contestants worked together on difficult missions to add money to a group prize pot while one person tried to undermine their efforts. Players took periodic quizzes about the identity of the Mole and the person with the fewest correct answers was eliminated. The season focused on the psychological tension of not knowing who to trust among the group.

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ (2007–2025)

The ninth season of this restaurant renovation series aired in 2025 and featured Gordon Ramsay helping failing establishments. Ramsay identified issues with food quality and sanitation and management before implementing a complete overhaul. The show documented the emotional journeys of the owners as they fought to save their livelihoods. Each episode provided a look at the final results and whether the restaurant was able to maintain the new standards.

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

The sixteenth season of this real estate series premiered in 2025 and followed top agents as they handled luxury properties. The episodes showcased some of the most expensive homes in California and the intense negotiations required to close a deal. The agents balanced their competitive professional lives with personal milestones and family obligations. The show continued to attract viewers interested in high end architecture and the world of luxury sales.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–2025)

The twenty-first season of this dating franchise aired in 2025 and followed one woman as she searched for a husband. A group of men competed for her attention through various romantic outings and hometown visits. The season was filled with emotional moments and difficult decisions as the lead narrowed the field of suitors. The journey concluded with a final proposal and the hope of a lasting relationship.

‘Project Runway’ (2004–2025)

The twenty-first season of this iconic fashion competition premiered in 2025 with a new group of talented designers. The contestants faced weekly challenges that tested their creativity and technical skills under strict time constraints. A panel of judges evaluated the garments on the runway and decided who would be eliminated each week. The season culminated in a final show during fashion week where the winner was selected to receive a career launching prize package.

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