The 15 Best Celebrity Reality TV Shows, Ranked
Celebrity reality TV is all about big personalities letting the cameras tag along. Some shows drop famous faces into wild competitions. Others invite you into their homes and let you watch the messy, funny, very human parts of their lives. Either way, it is comfort viewing with a front row seat to fame.
This list counts down a mix of competition series and fly on the wall favorites. We looked at the shows fans rate most highly and then lined them up so you can jump straight to the good stuff. Settle in, pick a vibe, and start binging.
‘I Am Cait’ (2015–2016)
Caitlyn Jenner documents a major life transition with honesty and thoughtful conversations. The series blends personal moments with broader discussions that mattered to many viewers.
What stands out is the mix of education and empathy. It invites you to listen, learn, and see the person behind the headlines.
‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (2007–2021)
The Kardashian Jenner family opened the door to a brand that would change pop culture. You watch businesses grow, relationships shift, and a media empire take shape.
Love it or roll your eyes at it, the show’s influence is undeniable. It set the tone for a generation of celebrity reality and kept people talking for years.
‘The Anna Nicole Show’ (2002–2004)
Anna Nicole Smith lets viewers into a whirlwind life that swings from glamorous to offbeat in a heartbeat. The humor is broad, the moments are big, and you never quite know what is next.
Beneath the spectacle there are flashes of vulnerability that stick with you. It is a bold snapshot of early 2000s celebrity culture.
‘The Simple Life’ (2003–2007)
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie leave the bubble and try blue collar jobs with mixed results and many laughs. The fish out of water setup is simple, which lets the personalities carry the day.
Episodes work like little sketches. The pair lean into the bit, the townspeople play along, and you get a breezy watch.
‘Brooke Knows Best’ (2008–2009)
Fresh out on her own, Brooke Hogan tests her independence with music dreams, roommates, and the occasional parental drop in. It is classic mid 2000s reality with a pop star twist.
The episodes move fast and keep things light. If you enjoy quick drama that resolves by the tag, this hits the spot.
‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’ (2003–2005)
Pop stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson figure out married life on camera, from grocery runs to music tours. The setup is intimate and relatable in a way that feels very of its time.
The show thrives on small misunderstandings that become running jokes. It is light, playful, and cozy.
‘Gene Simmons: Family Jewels’ (2006–2012)
The KISS legend trades stadiums for school runs and home projects, and the result is surprisingly sweet. You get rock star antics alongside everyday parenting moments, which is a fun split screen.
The family dynamic carries the show. When big personalities meet normal problems, the reactions are as entertaining as any concert.
‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010– )
Affluent friends navigate shifting alliances, busy businesses, and unforgettable dinner parties. It is glossy, dramatic, and endlessly quotable for a reason.
The cast changes over time, but the formula keeps delivering. You get luxury, loyalty tests, and enough shade to fuel a group chat.
‘Run’s House’ (2005–2009)
Rev Run of Run DMC opens the door to family life, faith, and a busy household where love and gentle ribbing rule. It is wholesome without being bland, and it still finds room for sly humor.
The show shines when the family solves small problems together and celebrates little wins. You leave each episode feeling lighter.
‘Total Bellas’ (2016–2021)
WWE twins Nikki and Brie juggle careers, relationships, and family growth while letting you see the work behind the glam. Training days sit right next to vulnerable life updates, which keeps it personal.
It hits hardest when it shows the sisters pushing one another to level up. You come for the wrestling world and stay for the bond.
‘The Osbournes’ (2002–2005)
Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly invite cameras into a home that is equal parts chaos and charm. Pets run wild, jokes fly, and the family rhythm is strangely soothing once you settle in.
The show helped define celebrity reality as we know it. Even today, its mix of mayhem and tenderness still lands.
‘Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List’ (2005–2010)
Kathy Griffin works every angle of Hollywood with fierce hustle and even fiercer punch lines. The access is great, but the commentary is even better, since she never misses a chance to poke fun at showbiz.
Her family and team become part of the bit, which gives the series a lived in warmth. It plays like a smart diary of a grinding comic on the move.
‘Rob & Big’ (2006–2008)
Pro skater Rob Dyrdek and his best friend Big Black turn everyday life into a stream of goofy adventures. The stakes are small, the laughs are big, and their friendship is the heart of every episode.
From bulldog shenanigans to half baked missions around Los Angeles, it is the rare celeb show that feels genuinely joyful. You just want to hang out with them.
‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ (2012–2019)
Jerry Seinfeld picks a cool car, scoops up a celebrity, and goes for a coffee chat that feels like a casual hang. The episodes are breezy and the guests are heavy hitters, which keeps the conversations lively and warm.
The cars are candy for gearheads, but the real draw is watching famous friends relax and tell stories. It is easy to let a few episodes roll without even noticing.
‘Taskmaster’ (2015– )
Five celebrities tackle ridiculous challenges with a straight face while a dry host hands out points and petty judgments. The tasks look simple until you realize there is always a twist, which is half the fun and all the chaos.
What makes it sing is the chemistry. Comics and actors try to outsmart one another, then crumble in the studio when their plans fall apart. It is inventive, silly, and the good kind of unhinged.
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