Do you want to watch people fall in love? Maybe you need to see folks fall off of stuff? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you're in the right place! Luckily, Netflix has a huge selection of reality programs ripe for the time-wasting.
From Physical: 100 to Too Hot to Handle, here are the other 30 most binge-worthy reality shows now streaming on Netflix.
Note: All cooking shows (yes, including The Great British Baking Show) have been excluded on the basis that if we had included any of them, they would have to make up at least 10 entries. You can check out our favorite Netflix cooking shows here. We're also not listing any docuseries, because that isn't "reality TV."
Now, with those caveats out of the way, here are the 30 most addictive reality shows on Netflix.
30. Dubai Bling
Like many of Netflix's other Bling series, Dubai Bling follows a group of millionaires residing in the biggest mansions, driving the sexiest sports cars, and taking Dubai by storm one $500,000 bill at a time. Sure, the drama is ridiculously out of touch — how dare anyone NOT show up to a Mother's Day brunch dressed to the nines?! — but nonetheless the who-said-what and who-hates-who of Dubai Bling makes for some top-notch reality TV viewing. Enjoy the mess. Enjoy the money. Eat up the drama. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: Dubai Bling is now streaming on Netflix.
29. Zombieverse
In this South Korean reality/variety show, a group of unwitting participants are tricked into believing that they're in a zombie apocalypse. Yes, every person you see on the show seemingly believes that they're being attacked by zombies and must save themselves. Now, is it likely that Zombieverse's contestants are aware of the ruse? Absolutely. But does that hinder any part of the show? Absolutely not. To truly enjoy Zombieverse, you have to suspend your disbelief and wholeheartedly let yourself join in on the low-stakes screaming, shrieking fun. Every participant is comedic gold. Their acceptance of imminent "death" in the face of the walking dead is top-notch entertainment. And you'll be begging to be on the show yourself — it looks that fun. — Y.H.
How to watch: Zombieverse is now streaming on Netflix.
28. Snowflake Mountain
What happens when you plop a bunch of entitled young adults in the middle of the wilderness? You get Snowflake Mountain. As a fellow Gen Z'er, this show made me cringe at my generational comrades. But when you look past the whining, brattiness, and complete lack of even the most basic survival skills, you'll find a show that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt. Come to watch a bunch of rich kids figure out what a tree is, and stay for the surprising lessons on humanity along the way. — Y.H.
How to watch: Snowflake Mountain is now streaming on Netflix.
27. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo says it best in a Season 1 episode of Tidying Up: "I love mess." More precisely, she loves creating order out of that mess. Watching Kondo arrive in the houses of some extremely disorganized people and generate harmony from their piles of junk is not only psychologically pleasing, it might even inspire viewers to make some changes in their own lives. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is now streaming on Netflix.
26. The Ultimatum: Queer Love
The Ultimatum: Queer Love is a queer-centric spinoff of The Ultimatum that follows the same format as the original show: Young couples with conflicting opinions on marriage are forced to make a decision on whether or not they still want to be together after an eight-week trial tests their commitment to each other. By the end of those eight weeks, the couples can either stay together, break up, or (gasp) couple up with someone else featuring on the show. The Ultimatum: Queer Love is arguably a first for Netflix for featuring an all-queer cast made up of women and non-binary people. And if you're in the mood for drama, trust me, this show delivers it splendidly — you will scream at your TV. — Y.H.
How to watch: The Ultimatum: Queer Love is now streaming on Netflix.
25. The Big Flower Fight
You ever want to zone out and look at a bunch of nice flowers? The Big Flower Fight is the show for you. Ten florists/garden artists compete in a series of whimsical trials that test their ability to make something beautiful into something even more beautiful, which is just as calming and aesthetically satisfying as it sounds. (And it's cohosted by Natasia Demetriou, who is brilliant in What We Do in the Shadows and Stath Lets Flats.) — A.F.
How to watch: The Big Flower Fight is now streaming on Netflix.
24. The Casketeers
A reality show centering on husband and wife Francis and Kaiora Tipene, The Casketeers records the challenges and rewards that come with owning a small business — in this case, a funeral home. Turns out, Tipene Funerals, located in New Zealand, is a hotbed for drama, antics, and spectacular combinations of the two. Surprisingly lively and respectful of the deceased people featured, The Casketeers is a reality universe that will suck you in for the long haul. — A.F.
How to watch: The Casketeers is now streaming on Netflix.
23. Too Hot to Handle
What happens when you put a bunch of hot, horny singles in a villa and enforce a sex ban? Absolute chaos. Too Hot to Handle aims to change its wild singles by showing them there's more to a relationship than physical intimacy. And just in case you thought the task was impossible, the show has a big punishment — any sexy misstep will result in a massive deduction from the cash prize. The stakes are high in this not-so-steamy show, as participants struggle to keep things rated PG in paradise. — Y.H.
How to watch: Too Hot to Handle is now streaming on Netflix.
22. Amazing Interiors
Seemingly based on the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover," Netflix's Amazing Interiors visits unassuming buildings that hide spectacular secrets. From a house that doubles as an aquarium to a steampunk wonderland, the locations featured in this show are as breathtaking as they are memorable. Each episode runs a little under a half hour, making this the perfect background noise or pre-bed show to bring into your home. As a bonus, check out Interior Design Masters, a British competition series that tasks 10 artists with reimagining commercial spaces like restaurants, model homes, and storefronts. The winner walks away with a high-profile commercial contract to redesign a bar at a London hotel. — A.F.
How to watch: Amazing Interiors is now streaming on Netflix.
21. Say I Do
The term "surprise wedding" sounds like a complete nightmare, but Say I Do makes the idea of proposing, planning, and springing a wedding on one's significant other in less than a week seem like the peak of romance. Part of the show's charm comes from its uplifting message — that true love deserves to be celebrated in all forms — and the rest comes from its amazing three-man panel of experts who create marriage magic for the adorable couples. Grab a pack of tissues and watch the love unfold. — A.F.
How to watch: Say I Do is now streaming on Netflix.
20. Old Enough!
The perfect antidote for any of life's troubles is watching small toddlers run errands in Old Enough! This Japanese reality series sends young children, ages 2 to 5, out into the world to help their parents by performing simple tasks, like running to the store to buy groceries. It's a simple premise with high emotional stakes. Seriously, you'll get so invested in these youngsters' journeys that you'll cry whenever they return successfully. Reality TV has reached ultimate cuteness. Nothing else compares. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Old Enough! is now streaming on Netflix.
19. Perfect Match
The reality version of an all-stars spinoff, Perfect Match brings in fan favorites from several Netflix reality shows — including Too Hot to Handle, Love Is Blind, and The Circle — and drops them all in a swanky villa to find love. Whoever finds their perfect match on the show is a winner, and whoever's still single by the end of the evening gets the boot. The drama is real in Perfect Match, where coupling means survival and no one is off limits so long as they're your type on paper. Steamy poolside conversations and relentless backstabbing? Sign me up. — Y.H.
How to watch: Perfect Match is now streaming on Netflix.
18. Big Brother
Although its true brilliance shines in its earlier seasons, Big Brother remains a staple of reality TV, if not an incredible background show after a day's work. The show's premise is simple: A group of contestants live together in a remote home, cut off from contact with the outside world, with cameras monitoring their every move.
Each week, a contestant is evicted from the home based on a multitude of factors, from their popularity to how well they did in that week's game competitions. Whoever's the last remaining contestant wins a cash prize of $500,000 (now $750,000 in recent seasons), but the rules of Big Brother are honestly a moot point. The real fun in the show is the DRAMA. From the secret hookups to the spontaneous breakups, the betrayal to the strategizing, the piping-hot tea each episode is oh, so satisfying. — Y.H.
How to watch: Big Brother is now streaming on Netflix.
17. Ultimate Beastmaster
A zanier take on NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Beastmaster pits international athletes against one of the hardest obstacle courses ever constructed. Then, they face each other.
In every episode, the competitor with the highest score is named "The Beast." Then, at the season's end, nine Beasts compete on a new course to become [insert intense techno music] THE BEASTMASTER. With commentary featuring tons of spectacular hosts from across the globe, Ultimate Beastmaster is essentially the Olympics of reality TV — if the Olympics were pretty dumb. — A.F.
How to watch: Ultimate Beastmaster is now streaming on Netflix.
16. Last Chance U
For young, talented football players hoping to make it to Division I or the NFL but who found themselves in a bit of trouble, a handful of junior colleges in the United States offer them a last chance to turn their lives around and put them on a path to success. Last Chance U focuses on a few different junior college football programs, primarily East Mississippi Community College, and the players who have found themselves there.
Each season focuses on a year of a school's program and gives us an in-depth look at these kids who either couldn't get into DI schools or were kicked out for one reason or another. Sometimes it's because of their grades, other times it's issues with the law. It's an intimate look at some of the least-privileged youth in America getting an opportunity to make it to the top. —A.F.
How to watch: Last Chance U is now streaming on Netflix.
15. Next in Fashion
Next in Fashion takes the fashion-focused competition popularized by Project Runway and throws the curveballs out the window, allowing designers to focus on creating their best outfits possible without anything to hold them back. The designers themselves all have strong backgrounds, although they aren't quite household names. And they're competing to win $250,000 and a retail deal.
In the latest season, hosts Tan France and Gigi Hadid bring a fun dose of humor to this series, which highlights inclusive fashion. With two 10-episode seasons, Next in Fashion is an easy binge for a lazy weekend. — A.F.
How to watch: Next in Fashion is now streaming on Netflix.
14. The Circle
A social media competition that starts boring and ends batshit, The Circle is an acquired taste.
Split into 12 episodes, this blend of Fox Reality's Solitary and MTV's Catfish tasks contestants with winning over strangers through a platform called The Circle. They can play as themselves or play as someone else; all that matters is gaining influence and inching closer to that $100,000 prize. — A.F.
How to watch: The Circle is now streaming on Netflix.
13. Dating Around
Netflix's first original dating show may be packaged in romantic cinematography, but make no mistake: Dating Around can get just as dramatic as ABC's The Bachelor.
Contestants — diverse in age, race, and sexuality, but universally unlucky in love — head out for a night in New York City. Each participant goes on an identical date (all eat at the same restaurant, go to the same bar, etc.), and focuses on sparking a connection with the episode's eligible bachelor or bachelorette. There are intimate conversations, surprising accusations, and lots of awkward pauses. You'll fall in love. — A.F.
How to watch: Dating Around is now streaming on Netflix.
12. Floor Is Lava
Floor Is Lava is stupid fun — emphasis on stupid. Netflix puts a Legend of the Temple spin on Wipe Out in this show, which pits teams against themed obstacle courses. The twist? The obstacles are submerged in lava (well, orange water). Once you fall in, you're out. Is it high art? Absolutely not. Is it a fun watch if you need to kill some time? You bet your butt it is. — B.E.
How to watch: Floor Is Lava is now streaming on Netflix.
11. The Mole
Netflix's reboot of the beloved original show is as exhilarating and suspenseful as you'd hope. In The Mole, a group of strangers work together to earn money that only one of them will get to take home. The catch? Someone in the game is "the mole," a double agent secretly working to sabotage the group. The tension is sky high, both because of the challenges and because (quite understandably!) none of the participants trust each other. And, at the end of each day, the group is forced to answer questions about who they think the mole is, with whoever's furthest from the truth being sent home. It's brutal. It's callous. And it's such great TV. — Y.H.
How to watch: The Mole is now streaming on Netflix.
10. The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is trashy reality TV of the highest order. Each of the show's six main couples is facing the same dilemma: One partner wants to get married, and the other has doubts. Now, with the help of Love Is Blind's Nick and Vanessa Lachey, these 12 people will test their commitments to each other... by breaking up and choosing new partners. Honestly, it's a train wreck disguised as an experiment to find your true love. But you know what they say about train wrecks: You can't look away. And you certainly can't look away from the mess that is The Ultimatum. — B.E.
How to watch: The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is now streaming on Netflix.
9. Blown Away
In the back-breaking world of glass arts, the stakes couldn't be higher. One wrong move and an award-winning masterpiece can become worthless shards. For the competitors in Blown Away, the pressure is on to nail weekly challenges and progress closer to the coveted title of "Best in Glass." There's screaming, there's crying, and there's a whole bunch of people casually saying "glory hole," all next to a 2,000-degree furnace. — A.F.
How to watch: Blown Away is now streaming on Netflix.
8. Fastest Car
Man, f*ck the rich. In this Netflix auto-racing series, owners of luxury supercars go up against "sleeper cars" (older models improved by skilled gearheads) in a quarter-mile race for a chance at the season championship.
It's high speed and high intrigue, as viewers guess which racer will reign supreme. Trust me when I say, even if you're not "into" racing, nothing beats a 1992 Honda Civic stomping a Lamborghini. — A.F.
How to watch: Fastest Car is now streaming on Netflix.
7. Rhythm + Flow
Netflix's first original music competition show is basically American Idol, but waaay more badass.
Celebrity judges T.I., Chance the Rapper, and Cardi B (with help from guests including Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled, and Ty Dolla $ign) scout the cities of Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago in hopes of discovering raw talent in the world of hip hop. The criticism is excellent, albeit occasionally vicious, and the good performances are really, really good.
Buckle up, pick a favorite, and see who wins the $250,000 grand prize. — A.F.
How to watch: Rhythm + Flow is now streaming on Netflix.
6. Death by Magic
Magician Drummond Money-Coutts (aka "DMC") takes his job very seriously. An escape artist with decades of experience, DMC knows all too well how stunts and tricks can go wrong. In his Netflix series Death by Magic, the daredevil illusionist takes on feats with a proven track record of killing those who attempt them. The result is a fist-clenching, teeth-grinding fiasco as utterly nerve-racking as it is impressive.
Not interested in watching a dude almost die? You can also check out former Cupcake Wars host Justin Willman's show Magic for Humans, also on Netflix. — A.F.
How to watch: Death by Magic is now streaming on Netflix.
5. Love Is Blind
Love Is Blind combines the best of Dating in the Dark, Bachelor in Paradise, and Married at First Sight with just a sprinkle of Trading Spaces and Say Yes to the Dress.
As hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey explain, the matchmaking experiment begins with a pool of contestants getting to know each other via "pods," adjoining rooms where they can talk to their hearts' content but never see who they're dating. If they agree to get engaged, the participants are allowed to meet face-to-face — where both their personalities and appearances can shine. Then, mayhem ensues. Weddings are planned, hearts are broken, and dental hygiene is discussed. Swoon. — A.F.
How to watch: Love Is Blind is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Physical: 100
What is the perfect physique? That's the question this survival-of-the-fittest show aims to answer. From bodybuilders to gymnasts and Olympic athletes, 100 participants are put to the test in grueling physical competitions that range from wrestling and racing to endurance challenges. Physical: 100 is made of pure adrenaline; it's like watching gladiators fight in a colosseum, with one lone victor claiming a cash prize and eternal bragging rights. — Y.H.
How to watch: Physical: 100 is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Bling Empire
Billed as the reality show version of Crazy Rich Asians, Bling Empire delivers on the glitz and glamour of its wealthy subjects by offering a peek into their opulent lives. Pool parties, trips to Europe, shopping sprees, and closets to die for are typical rich people reality show standards. Yet Bling Empire's charming cast keeps this show a cut above the rest. — A.F.
How to watch: Bling Empire is now streaming on Netflix.
2. Awake: The Million Dollar Game
So, a whole bunch of people count quarters for 24 hours. Thousands and thousands of dollars worth of quarters. No paper, no pen, no breaks, no naps. Then, the competition begins.
In Awake: The Million Dollar Game, these sleep-deprived contestants must take part in Minute to Win It-style challenges designed to exploit their exhaustion. (As an example, in Episode 1, participants are tasked with chugging frozen drinks because sleep deprivation makes you more sensitive to temperature.) There are a dozen caveats round to round, made 10 times more spectacular by just how tired everyone is. Logic goes out the window. Coordination is a no-show, and emotional stability is mixed.
Just...watch this. Episodes are 40 minutes. It'll change your life. You're welcome. — A.F.
How to watch: Awake: The Million Dollar Game is now streaming on Netflix.
1. Hack My Home
If you're a fan of ingenious interior design, Hack My Home is right up your alley. Informed by the ways the pandemic has changed how we exist at home, Hack My Home sees a group of four brilliant designers teaming up to help reinvent someone's living space. The key here is that Hack My Home isn't just about making a participant's house prettier, it's about maximizing their space to its fullest potential — and trust me, you'll be in awe when you see how they can transform a single room. If you ever thought a living room was just a living room, think again, because Hack My Home's designers have at least 10 different ways to change it into the pantry/office space/playroom of your dreams. — Y.H.
How to watch: Hack My Home is now streaming on Netflix.
UPDATE: Aug. 18, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming options.
Topics Netflix Streaming Watch Guides
