The words of Sylvia Plath, Oscar Wilde, and Emily Dickinson represent a past generation, while the music of John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix symbolize a different era. And now, the voices on reality television shows like Too Hot to Handle, 90 Day Fiancé, and Love is Blind define our current generation. With our advancements and enlightened worldview, we have created cultural touch points such as the “boom boom room” and “the duck phone.” We spend countless hours watching attractive individuals attempt to resist temptation in exchange for a large sum of money. Reality television has become an endlessly renewable resource, featuring shows about marriage, divorce, finding love, and dating multiple people. We have witnessed the lives of hot individuals, housewives, plastic surgeons, deckhands, hoarders, and residents of New Jersey. Camera crews have traveled to every corner of the world, turning us into constant consumers of attention. The impact of reality television on modern society cannot be measured, but it is undoubtedly significant. We have even adopted phrases from Love Island UK into our everyday conversations, proving the power of reality television. So, for those who believe they were born in the wrong generation, we invite you to recognize our achievements and what we have created together. Embrace it. Now, let’s take a look at the latest and most anticipated reality shows of the year.
1. Too Hot to Handle season 5 – The new season of this spicy show has landed on Netflix, promising more twists and six-packs than ever before. Watch Now.
2. The Golden Bachelor – After years of speculation, ABC finally brings us The Bachelor for the “elderly.” The first “Golden Bachelor,” Gerry Turner, is far from elderly and looking for love among a pool of women aged 65 and older. Premieres on September 1.
3. Love Island USA season 5 – Hosted by Sarah Hyland and exclusively streaming on Peacock, the fifth season of Love Island USA premiered in July. Watch Now.
4. The Kardashians season 3 – The finale of season three is here, allowing you to binge-watch all ten episodes in one day. Follow the sisters through fashion feuds, medical scares, and business deals. Watch Now.
5. Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake – If you miss Lu and Sonja on the newest RHONY season, don’t worry. They are back on the screen in the small town of Benton, Illinois, attempting to “spruce up the town.” Watch Now.
6. Vanderpump Rules season 10 – The latest season of Vanderpump Rules brought maximum drama and attracted a massive viewership. The cast has already started filming for season eleven. Watch Now.
7. Drag Me to Dinner – Hosted by Murray Hill and featuring judges like Bianca Del Rio, David Burtka, and Neil Patrick Harris, this new competition show on Hulu brings together drag artists from across the country. They have 90 minutes to throw a themed celebration and compete for the ultimate prize, the Glorious Golden Grater. Watch Now.
8. Real Housewives of Atlanta season 15 – The latest season premiered in May and is nearing its finale, which means it’s almost time for the reunion. Season fifteen welcomes back all the familiar names plus two new additions. Watch Now.
9. Real Housewives of New York City season 14 – Bravo introduced an entirely new cast for the fourteenth season, featuring names like former J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons. Get to know the new housewives of New York. Watch Now.
10. The Bachelorette season 20 – Premiering in June on ABC, this season stars fan favorite Charity Lawson, a veteran from Zach Shallcross’ Bachelor season. Catch up before the finale airs on August 21. Watch Now.
11. Love Is Blind season 5 – Prepare yourself for the return of everyone’s favorite Netflix series in September. And don’t worry, season six is already in the works. Catch up on season four now.
12. The Ultimatum: Queer Love – This year, The Ultimatum came back with an all-queer, mostly female cast, bringing as much drama as the first season. Hosted by Joanna Garcia Swisher. Watch Now.
13. MILF Manor – TLC’s latest crime-themed reality show invites eight mother-son pairs to a Love Island-style villa, resulting in plenty of Freudian chaos. Stream the entire first season and call your mom. Watch Now.
14. The Traitors – This murder mystery reality competition stars 20 former reality show contestants and is hosted by Alan Cumming. Look out for familiar faces like former Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr., Below Deck’s Kate Chastain, and Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte. Binge the first season while waiting for season two. Watch Now.
15. RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 – This season kicked off with a bang and features the largest cast competing for the biggest cash prize in Drag Race history. Stream the entire season to avoid spoilers. Watch Now.
16. Bling Empire: New York – Dorothy Wang moves from Los Angeles to New York in this spinoff from the hit Netflix series Bling Empire. Join her and six other affluent New Yorkers as they navigate the world of the ultra-rich. Watch Now.
17. Darcey & Stacey season 4 – The 90 Day Fiancé alums return with the fourth season of their spin-off show, featuring sister feuds, wedding plans, and matchmaking services. Watch Now.
18. Perfect Match – This new Netflix series brings together fan-favorite reality show contestants from Too Hot to Handle, Love is Blind, and The Circle. Set in a villa, the series is hosted by Nick Lachey. Watch Now.
That concludes the list of the newest and most highly anticipated reality shows of the year. Enjoy the endless entertainment that reality television has to offer!