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!
Finding quality reality TV can prove difficult for cable cutters, since much of it still airs live. 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 20 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 20 most addictive reality shows on Netflix.
20. 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. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: The Big Flower Fight (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
19. 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 some stuff in there (if you know what I mean) and learn to love without the bodily fun they're used to. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Entertainment Writer
How to watch: Too Hot to Handle is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
18. 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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).
17. Perfect Match
The supreme 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 places 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.(opens in a new tab)
16. 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 (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).
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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).(opens in a new tab)
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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).
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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).
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 (aka, 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. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Floor Is Lava (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
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 win. The catch? Someone in the game is "the mole," a double agent secretly working to sabotage the group. The tension is high with none of the participants trusting 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.(opens in a new tab)
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 (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
9. 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 (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
8. 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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
7. 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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
6. 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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
5. 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(opens in a new tab), also on Netflix. — A.F.
How to watch: Death by Magic(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
4. 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 (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
3. Physical: 100
What is the perfect physique? That's the question Netflix's Physical: 100 aims to answer in this survival of the fittest reality show where 100 of the strongest people in South Korea compete. From bodybuilders to gymnasts to Olympic athletes, participants are put to the test through grueling competitions that include wrestling, races, and endurance challenges. Physical: 100 is a package of pure adrenaline, with each episode bringing on more animalistic heat and cliff-hangers that beg you to binge. It's almost like watching gladiators fight in a colosseum, with one lone victor claiming a cash prize and eternal bragging rights. I guarantee that you'll never feel bored when watching this show. — Y.H.
How to watch: Physical: 100 is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
2. 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 (opens in a new tab)is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
1. 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(opens in a new tab) is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
UPDATE: Mar. 24, 2023, 5:01 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming options.
