Reality TV Shows to Binge in Self-Quarantine
If you know me, you know I love the bachelor. Every Monday night, you’ll find me on the couch yelling at my TV screen as The Bachelor star Peter Weber says, yet again, “I don’t know… I just don’t know.” But after his season ended--with the winning contestant getting yelled at by The Bachelor’s mom on national television and the couple breaking up two days later-- it’s time for me to venture into different reality shows to keep me entertained during this time of isolation. Here are my favorite reality TV shows, available on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Love is Blind (Netflix)
The dating show where the contestants are in quarantine. Contestants talk for five minutes in isolated pods then decide if they want to get engaged. After establishing a “solid” emotional connection, they get an all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico, where they can develop their physical relationship. Thirty days later they get married. Sound like a super stable relationship that will definitely last in the real world? You’ll just have to watch and find out! Season 1 on Netflix.
Cheer (Netflix)
If you thought cheerleading was all about pom-poms and screaming “go team” at football games, you are mistaken. Watch the fierce Navarro Cheer team battle injuries, drama, and their intense coach Monica as they try to win nationals for the third time. Beware: La’Darius is a full mood. Season 1 on Netflix.
Tidying up with Marie Kondo (Netflix)
We have a lot of time on our hands. I mean a lot. So what better way to spend that time than tidying up? Well, Marie Kondo is the Queen of Organization™ — from her strategies on rolling clothes to strict rules about only keeping items that spark joy. You’ll watch homes transformed from complete pigsties to organized havens. Stimulate the OCD within. Season 1 on Netflix.
Love Island UK (Hulu)
Although I haven’t had the chance to binge Love Island, senior Libby Bass is a superfan describing it as “a British trash reality tv about fake relationships, stupid games, and winning money for doing absolutely nothing... And it’s AMAZING! 10/10 would watch all the time. Also, there is a Scottish commentator, who makes fun of everyone, including himself.” Seasons 1-6 on Hulu.
Keeping Up With The Kardashians (Hulu)
Nothing can get better than the infamous Kim and Khloe brawls. I mean who doesn’t want to watch 42 minutes of rich, famous people sitting around their marble countertops eating salads? Oh wait, you can’t miss out on Kim losing her diamond earring, Kris going full mom-ager on everyone, and Scott having a breakdown basically every episode. All 17 seasons are available now on Hulu.
America’s Next Top Model (Amazon Prime)
Young, up-and-coming models are crowded together into a house and compete with each other to become the best in the eyes of runway queen, Tyra Banks (and the rest of the judges, but obviously she’s the most important). While there is no shortage of drama (I mean putting a bunch of 19-year-old models together in close quarters is bound to cause some friction), it’s also really cool to catch a glimpse behind the scenes of the modeling industry as well as the stunning prints that come out each week. Binge seasons 1-14 free on Amazon Prime.
The Amazing Race (Amazon Prime)
This show is pure heart racing, blood boiling entertainment. Pairs compete by traveling around the world to different cities and competing in challenges at each location. Whether they’re making an authentic meal in India or traveling without a GPS across Sweden, these contestants must prove resilience and determination to be the first to cross the finish line. Seasons 1-29 are available free with Amazon Prime.
And last but not least, my personal favorite…
The Bachelor (Netflix, Hulu)
The best reality show out there (you already know). 30 women are put into a huge mansion where they compete for the love of the dreamy bachelor. Although of the 24 running seasons of the show only 3 couples are still together, there’s a fair share of screaming, tears, and dramatic two-on-ones to thoroughly make up for it. Season 1 on Netflix, Season 24 on Hulu.
