'The Girls Next Door' star Hugh Hefner poses with Kendra Wilkinson, Bridget Marquardt, and Holly Madison at the Playboy Mansion.
TV

Lowest-rated reality TV shows of all time

May 26, 2021
Carlo Allegri // Getty Images

Lowest-rated reality TV shows of all time

Reality television, launched in its current incarnation by MTV's "The Real World," is one of the most incoherent-yet-illuminating creations of the last quarter-century. From "Real Housewives" to "Tiger King"—the most popular reality series three times over during quarantine—contemporary reality TV runs the gamut of feel-good to downright dramatic.

We are a country that happily overshares details of our personal lives on social media and captures virtually everything on camera. Our obsession with watching other people live their lives has, in some cases, created bizarre distortions of the world by offering altered views of what business, relationships, and competition really are.

Stacker analyzed IMDb data to compile a list of the lowest-rated reality TV series since the genre's inception, focusing on shows with more than 1,000 IMDb votes. The shows range from the fairly harmless to the downright morally disastrous— along with a few that are so bad they just might be good. Keep reading to see if any of your guilty pleasures made the list.

#100. Criss Angel Mindfreak

- IMDb user rating: 5.8
- Years on the air: 2005–2010

Criss Angel first appeared on TV in 1994 on ABC's "Secrets." "Midfreak," which ran on A&E, follows Angel as he performs street magic and illusion-based public stunts. He wrapped up his Vegas show, "Mindfreak Live," in 2018 after more than 4,000 shows.

#99. Undercover Boss

- IMDb user rating: 5.8
- Years on the air: 2010–present

In case the world needed more reasons not to trust upper management, each episode of "Undercover Boss" features a higher-up posing as an entry-level worker to experience how the other side lives and works. Each episode ends with the boss absorbing tough-earned lessons about how workers could be treated better.

#98. America's Got Talent

- IMDb user rating: 5.8
- Years on the air: 2006–present

Another competition show from the mind of "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, "America's Got Talent" is a talent show in the same format. The show winnows the giant pool of contestants down to a small cadre by the time the live shows start. By the finale, the judges and fan voters must decide whose odd talent deserves the grand prize. This is the only show where a martial artist and a dog trainer have both won $1 million.

#97. My Strange Addiction

- IMDb user rating: 5.7
- Years on the air: 2010–2015

"My Strange Addiction" was released in 2010 and tells stories of people with wild obsessions like licking cats and getting stung by bees thousands of times. One can surely find a better way to spend their time than listening to someone trying to overcome their affinity for eating deodorant sticks.

#96. Gene Simmons: Family Jewels

- IMDb user rating: 5.7
- Years on the air: 2006–2012

Much of television is derivative, but the derivation feels especially obvious in the reality genre. "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels" is a slightly tawdrier version of "The Osbournes." The magic of "The Osbournes'" first season was that Ozzy and his family seemed real. As you can imagine from a man who wore face paint throughout his career, "Family Jewels" does not feel like an unvarnished look at the life in the Simmons home.

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#95. 100 Humans: Life's Questions. Answered.

- IMDb user rating: 5.7
- Years on the air: 2020–present

Wonder what questions 100 humans could pose to create a reality television show? "100 Humans: Life's Questions. Answered." explores everything from the best age to be alive to how to be happy. The Netflix show creates experiments to find answers to the mysteries of being human. Socrates would not be a fan.

#94. Pimp My Ride

- IMDb user rating: 5.7
- Years on the air: 2004–2007

"Pimp My Ride" elaborately renovated cars that didn't look as though they could pass an emissions test. Lead by rapper Xzibit, the customizations installed weren't what you'd expect to be offered at the dealership, and ranged from wildly impractical to outright dysfunctional. Oh, you like fish—how would you like to drive a car with five exotic fish tanks shaped like a branzino?

#93. Fear Factor

- IMDb user rating: 5.7
- Years on the air: 2001–2012

After the mega-success of CBS's "Survivor," which forced regular people to go through extreme conditions for the chance to win $1 million, NBC launched "Fear Factor," which made regular people eat inedible food and complete scary stunts for money. While "Survivor" was an intricate enough game to create a whole world of social strategy, "Fear Factor" was more about host Joe Rogan encouraging people to eat worms. In 2011, the network brought the show back for a short-lived run after being off the air for several years.

#92. You've Been Framed!

- IMDb user rating: 5.6
- Years on the air: 1990–present

In the same spirit of "America's Funniest Videos," "You've Been Framed!" is the British version of wacky accidents filmed by ordinary people. The show is seen through Harry Hill's perspective, which reinforces the sentiment that laughter is the best medicine—especially when someone else is screwing up.

#91. American Gladiators

- IMDb user rating: 5.6
- Years on the air: 2008–2010

The original "American Gladiators" that ran from 1989 to 1996 was bad, but also incredible—with plenty of Spandex and bad haircuts. The reboot, hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali, was considered redundant. Earnest '80s/'90s culture is intriguing; adding any contrivance to a show already overrun with well-oiled artifice becomes hard to watch.

#90. Say Yes to the Dress

- IMDb user rating: 5.6
- Years on the air: 2007–present

Some say it was President Eisenhower who first warned us about the wedding industrial complex. Unfortunately, we didn't heed the words Ike possibly said, and now every element of a wedding has been turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment with a bill to match. "Say Yes to the Dress" lets audiences watch a bride pick her dream dress for her big day: We see what she thinks would work, how wrong she usually is, and how hard it is to convince Grandma to let her show a little skin.

#89. The Osbournes

- IMDb user rating: 5.6
- Years on the air: 2002–2005

Right as Pat Boone's crooning cover of "Crazy Train" came on at the beginning of this MTV reality show, it was clear "The Osbournes" would be a special television program. The show followed the domestic-ish life of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The rest of the Osbourne family—his wife Sharon, and his two punk kids Jack and Kelly—is equally as entertaining. The family's other daughter, Aimee, declined to be a part of the show. The Osbournes were a bit like a strung-out, technicolored, cuddly version of the Sopranos.

#88. Teens React

- IMDb user rating: 5.5
- Years on the air: 2011–present

"Teens React" is a subset of a YouTube series that has different-aged people react to pieces of pop culture. In this version, people older than 12 and younger than 20 react to topics including movies, viral videos, and presidential debates. "Teens React to Game of Thrones" has more than 4.7 million views.

#87. Ax Men

- IMDb user rating: 5.5
- Years on the air: 2008–present

Another entry in the genre of unique jobs reality TV, "Ax Men" follows logging crews in America's northwest and southeast forests. As is always the case, the show focuses on the rugged men who do the work, and the dangers they face. In 2016, Gabe Rygaard, who frequently appeared on the series, was killed in a car accident.

#86. Vanderpump Rules

- IMDb user rating: 5.5
- Years on the air: 2013–present

This Bravo series follows struggling actors and models who work at a West Hollywood restaurant owned by Lisa Vanderpump from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." One of the keys to reality television is the right blend of eccentric protagonists and believability—but the actors' acting falls short on "Vanderpump Rules."

#85. LA Ink

- IMDb user rating: 5.5
- Years on the air: 2007–present

This TLC reality show is a spin-off of a similarly lackluster tattoo shop reality series, "Miami Ink." "LA Ink" follows Kat Von D—who left the Miami tattoo studio because of a dispute with her co-stars—out to Los Angeles, where she opens a shop of her own. As you'd expect, Von D continually clashes with and fires co-workers throughout the seasons.

#84. America's Next Top Model

- IMDb user rating: 5.5
- Years on the air: 2003–present

In this serialized competition show, aspiring models move into a house and compete in weekly events to find out who is cut out for the world of super modeling. The key to the show is host and judge Tyra Banks. Already one of the top-earning models by the early 2000s, the show took her and her use of the word "fierce" to new levels of fame.

#83. The Girls Next Door

- IMDb user rating: 5.4
- Years on the air: 2005–present

This E! reality series takes viewers inside the strange world of the Playboy Mansion and Hugh Hefner's personal life. The first five seasons were interesting in a voyeuristic sense, and Hefner's girlfriends Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt, and Kendra Wilkinson were charming enough to carry the show. When Hefner dumped them all for two 19-year-old twins before the sixth season, it got too dark to keep watching.

#82. The Biggest Loser

- IMDb user rating: 5.4
- Years on the air: 2004–present

NBC's "The Biggest Loser" is a competition show where contestants work with intense personal trainers to lose shocking amounts of weight each week. The show aired on NBC from 2004 to 2016, returning on USA Network in 2020. Episodes feature heartbreaking backstories and end with a dramatic weigh-in for all the competitors.

#81. Big Brother

- IMDb user rating: 5.4
- Years on the air: 2000–present

Based on a Dutch series, "Big Brother" puts 10 people in a house rigged with cameras everywhere and forces them to interact with only their housemates. Throughout the season, the housemates compete and vote on whom to evict until the eventual winner emerges. The key to the game is to not go bananas—it's similar to "Survivor," but instead of an island, contestants are stranded on a soundstage.

#80. Paranormal State

- IMDb user rating: 5.3
- Years on the air: 2007–present

The producers behind "Paranormal State" deserve a pat on the back; they managed to find a truly out-there college club (Penn State's Paranormal Research Society) and turn it into a TV show. The A&E series follows the group of amateur ghost hunters as they search for paranormal activity at haunted locations.

#79. The Moment of Truth

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2008–present

"The Moment of Truth" is a game show that ran for one season on Fox. Each contestant takes a polygraph test and then must tell the truth—based on the results of the polygraph—in front of a studio audience. Obviously, as question values go up, they also become significantly more personal.

#78. Bachelor in Paradise

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2014–present

For viewers who are looking to find faith in the power of love, "Bachelor in Paradise" offers the ultimate in second chances. Former contestants from "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" get the opportunity to find love with each other in exotic locations.

#77. Supernanny

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2005–2020

Originally a British series, "Supernanny" is a reality show where nanny Jo Frost arrives at the homes of parents with difficult kids and completely transforms the children (often by re-training the parents). Frost is a wonderfully stern Brit with a heart of gold—she's basically "The Dog Whisperer" for children.

#76. Floor is Lava

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2020–present

Netflix launched "Floor is Lava" in 2020. The show features contestants predictably attempting to cross floors filled with lava. Curtains, chairs, and chandeliers provide lifelines as contestants navigate the rooms.

#75. Prank Encounters

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2019–present

The hidden-camera prank show reveals the horror of becoming the unsuspecting star of a reality show witnessing bizarre moments in your life. A haunted mansion, ancient burial ground, and spider-infested home are just some of the sites in the 2021 season of "Prank Encounters."

#74. Love Island

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2015–present

What do you get when you combine matchmaking and Las Vegas with a revolving door of singles on the hunt for romance and a cash prize? Singles who stop swiping Tinder long enough to watch the show on CBS escape to a world full of drama, drinks, and delusion—actually, not altogether that much of a difference from Tinder.

#73. Geordie Shore

- IMDb user rating: 5.2
- Years on the air: 2011–present

The British incarnation of "Jersey Shore," "Geordie Shore" takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, as up to a dozen people are thrown together as flatmates for several weeks at a time. The series regularly features nude tub parties, shag pads, and morally questionable moments.

#72. Minute to Win It

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2010–2014

The clock is ticking on "Minute to Win It" as contestants scramble to complete 10 challenges using household items to win $1 million. Chef and TV personality Guy Fieri hosts the NBC game show that allows people to dazzle audiences while showcasing their dexterity and determination.

#71. The City

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2008–present

This show is a spin-off of MTV's "The Hills," which was a spin-off of "Laguna Beach," which was brought to air because of the success of "The O.C." "The City" follows Whitney Port, who heads to New York to work for a famous designer. "The Hills" lucked out with a number of great characters, including two of the greatest villains in reality show history, but "The City" never hit the same kinetic magnificence.

#70. Storage Wars: Texas

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2011–2014

A spin-off of "Storage Wars," "Storage Wars: Texas" follows a group of people bidding on storage lockers that are past due for rent, only this time in Texas! The show only made it three seasons.

#69. Mountain Monsters

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2013–present

Who knew people would tune in to watch hunters and trappers on the prowl for creatures of lore in West Virginia? It is a tad bit scary that "Mountain Monsters" has enjoyed seven seasons (and counting) of Appalachian aberrations.

#68. Cribs

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2000–present

MTV's "Cribs" takes the audience inside and outside the extravagant mansions of celebrities on fun, personality-driven tours. The show coined the catchphrase, "This is where the magic happens," which the celebrities habitually say before opening the doors to their bedrooms. The most-watched episode is the hour-long Mariah Carey special.

#67. The X Factor

- IMDb user rating: 5.1
- Years on the air: 2011–2013

Another Simon Cowell creation, "The X Factor" may be seen as Fox's attempt to double down on "American Idol." The show, which also had singers competing for a record deal by gaining votes from judges and viewers, was so close to "American Idol" that creator Simon Fuller sued Cowell. The show ran through a fair amount of judges, including Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, and Britney Spears.

#66. Breaking Amish

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2012–2014

TLC's "Breaking Amish" explores life for five Amish people after leaving their communities. Viewers followed the five as they pursue a new life in New York City. Wondering what happened to the courageous crew? Watch the spinoff series "Return to Amish."

#65. Afflicted

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2018–present

The producers of the Emmy-award-winning series "Intervention" pull back the curtain to reveal patients with chronic illness hoping to find answers. The Netflix series digs deep into puzzling illnesses as costs soar, families struggle, and the clock ticks.

#64. Most Haunted

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2002–present

Psychic mediums and scientific gadgets pair to investigate paranormal activities in haunted spots around the world. Yvette Fielding hosts.

#63. Mob Wives

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2011–2016

VH1 launched "Mob Wives" as a show that followed four women whose husbands had been arrested and incarcerated for mob-related crimes. As the show went on, a few more mob wives were added to the cast—this show is a creative, if a bit dark, take on the extended universe of "The Real Housewives."

#62. Chrisley Knows Best

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2014–present

Another family reality show, "Chrisley Knows Best" follows the Georgia-based Chrisley family. Multimillionaire Todd Chrisley is a real estate mogul with five kids and many eccentricities. The wife and mother, Julie, plays a rock-solid role in the family and has spoken out about her battle against breast cancer.

#61. The Real World

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 1992–present

"The Real World" is the longest-running reality TV show, creating a new narrative for television and the meaning of reality. What began as a window into Generation X has since become an at-times frightening template for the next generation as they enter young adulthood.

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#60. Dog the Bounty Hunter

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2003–2012

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" followed show star Duane "Dog" Chapman as he tracked down fugitives and delivered them to the authorities. Ozzy Osbourne recorded the show's theme song. Chapman has repeatedly made the headlines for his racist epithets and ongoing family drama.

#59. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

- IMDb user rating: 5.0
- Years on the air: 2010–present

"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" is the sixth in Bravo's "The Real Housewives" franchise. Just as in every other version, this iteration features a group of wealthy frenemies who love dramatic dinner parties and lavish trips that end in fights. The Beverly Hills cast centers around "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer's wife, as well as his ex-wife, former child actress Kim Richards, and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump.

#58. Kids React

- IMDb user rating: 4.9
- Years on the air: 2010–present

Viewers have been enjoying the sheer joy of kids reacting to video on "Kids React" for over a decade. Watching kids react to using a record player for the first to seeing spiders on videos seems like a harmless pastime for a few chuckles.

#57. Shahs of Sunset

- IMDb user rating: 4.8
- Years on the air: 2009–present

For over a decade audiences have been watching "Shahs of Sunset," a Ryan Seacrest production. The show shadows a crew of Persian-American friends as they navigate life, family, and work in Los Angeles.

#56. Hogan Knows Best

- IMDb user rating: 4.8
- Years on the air: 2005–2007

VH1's "Hogan Knows Best" follows the domestic life of pro-wrestler and actor Hulk Hogan and his family. A lot of the show's action centered around Hogan's daughter Brooke and her burgeoning singing career. The show was abruptly canceled in 2007 following a car accident involving Hogan's son Nick drinking while underage. A spin-off called "Brooke Knows Best" followed in 2008.

#55. Rock of Love with Bret Michaels

- IMDb user rating: 4.8
- Years on the air: 2007–present

VH1's "Rock of Love" is proof that romance ain't dead, Baby! The show brought 25 women together to compete for the chance to date Poison frontman and everyday bandana-wearer Bret Michaels. Shockingly, the resulting relationship did not last—but it did allow for subsequent seasons.

#54. Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County

- IMDb user rating: 4.8
- Years on the air: 2004–2006

In response to the gigantically successful show, "The O.C.," MTV launched "Laguna Beach" as the real-life version of Orange County teenagers. By following the rich, popular kids at Laguna Beach High School, the show gives a window into the cast's over-the-top, incredibly dramatic lifestyles. Employing a narrator, senior Lauren Conrad, and what felt like a fair amount of scripted action, the show lived in the middle-ground between soap opera and reality show.

#53. Hardcore Pawn

- IMDb user rating: 4.8
- Years on the air: 2009–2015

This truTV series follows the Gold family-owned pawn shop, American Jewelry and Loan, in Detroit. The show highlights a fascinating sibling rivalry between Les Gold's two kids, Seth and Ashley, providing much of the action. The first episode was the network's most-watched series premiere.

#52. Ex on the Beach

- IMDb user rating: 4.7
- Years on the air: 2014–2020

Based on the British show with the same moniker, "Ex on the Beach" features reality TV stars thinking they are headed for a vacation on a beach only to discover their exes on the shore. Secrets, scandal, and drama created anything but paradise for the surprised stars.

#51. Made in Chelsea

- IMDb user rating: 4.7
- Years on the air: 2011–present

"Made in Chelsea" follows a gaggle of young friends through the borough of Chelsea and Kensington. Jamie Lening was 32 when in May 2021 he announced his departure from the show due to him feeling aged out.

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#50. Bad Girls Club

- IMDb user rating: 4.7
- Years on the air: 2006–present

Created by the team behind "The Real World," "Bad Girls Club" puts seven women in a house together. Because each cast member is chosen specifically for her ability to be tough, outspoken, and charismatic, the verbal and physical sparring reaches competitive levels. During their three months in the mansion, the show stars fight almost constantly.

#49. Dance Moms

- IMDb user rating: 4.7
- Years on the air: 2011–present

"Dance Moms" follows a highly competitive Pittsburgh-based, young girls' dance troupe. The show's action comes from the often irrational and overheated interactions between teacher Abby Lee Miller and the dancers' mothers. At the end of each week, Miller gives tough critiques to each of the young dancers in her troupe.

#48. Dancing with the Stars

- IMDb user rating: 4.7
- Years on the air: 2005–present

ABC's mega-hit "Dancing with the Stars" follows an odd, but simple, premise: Take a collection of famous people, have them dance with professional dance partners, and then let America vote on who goes home. The most interesting part of "Dancing with the Stars" is how it has become a career rehabilitation program for those who have damaged their names, including TV chef Paula Deen, Majority Leader Tom Delay, and Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte.

#47. The Millionaire Matchmaker

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2008–2015

In each episode of "The Millionaire Matchmaker," the audience sees millionaires receive tips before dates with attractive potential mates. The show centers around real-life millionaire matchmaker Patti Stanger, who actually runs a Beverly Hills service called Millionaire's Club.

#46. Cheaters

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2000–present

"Cheaters" doesn't waste time with any of the varnish of newer reality series—it feels more like "Cops" for infidelity. The show employs a team of private investigators with hidden cameras to catch partners suspected of cheating. Each investigation ends with a confrontation, with the wronged partner jumping out of nowhere to unleash at their cheating lover—it's comparable to the most unhinged episode of "Candid Camera" imaginable.

#45. I Love New York

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2007–2020

To truly understand "I Love New York," we must go back a few decades. In 1986, Rick Rubin tried to sign Chuck D to Def Jam Records, who insisted that Public Enemy's Flavor Flav be signed as well. By the late '80s, Public Enemy's revolutionary rap was topping the charts, and Flavor Flav's large clock necklaces were becoming legendary. A couple of decades later, VH1 created "Flavor of Love," a dating show that poked fun at Flav the way "Rock of Love" lovingly mocked Bret Michaels. Tiffany "New York" Pollard was a finalist on "Flavor of Love" two seasons in a row; she got her own contract for a spinoff show with "I Love New York" 21 years after Flavor Flav's first contract.

#44. Wife Swap

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2004–2020

"Wife Swap" takes two couples from vastly different lives and swaps their spouses for two weeks. For the first week, the new wife must live by the original family rules; by week two, she can run the house as she does her own. There was always a conciliatory moment at the end when both families met and talked.

#43. Lizard Lick Towing

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2011–present

Set in North Carolina's unincorporated community of Lizard Lick, "Lizard Lick Towing" follows a gruff team of towers as they repossess people's property. Ironically enough, this truTV reality show is notorious for staging the altercations between the Lizard Lick Towing team and people getting their vehicles repossessed.

#42. Haunted

- IMDb user rating: 4.6
- Years on the air: 2018–present

Real-life horror is revealed on the Netflix series "Haunted," from the same producers who brought us "The Purge" and "Lore." On the show, people share terrifying tales represented as graphic recreations.

#41. Storage Hunters

- IMDb user rating: 4.5
- Years on the air: 2011–present

This truTV series follows eccentric teams of bidders looking for treasures in repossessed lockers. The show works because of extensive editing—we see more great finds than you would in reality. It's likely that the majority of these storage lockers are holding an old bike and a box of knick-knacks leftover from the previous owner's last move.

#40. Flavor of Love

- IMDb user rating: 4.5
- Years on the air: 2006–present

After Public Enemy hype-man Flavor Flav's memorable appearance on "The Surreal Life," it was clear he was ready to bring his bizarre, excitable persona to a franchise of his own. "Flavor of Love" posits that "The Bachelor" would be more interesting if instead of watching a boring, cookie-cutter person find love, audiences watched women compete for the heart of Mr. 'Yeah Boy!' himself.

#39. The Real Housewives of New York City

- IMDb user rating: 4.5
- Years on the air: 2008–present

"The Real Housewives of New York City" was the follow-up to the original "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Initially conceived as a show called "Manhattan Moms," most of the cast of are not actually housewives. Original cast member Bethenny Frankel went on to launch Skinny Girl Vodka in 2011, which she later sold for an estimated $100 million.

#38. Jon & Kate Plus 8

- IMDb user rating: 4.5
- Years on the air: 2007–2009

TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8" was a family reality show about a hectic but energetic family. Jon and Kate Gosselin had twins and then got pregnant again, this time with sextuplets. The highly rated series was renamed "Kate Plus 8" once the couple split up.

#37. Too Hot to Handle

- IMDb user rating: 4.5
- Years on the air: 2020–present

Abstinence is the ticket to win the grand prize of $100,00 on this Netflix dating series. "Too Hot to Handle" features flawless singles romping around paradise trying to resist temptation. Can the hotties keep their pants on long enough to learn the lessons of sexual rehabilitation while keeping the audience entertained?

#36. Celebrity Big Brother

- IMDb user rating: 4.4
- Years on the air: 2001–present

What do you get when you outfit a house with 87 HD cameras and more than 100 microphones to capture the activities of celebrities 24/7? "Celebrity Big Brother" provides a lens into the lives of cohabitating celebrities in a reality TV show where the celebrities nominate a housemate to be evicted and audience members decide on their fate.

#35. Sister Wives

- IMDb user rating: 4.4
- Years on the air: 2010–present

"Sister Wives" follows the polygamist life of Kody Brown, his four wives Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, and their collective 18 kids. The Browns are part of the Mormon fundamentalist sect Apostolic United Brethren.

#34. The Real Housewives of Atlanta

- IMDb user rating: 4.4
- Years on the air: 2008–present

The third installment in the Real Housewives franchise, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" follows the similar format of a wealthy group of female friends who travel, have lavish dinner parties, and fight. Kandi Burruss ranks as the richest Atlanta housewife of the series, with an estimated $30 million net worth as of 2020.

#33. The X Factor UK

- IMDb user rating: 4.4
- Years on the air: 2004–present

The British singing competition "The X Factor UK" showcases songbirds vying for validation by judges including Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne. Originally called "The X Factor," the show has revealed talents like One Direction and Little Mix.

#32. Teen Mom 2

- IMDb user rating: 4.3
- Years on the air: 2011–present

"Teen Mom 2" follows the lives of the mothers from the second season of MTV's "16 and Pregnant." The entire machine of reality television runs on people who are intrigued by the chance at fame. In the case of "Teen Mom" and "16 and Pregnant," the participants' particular vulnerability makes it challenging to watch at times.

#31. Big Brother (UK)

- IMDb user rating: 4.2
- Years on the air: 2000–present

Playing by the same rules as the Dutch and American versions, the British Big Brother throws a drama-heavy group of young adults into a house together and lets the chips fall where they may (with some reality-show nudging, of course). The object of the game is to remain, but the job is easier said than done among personalities scripted to be obnoxious.

#30. The Real Housewives of Orange County

- IMDb user rating: 4.2
- Years on the air: 2006–2021

After the success of ABC's "Desperate Housewives," Bravo jumped into the sexy housewife space with this reality show. "The Real Housewives of Orange County" rotated leading ladies in and out during its more than 10-year run, but only Vicki Gunvalson, wife of Donn Gunvalson and co-founder of an insurance company, remained throughout the entire run of the show.

#29. The Real Housewives of New Jersey

- IMDb user rating: 4.1
- Years on the air: 2009–present

The fourth of "The Real Housewives" shows is set in New Jersey and follows another group of housewives. For this series, the wives are all sisters or related through marriage. Teresa Giudice, the only cast member to remain on the show for all eight seasons, spent 11 months in federal prison in 2015 for fraud.

#28. Dr. Phil

- IMDb user rating: 4.1
- Years on the air: 2002–present

Dr. Phil McGraw, host of "Dr. Phil," pioneered a daytime television spotlighting mental health issues. The show has granted more than $35 million in services for its guests and is slated to run through 2023. Despite pervasive criticism, "Dr. Phil" has garnered numerous accolades and awards, including 30 Emmy nominations, five PRISM Awards, and a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) Media Award.

#27. American Idol

- IMDb user rating: 4.1
- Years on the air: 2002–present

At its peak in its fifth season, this singing competition show was attracting 30 million viewers per episode. Because of its absolute ratings stranglehold, rival TV executives referred to it as the "Death Star." Over the course of its run, it has launched the career of numerous successful stars including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Lambert.

#26. Scare Pewdiepie

- IMDb user rating: 4.0
- Years on the air: 2016–2017

The brainchildren behind "The Walking Dead" created "Scare Pewdiepie." The short-lived show gave audiences a chance to watch Swedish video commentator Felix Kjellberg, aka Pewdiepie, freak out from situations motivated by his treasured video games.

#25. The Simple Life

- IMDb user rating: 3.9
- Years on the air: 2003–2007

Let us never forget that Paris Hilton was an important cultural figure in 2003. Weeks after her a scandalous videotape of the socialite was leaked, "The Simple Life"—in which Hilton and Nicole Richie failed miserably and acted badly while attempting various blue-collar jobs—premiered on Fox. At the time, Kim Kardashian was a little-known member of Hilton's entourage—four years later, Kim's own tape leaked soon before the premiere of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." Hilton has had a less public persona since, but continues to be a huge success in the fashion and fragrance industries. Ritchie now stars in the NBC sitcom "Great News."

#24. Mystery Diners

- IMDb user rating: 3.7
- Years on the air: 2011–present

"Mystery Diners" has helped restaurants uncover employee theft and fraud for a decade using actors and hidden cameras. Charles Stiles hosts the show that airs on the Food Network and has busted employees for stealing lobsters, running a dating service, and setting up a pop-up shop on a day the restaurant was supposed to be closed.

#23. Teen Mom OG

- IMDb user rating: 3.6
- Years on the air: 2009–present

"Teen Mom OG" follows the lives of four teens featured on MTV''s ""16 and Pregrant" as they navigate life as young mothers. The show was originally called "Teen Mom" but was rebranded in season 5. The cast, including Bristol Palin, has had its share of behind-the-scenes drama.

#22. The Hills

- IMDb user rating: 3.6
- Years on the air: 2006–2010

A spin-off to "Laguna Beach," this MTV series followed Lauren Conrad as she started a career in fashion. The standout of "The Hills" was Conrad's roommate Heidi Montag and her boyfriend Spencer Pratt—considered one of the great reality TV villains in history. Just as "Laguna Beach" and "The City," the show felt a bit scripted, but was still entertaining to watch for fans.

#21. Jersey Shore

- IMDb user rating: 3.6
- Years on the air: 2009–2012

Fans of the show take "Jersey Shore" for what it is: trashy and tumultuous with characters too delusional or unaware to care about cameras. The series follows Pauly D, The Situation, JWoww, Snooki, Sammi, Ronnie and Vinnie—self-proclaimed 'guidos' and 'guidettes'—as they fist-bump, workout, drink, fight, and fall in and out of love.

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#20. Life of Kylie

- IMDb user rating: 3.5
- Years on the air: 2017

The lifeline to "Life of Kylie" was pulled shortly after its premiere on E! Its less-than-stellar audience numbers underscored its underwhelming appeal.

#19. Kendra

- IMDb user rating: 3.5
- Years on the air: 2009–2011

"Kendra" was a spin-off of the E! network's show, "The Girls Next Door." It followed the life of Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend and Playboy playmate Kendra Wilkinson after she left the Playboy Mansion. During the run of the show, she and NFL wide receiver Hank Baskett got engaged, married, and had a child. The theme song is by artist Too $hort, who was Wilkinson's mentor on "Celebrity Rap Superstar."

#18. Utopia

- IMDb user rating: 3.4
- Years on the air: 2014

Fox paid an estimated $50 million to create this over-the-top reality series based on a Dutch show. The premise is straightforward enough: 15 men and women are placed in a remote setting for a year, surrounded by cameras 24/7, and allowed to create a society from scratch. In an unsurprising turn of events, the show was an unmitigated disaster and canceled weeks into its planned year-long run.

#17. The Bachelorette

- IMDb user rating: 3.4
- Years on the air: 2003–present

With the exact same format as "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" places around 20 men in a house—and then on the road—as they compete for the chance to marry the bachelorette. The premise of one person dating so many people simultaneously before promptly choosing one to spend the rest of their life with is zany enough to create television magic. Interestingly, a much higher percentage of couples from "The Bachelorette" are still together. The same can't be said of "The Bachelor" marriages.

#16. Khloé & Lamar

- IMDb user rating: 3.3
- Years on the air: 2011–2012

This "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" spin-off followed Khloé and Lamar Odom's sometimes beautiful, often-heartbreaking relationship. The show's two seasons covered Odom's trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks, and Khloé's revelation that she might not be Robert Kardashian's daughter. A few years after the show, the degree of Odom's drug use came to light. For basketball and Kardashian fans, the story is a tragic one.

#15. 19 Kids and Counting

- IMDb user rating: 3.3
- Years on the air: 2008–2015

"19 Kids and Counting" followed the ever-growing family of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar. The TLC show ran for seven years following the family whose monikers began with J and who were homeschooled. First-born son Josh Duggar was released from prison in 2021 while awaiting child pornography charges.

#14. Kourtney & Kim Take New York

- IMDb user rating: 3.3
- Years on the air: 2011–2012

As you may have guessed, this "Keeping Up With The Kardashian" spin-off followed sisters Kourtney and Kim as they open another location of their clothing boutique DASH in New York City. During the two-season run, Kim married and divorced NBA player Kris Humphries.

#13. Kourtney & Kim Take Miami

- IMDb user rating: 3.3
- Years on the air: 2009–2013

This "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" spin-off initially followed sisters Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian as they moved to Miami to open another location of their clothing boutique DASH. In Season 3, Kim Kardashian replaced Khloé, and the title of the show changed from "Kourtney & Khloé" to "Kourtney & Kim." The true stars of this series were Kourtney's then-husband Scott Disick and their baby Mason.

#12. The Only Way Is Essex

- IMDb user rating: 3.2
- Years on the air: 2010–present

Soap opera meets reality TV in this series shadowing the lives of young lads and lasses from Essex. Gossip, infidelity, and scandal follow the Essex elite.

#11. Snooki & JWoww

- IMDb user rating: 3.2
- Years on the air: 2012–2015

This "Jersey Shore" spin-off follows Snooki and Jwoww as they live somewhat domestic lives in a converted firehouse in Jersey City. The first season documents Snooki's pregnancy, which gave it quite a different tenor than the blackout shenanigans of the original series. Both of these women are notable television characters in their own right.

#10. The Bachelor

- IMDb user rating: 3.2
- Years on the air: 2002–present

While some prefer the most libidinous and debaucherous cable reality TV shows, "The Bachelor" is about as risque as network reality TV get. It was the only network TV show to grow its ratings in 2017. Hate all you want: "The Bachelor" might be television's last great hope.

#9. Amish Mafia

- IMDb user rating: 3.1
- Years on the air: 2012–2015

Set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, "Amish Mafia" follows Lebanon Levi and his three associates who claim to be a small Amish mob syndicate. If this premise seems too good to be true—"The Sopranos" in Amish country—it may be because it is. Throughout its run, the Discovery Channel series was called out for being more fiction than reality.

#8. A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila

- IMDb user rating: 3.1
- Years on the air: 2007–2008

Tequila rose to prominence by being a big deal on early social media site Myspace—she parlayed the social media fame into "A Shot at Love," a bisexual dating show in which men and women competed for Tequila's heart.

#7. 16 and Pregnant

- IMDb user rating: 3.1
- Years on the air: 2009–present

Shot in an unvarnished documentary style, MTV's "16 and Pregnant" follows pregnant teens, showing both the ups and downs of their lives. The show came soon after the hugely successful 2007 film "Juno," which followed a 16-year-old who carries a pregnancy to term. Unlike "Teen Mom," each episode of "16 and Pregnant" followed a different mother from the midpoint of her pregnancy until the time her child was a few months old.

#6. Keeping Up with the Kardashians

- IMDb user rating: 2.8
- Years on the air: 2006–present

There is a certain banality to "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," which follows the lives of the Kardashian family and those close to them. There's something wonderful about watching beautiful people in glamorous homes deal with seemingly small issues in incredibly dramatic ways. During the run of the show, the family has risen to the top of American popular culture.

#5. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

- IMDb user rating: 2.6
- Years on the air: 2012–2017

A spin-off of TLC's "Toddlers and Tiaras," "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" follows Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson and her mother around their small town of McIntyre, Georgia. Honey Boo Boo's appearance on "Toddlers and Tiaras" made her a viral sensation—this show tried to turn that viral moment into a television series. It doesn't ever reach the magic of the first time we saw Thompson being goofy on camera.

#4. The Goop Lab

- IMDb user rating: 2.5
- Years on the air: 2020–present

Goop CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow and her team explore topics like orgasms, psychic mediums, and cold therapy on the 30-minute Netflix show. Experts including medium Laura Lynne Jackson and sex educator Betty Dodson help the goop team dig deep into provocative subjects.

#3. Paris Hilton's My New BFF

- IMDb user rating: 2.1
- Years on the air: 2008–present

This MTV reality show pitted 16 women and two men against each other to compete for the right to be Paris Hilton's new best friend forever. Brittany Flickinger won the show's first season, but Hilton and her quickly had a falling out, which allowed for a second season. Hilton promised, as earnestly as she could, that the winner would be her BFF forever this time.

#2. My Super Sweet 16

- IMDb user rating: 1.8
- Years on the air: 2005–present

MTV's "My Super Sweet 16" is a relatively genius look at the over-the-top, extravagant birthday celebrations of truly spoiled 16-year-olds. Each episode follows a different teenager as they prepare for the lavish event—the teens almost always throw tantrums, fight with friends, and manage to not enjoy themselves at their incredible parties.

#1. Toddlers & Tiaras

- IMDb user rating: 1.8
- Years on the air: 2009–2016

"Toddlers & Tiaras" pulled back the curtain on the competitive world of child beauty pageants. Viewers get to see the behind-the-scenes drama of the pint-size pageants as the toddlers primp, prep and perform to be crowned. Who had more tantrums, the tots or their parents?

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