The Best Reality TV Shows on Netflix

Netflix

As I pressed play on the first episode of Next in Fashion, I had one burning question in my mind – how is this fashion competition show different from its legendary predecessor, Project Runway? Before the brainstorming and sewing of the Netflix series begins, a Q&A led by presenters Alexa Chung and Tan France reveals that many of the designers have already dressed A-list celebrities. Then France asks the designers who among them is a household name. The answer? Not a single one. So we’re left with the impression that this is a bunch of experienced, accomplished designers who are there to deserve more credit.

Looking at Project Runway, I don’t feel like these designers have “made it” yet. At Next in Fashion I expect highly qualified designers and some personalities that fit the theme of the show. Chung and France keep the mood light and fun, and the clothes produced are sufficiently awe-inspiring.

Netflix

Boredom often sends me to the supermarket for cake mixes and a jar of frosting. The result of my elbow grease is a lifeless, unconvincing pile, but that doesn’t dull the experience. I mean I still do did something, and it actually tastes pretty good. Nailed It brings the joy of amateur baking and radiates it in an easily devourable half hour. Three non-bakers compete to recreate professional cake pops, frozen cookies, and stunning multi-tiered cakes. Some hopefuls unveil genuinely disastrous-looking baked goods, but the show still applauds them for making the effort. The focus is on having a good time, not actually replicating an impossible-looking confection. Charismatic judges Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres offer hilarious (but ultimately cute) reviews of the finished treats and make it easy to spark a smile.

Netflix

Social media can feel like a game. So why not literally make one out of it? In The Circle, a group of social media savvy contestants attempt to be crowned the “top rated” player at the end of the series. Contestants bring energetic personalities and their own game-winning strategy – choosing to either play as themselves or “catfish” as someone else entirely (or something in between). They are segregated into individual rooms and tasked with alerting their competitors via a screen. All players regularly “rate” each other, and the highest ranked pair can choose who to knock out of the competition. It’s a creative concept, and the show uses a lot of twists to liven things up. Do you think it would be easy to spot those completely faking a personality online? Well you will be surprised.

Netflix

Blown Away didn’t launch on Netflix. It first aired on a Canadian channel called Makeful. But it’s on stream now, inviting you to gain appreciation for an absolutely mesmerizing art form. Talented glassblowers take on challenges and follow a theme, whether it’s the creation of a household item, an original cartoon character, or a play about climate change. Less successful performers are knocked off until a winner emerges. It’s a well-known reality competition formula, but the intricate art that’s brought from concept to creation is worth sticking with. Anyone who only sees glass sculptures as finished products in a gallery will be interested in a look behind the scenes. Prepare to be mesmerized and maybe even inspired to get up and do something with your hands.

Netflix

Netflix’s new trivia competition series, Bullsh*t The Game Show, is all about lies. let me explain. To get through each round and bag more prize money, contestants answer difficult trivia questions in front of three other people. They either have to snap correctly or make the panel believe they got their wrong answers right. So in order to achieve something, they basically have to deceive. It’s an interesting-sounding twist on trivia, isn’t it? Howie Mandel enlivens the show as host, and the contestants come ready to play.

Netflix

I’ve said it before and I’ll gladly do it again: Dating Around is a must-read for reality show fans. This Netflix catalog entry has a no-frills premise, which is saying something given its wild company on the streaming platform (Too Hot to Handle, Sexy Beasts, Love Is Blind). Don’t be fooled, there’s still plenty to keep you invested in what’s happening on screen. Singles in New York and New Orleans share a night of drinks, dinner and chat, resulting in both maddeningly awkward encounters and scintillating chemistry. The stripped-down feel of the show allows the featured cast to shine. Everything looks amazing and captures the ambiance of city spots at night. If I have to keep praising this show, I will. I’m desperate to get my hands on Season 3.

Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and Tip “TI” Harris judge this reality contest as young hopefuls compete to become the next hip-hop superstar. We have to start by mentioning these three — a big part of the show’s allure is the time we get to spend with them. The format of the series is similar to options like American Idol. There are live auditions in different cities, only some move on to audition again etc. But it cuts the total number of episodes by about half. Unsigned rappers are judged on both their vocal ability and stage presence when performing and performing. Some of them stand out, but the show really gets its strength from its renowned judges (and guest judges – the great Snoop Dogg weighs in on the first episode). We know those numbers, and we’re attached to every word they say. When Cardi B shares that she’s looking for “one of us,” it means something and helps us fully invest in the ride.