In 2014, the Primetime Emmys split the Outstanding Reality Program category into Structured and Unstructured. The 74th Primetime Emmys could see the returning champions of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked win again in their respective categories. How the categories differ is in their methods of storytelling, with one following a linear timeline of events (Structured) and the other being more character-driven (Unstructured).
Regardless of a series’ wins, there are times when the points of the public do not always align with the hype of the masses. The Internet Movie Database, also known as IMDb, has tallied the votes of both the Structured and Unstructured categories to reflect which programs earned the best scores.
United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell (6.5)
Available To Stream On Hulu.
This CNN docies provides a unique balance of humor and history. United Shades of America follows funnyman W. Kamau Bell across the nation as he interacts with various communities and cultures. Being an African American male, Bell’s discomfort is evident in prejudiced situations, but he presents himself with the utmost poise.
In seven seasons, the show’s coverage has made a diligent effort in breaking racial barriers. One of the series' most powerful episodes revolves around gymnast Simone Biles and the importance of an athlete’s mental health. United Shades of America had three consecutive Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program wins from 2017-2019.
American High (7.5)
Unavailable To Stream.
While American High only lasted one season, it was the inaugural winner for the original Outstanding Reality Program category. Set in the Chicago suburbs, the series chronicles a group of high school seniors to reflect on the life of the average American student.
In the span of thirteen episodes, the teenage essence was perfectly captured without using popular actors or flashy costumes. The viewers connected with the fourteen subjects in the way of watching their triumphs and downturns. American High ends with the student's high school graduation ceremony, thereby completing the trek from teenage years to young adulthood.
Shark Tank (7.7)
Available To Stream On Hulu.
ABC’s Shark Tank allows up-and-coming entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas in front of five renowned industrialists, one of which being billionaire Mark Cuban. Upon presenting their product, the judges decide if they want to move forward with an investment, which can result in more than one approval.
Shark Tank has had some successful products over the years, including the Scrub Daddy sponge and Solemates soles for wearers of high heels. The sow won the Outstanding Structured Reality Program four years in a row from 2014-2017, tied with Queer Eye for the most categorical wins.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked 7.7
Available To Stream On Amazon Prime.
RuPaul’s Drag Race showcases fabulous fashion queens every season, with the hopeful drag artist contestants vying for a $100,000 cash prize. Upon its 2009 debut, RuPaul’s Drag Race has evolved into a lucrative television franchise, spawning multiple spin-offs. One such spin-off would be RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.
Hosted by the eponymous RuPaul Charles, Untucked goes beyond the main show. A raw edge is provided with unscripted moments behind the scenes, highlighting the cutthroat tactics of the competition. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked is the current Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program Emmy winner.
Deadliest Catch (7.8)
Available To Stream On Discovery Plus.
Deadliest Catch is anything but an average fishing trip. For three months, a crew of fishermen leave behind normalcy to brave the seas in the pursuit of catching Alaskan crab. In their journey, numerous obstacles are faced, such as extreme temperatures and monstrous waves.
The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program in 2011 and won the Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program consecutively in 2014 and 2015. In the fishing process, such an occupation comes with the risk of death. Deadliest Catch is straightforward in its intensity of what some would consider a lackadaisical job.
Intervention (7.9)
Stream On Discovery Plus
The world of substance abuse and addiction can be extremely harrowing. While some are transparent about their dependency, others need a wake-up call in the form of an intervention. The A&E series Intervention is an eye-opening view of the pendulum addicts face when attempting to get clean.
The series has received mixed reviews from addiction specialists, but some Intervention Season 1 patients have maintained sobriety since their time on the show. Recovery is a slippery slope. With Intervention, a potential light lies ahead of the tunnel.
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (7.9)
Stream On Hulu
A combination of a top British chef and a top American producer is a perfect recipe for success. The collaboration of Jamie Oliver and Ryan Seacrest birthed Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. The show had the chef traveling across the United States to spread obesity awareness and provide tips to live a healthier lifestyle.
The show won the Outstanding Reality Program in 2010. As of 2022, almost 20% of children make up the obesity epidemic in America. In a society so fixated on physical appearance, Food Revolution is a refreshing insight on navigating a very real struggle.
Cheer (8.1)
Available To Stream On Netflix.
In the way of documentaries within the sports genre, Cheer also nabbed the 2020 Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program Emmy.
Cheer sures the cheerleader stereotype conceived by the presence of Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey!” and the 2000 Kirsten Dunst starrer Bring It On. It is more than synchronized choreography and glittery makeup. The series highlights the agility and dedication required to succeed in the competitive sport.
Born This Way (8.3)
Available To Stream On Hulu.
When it comes to having a physical disability, the diagnosis can come with its unfortunate share of stigmas and negative connotations. Born This Way gives young adults with Down’s syndrome a platform to enlighten the world of their experiences. In their odyssey, a source of inspiration, courage, and hope is provided by the subjects to the viewers.
The show won Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program for its debut season in 2016. Born This Way shows that at the core, every human life matters, even if some struggles are more complex than others. Through adversity, resilience is achieved.
Queer Eye (8.5)
Stream On Netflix
Queer Eye For The Straight Guy was quite popular in its debut on early 2000s reality television. With the Netflix reboot Queer Eye, a new generation is introduced to an updated class of fabulousness. The series valiantly bridges the gaps from all walks of life and within the LGBTQ+ community through the avenues of education and fashion.
Queer Eye is the current Outstanding Structured Reality Program winner, with five consecutive wins since 2018. Upon winning at the 74th Primetime Creative Arts Emmys, Queer Eye now holds the most categorical wins.