Reality TV shows have evolved so much in the last decade or so. There are many subgenres to this kind of television. Whether its series like 90 Day Fiancé, fans of reality televisions cannot get enough. But when it comes to matters of social issues and human interactions, reality shows have made its mark for viewers.
These shows test the limits of everyday people and then do it all over again, offering humor, drama, and heartfelt moments that make them stand out. But which are the best?
What Would You Do? (2009-)
This underrated show aired back in 2009. The premise centered around having hidden cameras in everyday settings. They had actors pretend to be in situations to which real people would have to react. At the end of it all, the show asked its titular question, What Would You Do? Sometimes it would be mild scenarios and other times it would involve high stakes. Whatever the case, the show questioned if everyday people would step in to be a hero or ignore a difficult situation.
Are You The One? (2014-)
This MTV reality show followed 10 single people in their quest to find love. Are You The One? involved five girls and five guys and told them to find their perfect match in a sea full of other potential matches.
They have 10 weeks to figure it out by completing challenges and match up ceremonies. They also were able to find out first hand if they were a "match" by going into something called a truth booth that lets them know if they are a match or not.
100 Humans (2020-)
This Netflix reality show featured 100 humans from different parts of the U.S. They were of different cultural backgrounds and ages. They agree to participate in experiments to learn about human behavior while scientist collect data. 100 Humans only had one season so far but each episode focused on a different question and experiment. There was also many 100 Humans.
Wife Swap (2004-2020)
Fans of reality television overall might this series. It had some of the most wild and iconic reality tv moments but it ultimately was a social experiment that taught people a lot about their lifestyles. It featured two different families that had to switch wives for a week and adapt to each others lives. They learned a lot about different backgrounds, religions, politics, and race. Wife Swap had many memorable families but fan still want to know where the casts of Wife Swap now.
Married At First Sight (2014 -)
Married At First Sight is a social experiment tv show that featured 4 couples that choose to have an arranged marriage to a stranger. These singles have struggled to find love and are ready for marriage. With the help of match makers and sociologists, they find their ideal mate have to stay married.
By the end of the series they have to decide if they want to stay married or not. The shows features everything from the build up of preparing for the wedding to the time when they have to live together as a married couple. Some couples have gone the distance and others have not.
The Circle (2020-)
twists in the most recent season of The Circle. They have to decide who is genuine and who is lying about who they are. Sometimes men pretend to be women or women pretend to be men. Other times they might pretend to be a single person when they are multiple people.
Love Is Blind (2020-)
provided the funniest TikToks.
Big Brother (2000-)
This series is wildly popular and one of the most known social experiment shows on tv right now. Big Brother centers around 16 people from different states with different backgrounds that must adapt to living together. They must fight for safety and power, while also building strategic allies in order to win the cash prize. Each week the power shifts and the "Head of Household" has to nominate people to be evicted from the house. With each season, there are many twists and turns. And sometimes returning players play again.
The Real World (1992-)
Another well known social experiment tv series is the 1992 season of The Real World. This series paved the way for many reality shows in which 20 somethings and 30 somethings live in a house and adapt to one another. There isn't much a gimmick from this series. The only thing that is memorable about this show is the connections they build. However, because there are people from different backgrounds, they can sometimes clash. Overall the show features many social issues that are at the forefront of the series.
Survivor (2000-)
Survivor is another wildly popular CBS series that dates back to 2000. It follows a group of strangers from different ethnicities, ages, and genders. They must live on an island and survive. Each week they must complete immunity challenges in order to win safety. There are also individual challenges that can help them win safety. The show often teases twists and survival elements.