Summary
Through the last two decades,reality TV has evolvedfrom a specialized, niche genre to a staple of modern TV, andwhile some series have audiences that skew female, others are clearly meant for male viewers. Captivating audiences with real stakes and complex, interesting stars who are walking through real moments in their lives, reality TV series create their own appeal. For men, the appeal of reality TV can be different than what it tends to be for women.
From the adrenaline rush of a reality TV competition to the strategy of a survivalist game, reality shows can offer an exciting mix of elements that pique the interest of everyone, regardless of gender. While some series are meant to provoke a reaction, others are meant to inspire or bring viewers together. Regardless of what they’re meant to do,most reality TV shows invoke emotion from their viewers. Whether it’s an emotional series or an innovative one, reality TV shows traditionally bring viewers to new heights or push them to think differently than they did before.
Exploring the best reality TV shows for men has been a fascinating look at what the genre has to offeroutside of the Bravo-spherethat interests male viewers. From shows with survivalist competition at the core to docuseries about top performers in sports or business, there are dozens of options for guys to dive into if they’re interested in a dose of reality.The shows that cater to men aren’t just about the viewing experience, but what the viewer is able to take from that experience.
With series that can be leisurely, thought-provoking, or a little of both, reality TV shows that cater to a male audience assume that the viewer is looking for something to learn, or finding motivation in the journeys of others. From shows likeChoppedandSurvivor, which put things into perspective in two very different ways, viewers are able to glean new and exciting insights. Though they’re not just for men,many of the reality TV shows that are geared towards men can be enjoyed by everyone.
Throughout the history of modern reality TV, there have been shows that allow viewers into a life or space they’re unfamiliar with. While some of the shows geared towards men are more exploratory than others,the series are always eye-opening and hope to provide a deeper understanding of a subject. Some of the best reality TV shows have a higher count of male viewers, and these are only a few of the best.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
20Survivor
46 Seasons Available To Stream
One of the oldest, longest-running reality TV series,Survivoris a series that audiences love. Continuing to captivate viewers for over two decades,Survivoris a competitionthat invites a group of contestants, called castaways, to live on an island while competing for power, food, and immunity. The castaways are initially split into tribes and compete in challenges against one another before they eventually come together for a grudge match where all of the castaways merge into one tribe to work their way to the end.
While there are some seasons ofSurvivorthat hold up better than others, the joy of watching the series isn’t about the quality of the gameplay. Throughout the years,Survivorhas developed a cult following and those who watch the series have their own theories, strategies, and suggestions on how the game should be played. With the ability to follow along online,Survivoris a can’t miss for guys who enjoy strategy games and survivalist content.
Survivor
Cast
Survivor is a reality competition series set in remote locations where contestants, divided into tribes, must survive with minimal resources for approximately 39 days. Participants face physical challenges for rewards and immunity, with losing tribes attending Tribal Council to vote off a member. Released in 2000.
19Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test
2 Seasons Available To Stream
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Testis a newer series that traditionally airs on Fox, but the show also streams on Hulu. The series asks itscontestants to put their fate in the hands of top-ranking military officials from all over the world as they put them through complicated, harrowing training exercises.Special Forcespushes its cast of celebrities, athletes, and entertainers to their limits and then asks them to go even further.
WhileSpecial Forceshas changed its military personnel throughout the two seasons that have aired, the cast members are what make the experience fascinating for viewers. Though athletes like Carli Lloyd, Dwight Howard, and Bode Miller weren’t surprising in their success on the show,other celebrities have had incredible success in following the grueling orders from the military trainers. Stars likeBachelorNation’s Nick Viall & Hannah Brown have succeeded on the show, along withVanderpump RulesTom Sandoval, pushing the limits on what audiences expect from reality stars.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test is a reality series in which celebrities participate in military training. The show is an adaptation of the British reality series SAS: Who Dares Wins. The Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 1 cast included a mix of athletes, actors, singers, and reality television stars. The contestants were put through grueling military training exercises to see who had the most mental and physical prowess.
18Formula 1: Drive To Survive
6 Seasons Available To Stream
Following the high-stakes world of Formula 1 drivers,Formula 1: Drive To Surviveis available on Netflix. Originally airing in 2019, the series has been the gateway to Formula 1 racing for many, bringing a new appreciation to the sport for a whole new generation. Following the time between races, the preparation, and the teams surrounding drivers,Formula 1: Drive To Survivebreathes new life into the racing community.
The series follows the most intimate moments to those surrounding the high-octane world of Formula 1,including drivers like Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, and Pierre Gasly. The world surrounding F1 is also included in the series,with team owners, F1 management, and reporters from the racing worldall participating in the show. With grit and drive,Formula 1: Drive To Surviveprovides viewers a front seat to the fascinating world of racing.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a gripping docuseries that takes viewers behind the scenes of the Formula 1 racing world, offering unprecedented access to the drivers, team managers, and team owners across multiple seasons. It showcases the intense competition, personal sacrifices, and thrilling dynamics of the sport, revealing the physical and mental challenges faced by participants. The series highlights the rivalries and friendships that define Formula 1, making it a must-watch for both hardcore fans and newcomers to the sport.
17Full Swing
A collaboration between Netflix and the PGA Tour,Full Swingisa docuseries that follows the players and tournaments of the PGA Tour. While golf is not always lauded as the most interesting sport to watch, the fascination with the PGA Tour has been a longtime draw for many viewers. With personal access to many of the players who participate on the tour,Full Swingprovides access that many wouldn’t have surrounding the sport.
With two seasons available to stream on Netflix,Full Swingtakes a look at some of the most incredible golfers playing the game. Featuring Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler among other PGA Tour golfers, the series is one of the only ways to get premier access to the players. Giving viewers a new depth of understanding of the complicated sport,Full Swingis well worth the watch.
16Ultimate Beastmaster
3 Seasons Available To Stream
A competition surrounding strength, fortitude, and physical ability,Ultimate Beastmasterpushes the physical limits of its competitors to the test. Similar to other physical reality TV competitions,Ultimate Beastmasterasks its competitors to take on the challenge of an extreme obstacle course known as The Beast. The competitor who wins is known as a Beastmaster, and is invited back to compete again later in the season.
After the preliminary races, the Beastmasters join in once again to face each other in a head-to-head competition, working against the other strong competitors in the game. While the premise of the series is simple, the show itself is an incredible display of strength. For those who enjoy watching competitive athletes who are able to show off their skills,Ultimate Beastmasterfeatures competitors at the top of their game.
15Chef’s Table
9 Seasons Available To Stream
Another Netflix original,Chef’s Tableis a fascinating lookat the inner workings of some of the most talented chefs in the world. The series, which has spin-offs of its own based around different cuisines, has been able to follow some incredible chefs through their own recollections of their cooking and career. Throughout the seasons, chefs get to take viewers through their journey of falling in love with food, learning their craft, and creating their restaurants.
WhileChef’s Tableseasons are typically only a few episodes long, the chefs the show are able to profile are usually huge names and open to speaking about their experiences at length. The series allows for the chefs to be able to speak freely, discussing the highs and lows of their careers. WithChef’s Tableitself spanning six seasons as well as three spin-offs,Chef’s Table France, Chef’s Table BBQ,andChef’s Table Pizza,there are many journeys to absorb and meals to salivate over.
Chef’s Table
Chef’s Table is a Netflix documentary series released in 2015 that features renowned chefs from around the globe. The series delves into their culinary philosophy, craftsmanship, and the unique stories that shape their groundbreaking approaches to haute cuisine, offering viewers an intimate look at their creative processes and diverse backgrounds.
14Somebody Feed Phil
7 Seasons Available To Stream
Noted television creator Phil Rosenthal has been part of the creation of some of the funniest sitcoms of all time, but his real love has always been food. Phil, who createdEverybody Loves Raymondwith Ray Romano, has always celebrated his passion for food in various ways, but his Netflix series takes this to a whole new level.Somebody Feed Philfollows the titular Philas he eats his way through cities all over the globe.
Joined by his friends, family, and local guides that show him the most delicious dishes all over the world, Phil has been to several different cities to try their cuisines. Having visited cities like New Orleans, Bangkok, and Mexico City through the seasons,Phil takes viewers along as he finds hidden gems for delicious dishes in each locale.Somebody Feed Philhas seven seasons for viewers to stream, with each new dish giving the host more reason to continue his journey to find something delicious.
Somebody Feed Phil
Somebody Feed Phil features Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, as he embarks on a global journey to explore diverse local cuisines and cultures in destinations such as Bangkok, Lisbon, and Mexico City. The series provides a culinary travel experience that highlights the uniqueness of each location.
13American Ninja Warrior
16 Seasons Available To Stream
Another competitive series,American Ninja Warriorpits athletesfrom all walks of life together, pushing them to their physical limits. The first mainstream competition of its kind,American Ninja Warriorput ninja-style training on the horizon for many competitors. Asking its participants to compete in a timed obstacle course, those who finish or make it the farthest qualify for later rounds of competition.
The obstacle courses are changed from round to round, and competitors sometimes compete head-to-head throughout the course of the season. WhileAmerican Ninja Warrioris mostly about the competitive side of things,the show does humanize its contestants by sharing their backstories. Viewers get the chance to learn how competitors got into ninja training, what they’re competing for, and more on the show, helping them to pull for their favorite competitors throughout the season of competition.
American Ninja Warrior
American Ninja Warrior is a reality competition series in which contestants tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in various cities across the United States. Contestants aim to advance to the national finals in Las Vegas, where they compete for a grand prize by completing increasingly difficult stages. The show emphasizes physical fitness, endurance, and mental fortitude, showcasing competitors from diverse backgrounds.
12Blown Away
4 Seasons Available To Stream
WhileNetflix’sBlown Awaydoesn’t have many seaasons on the platform, the short series is perfect for a binge. Following the incredibly complex world of glass-blowing, the competition series is also educational. Though the practice of glass-blowing is delicate, those who do it are typically passionate about their craft. With judges and challenges that are made to test their artisan skills,the contestants are able to show off their abilities onBlown Away.
Throughout their time onBlown Away,the contestants are competing for the opportunity of a lifetime while working with some of the best mentors in the glass-blowing game.The winner ofBlown Awayreceives a residency at the Corning Museum of Glass, one of the top glass-blowing institutions in the country. With the prize of a lifetime on the line, the competitors onBlown Awayare serious about doing their best and winning.
11Bar Rescue
Available on Paramount+,Bar Rescueis a series that brings viewersinto the mind of one of the leading experts in restaurant management. Jon Taffer,who’s described as the Gordon Ramsay of bars and nightclubs, works each episode to transform a pre-existing bar having difficulties in their business into one that thrives. With a background in nightclub and bar ownership, Jon has the understanding of what it takes to push a business to success.
In his time onBar Rescue,Jon works with his wife Nicole Taffer, along with a cast of experts that rotate throughout the episodes. Jon is meticulous in his ways, working undercover in the beginning of each episode to diagnose the issues at each bar before moving in to rectify the situation. With nine seasons to binge through of dilapidated bars and lackluster clubs getting transformed into thriving, exciting spots with the perfect touch,Bar Rescueis well worth the watch.
Bar Rescue
Bar Rescue is a reality television series that began airing in 2011, featuring Jon Taffer, a nightlife expert and consultant, as he helps struggling bar owners turn around their failing establishments. Each episode explores the operational, financial, and personnel issues that contribute to the bar’s downturn, with Taffer implementing strategic changes to revive the business. The series delves into the complexities of running a successful bar and offers insights into the hospitality industry.
