The 200+ Best Reality Competition Shows Ranked
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    • CBS/Survivor, Logo/RuPaul's Drag Race, Fox Network/Hell's Kitchen

The 200+ Best Reality Competition Shows Ranked

Ranker Community
Updated March 18, 2025 499.0K views 289 items
Ranked By
115.7K votes
12.5K voters
45 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite reality shows with a competitive game angle. No quiz shows or traditional game shows.
Latest additions: House of Knives, Extracted, Celebrity Bear Hunt
Most divisive: The Voice
Over 12.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 200+ Best Reality Competition Shows Ranked

Reality competition shows tap into the thrill of human ambition, blending real-life drama, skill-based challenges, and unexpected alliances to create must-watch TV. From strategy games like Survivor to talent showcases like The Voice, these shows bring out the best—and worst—in their contestants, making every episode an emotional rollercoaster shaped by fan-favorite moments and jaw-dropping twists.

Over the years, reality competition shows have expanded into every imaginable niche, from the high-energy choreography of So You Think You Can Dance to the emotional power ballads of The Voice. Each show creates its unique world, where talent, strategy, and perseverance collide in unforgettable ways. Many reality TV competitions, especially elimination TV shows like Survivor or Big Brother, keep viewers hooked with high-stakes challenges and dramatic exits, determining who stays and who goes.

Join the conversation and help rank the most unforgettable reality competition shows of all time. Which reality series keeps you on the edge of your seat and rooting for your favorite contestants? Cast your vote to celebrate the best of the genre.

Ranked by
  • Survivor
    1
    Jeff Probst
    5,225 votes

    An extraordinary display of human resilience and social maneuvering, this legendary series invites contestants to outwit, outplay, and outlast their competitors while stranded in remote locations around the world. The show's format serves as a thrilling examination of human behavior under demanding conditions, with its iconic tribal council sessions providing viewers with unforgettable moments of betrayal, camaraderie, and emotional vulnerability. The diverse array of personalities and backgrounds among the cast members ensures that each season remains captivating and unique, fostering a dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits every new installment.

    • Premiered: May 31, 2000
    • Genres: Action,Adventure,Reality
  • Emerging as a pioneer in the realm of reality competition series, this adrenaline-fueled program introduced viewers to a unique blend of physically demanding tasks and cunning mental challenges. Contestants, often hailing from diverse backgrounds, are pitted against one another in a race to claim the ultimate prize. A true testament to human resilience and teamwork, the show delves into the depths of interpersonal dynamics, frequently sparking alliances and rivalries within the ever-evolving cast. With its innovative format and engaging host, this production set the stage for countless imitations and adaptations in the years to follow.

  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #256
      Extracted
      21 votes
    • NEW
      #288
      Celebrity Bear Hunt
      19 votes
  • The Amazing Race
    3
    Phil Keoghan
    3,937 votes

    A heart-pounding adrenaline rush that sends teams of two on a whirlwind journey across the globe, this enduring series tests the limits of physical endurance, mental acuity, and interpersonal relationships. Viewers are gripped by the intense race against time as dynamic duos navigate foreign cultures, decipher cryptic clues, and overcome grueling challenges in pursuit of the coveted grand prize. The program's remarkable blend of exotic locales, high-stake rivalries, and touching human moments has garnered a passionate following and numerous accolades, solidifying its status as a must-watch reality competition.

    • Premiered: September 5, 2001
    • Genres: Action,Adventure,Reality
  • RuPaul's Drag Race
    4
    RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Santino Rice
    3,406 votes

    A groundbreaking series that combines dazzling creativity and fierce competition, this cultural phenomenon showcases the artistry, charisma, and talent of drag queens from around the world. Hosted by the inimitable RuPaul, the show's contestants vie for the ultimate title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" through a variety of fashion, performance, and comedic challenges. With its trailblazing representation of LGBTQ+ culture, ferocious lip sync battles, and heartfelt personal stories, this transformative program has inspired countless fans and established itself as a modern-day classic.

    • Premiered: February 2, 2009
    • Genres: Reality
  • Big Brother
    5
    Julie Chen, Phil Proctor, Clayton Halsey
    3,898 votes

    A psychological experiment turned global sensation, this long-running series thrusts a diverse group of individuals into a confined living space where cameras capture their every move. Participants must form strategic alliances and outmaneuver their peers in a bid for survival, as they are subject to periodic evictions determined by the votes of their fellow housemates. The program's distinctive combination of voyeuristic intrigue and Machiavellian gameplay has captivated audiences for decades, spawning multiple international adaptations and a dedicated fan community.

    • Premiered: July 6, 2000
    • Genres: Reality
  • The Traitors
    6
    462 votes

    Unveiling a riveting blend of strategy, manipulation, and alliances, this groundbreaking series introduces a singular concept that keeps the audience on their toes. A diverse group of contestants is brought together, tasked with completing various challenges as they form alliances to survive weekly eliminations. However, within their ranks lie hidden "traitors" who conspire to sabotage their team's efforts. As suspicions arise and loyalties are put to the test, contestants must rely on intuitive social dynamics and strategic thinking to unmask the traitors before it's too late.

    • Premiered: November 29, 2022
    • Genres: Reality