Some of the most treasured moments of my college experience were sitting down on the couch with my roommates, sharing a bowl of microwavable popcorn, and indulging in some well-earned reality television time. Often, we just wanted to escape the stress and responsibility of the real world and live vicariously through someone else—especially when their world wasn’t too serious. Unlike fast-paced drama and action television series, reality TV has a way of pulling you out of the worries of your day-to-day life and into another universe entirely. It couldn’t be easier to watch: Just turn on the TV, turn off your brain, and enjoy.
Funnily enough, these characteristics make reality television some of the best after-the-kids-go-to-bed entertainment out there. If you and your partner just don’t have the time (or energy) to get into a new television series, reality shows are a low-commitment, low-stress option to help you both wind down after a long day. And since there are so many series to choose from, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best reality TV shows to watch before bed. From dating shows to the drama of the real estate industry, this list has it all.
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Drama Reality TV Shows
For the tired parents out there who want a healthy dose of drama without the real-life stakes, these reality television series will do the trick. They take place all over the world and feature a range of cast members—from normal people to A-list celebrities.
Summer House
Where to watch: Peacock
After a long week at work, a group of wealthy New Yorkers share a house in the luxurious Hamptons. Unsurprisingly, lots of fun, sun, and drama ensues. For a low-stakes evening watch, add this to your list.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Where to watch: Peacock
A widely-loved classic, a group of affluent women residing in none other than 90210 attempt to balance their ever-changing friendships with the demands of their family life. The run of this series may be long, but it still hasn’t lost its charm. Plus, with two new cast members this year—Rachel Zoe and Amanda Frances—the currently-airing 15th season is a great time to jump in if you don’t want to watch the big backlog of episodes.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Where to watch: Hulu
After a sweeping scandal that left a group of Utah Mormon moms in the national spotlight, we get an inside look at the lives of these women as they try to maintain normalcy, rebuild friendships, and move forward. Despite more drama and scandal constantly unfolding—including one mom’s run on Dancing with the Stars—the fourth season of this hit show drops this March!
Queer Eye
Where to watch: Netflix
This Emmy-winning franchise features five gay men—coined “The Fab Five”—all of whom provide lifestyle makeovers (physical and emotional) to their guests. The series was rebooted on Netflix in 2018, and despite this newest season being its last, it should definitely be your next pre-bedtime watch.
Below Deck
Where to watch: Peacock
Aboard a luxurious yacht, a young and single crew live and work, attempting to balance romance and friendships with the demands of their out-of-touch guests. This was and has always been a family favorite in my household—get ready to laugh (and roll your eyes).
Vanderpump Rules
Where to watch: Peacock
A Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spin-off show, Vanderpump Rules follows Lisa Vanderpump as she rules over the staff at her West Hollywood restaurant. As always, friendships turn volatile and romance flows into the workplace, for better or for worse.
Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Sometimes an oldie is the way to go. With a 20-season run, Keeping Up With the Kardashians has had a cultural influence few other shows can boast. There are scenes I can still quote to this day. For those less familiar, the series follows the six famous Kardashian siblings as they air the ups and downs of their day-to-day lives for all to see. After bingeing the OG series, catch up with the clan with seven seasons of their new show, The Kardashians, on Hulu.
Southern Charm
Where to watch: Peacock
This show offers an unusual glimpse of modern Southern aristocracy as a group of young gentlemen and Southern Belles take on the social scene in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a charming peek into another culture and lifestyle for those of us who live far up north.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island
Where to watch: Peacock
Despite taking place in America’s smallest state, the drama in this upcoming Real Housewives series is bound to be huge. Its first season premieres this April on Bravo (and streaming on Peacock), so add this one to your list and get it on the hype early.
Competition Reality TV Shows
Nothing gets me more invested in random people’s lives than a good old competition. Whether it’s surviving in the wilderness or baking the perfect sweet treat, this list has a competition show for you.
The Traitors
Where to watch: Peacock
This psychological reality television competition is an Emmy-award winner that has garnered quite the audience—and for good reason. As celebrity players build a cash prize, select individuals are designated as “traitors,” and tasked with deceiving the rest of the group. It will have you biting your nails from the anticipation.
Survivor
Where to watch: Paramount+
Another beloved series with a 50-season run, Survivor has to make this list. If you haven’t already given this one a try, now’s the time. Castaways are marooned in a warm weather location and forced to survive in the wilderness—the perfect recipe for drama. Season 50 premieres with an all-star cast at the end of February!
Rupaul Drag Race
Where to watch: Paramount+
Icon RuPaul serves as judge, host, and mentor in this multi-week competition that crowns America’s next Drag superstar. It’s funny yet immersive, the perfect combination for some before bed, low-stakes entertainment.
The Great British Baking Show
Where to watch: Netflix
This 10-week competition takes 10 amateur bakers and forces them to learn the craft in the pursuit of being named Britain’s best. Even if you’re not super comfortable in the kitchen, you’ll love this one—it may even inspire a new interest in baking.
Big Brother
Where to watch: Paramount+
Big Brother is the perfect example of a social experiment turned reality show. A large group of individuals is placed under 24-hour surveillance in a house completely cut off from the outside world. If there’s a better formula for drama, I haven’t heard it yet.
Squid Game: The Challenge
Where to watch: Netflix
Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s most-watched original series of all time. This reality TV series takes the mechanics of the show and translates it into real life (without the sudden death, of course). More than 450 players put their skills to the test for a multi-million dollar cash prize.
Project Runway
Where to watch: Peacock
Coping with time restraints and various material challenges, a group of up-and-coming fashion designers compete for the ultimate prize before a panel of tough judges. The weekly eliminations make for high levels of emotion and drama—and excellent entertainment.
Dating Reality TV Shows
Possibly the most widely-loved form of reality television, there is nothing quite like watching random people pursue (and likely wreck) a romantic relationship. If you’re in need of a new fix for you and your partner before bedtime, keep reading.
Love Is Blind
Where to watch: Netflix
Hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, this famous dating series features a group of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes who look for love and get engaged—all before actually meeting in person. The show’s unique formula makes for an interesting take on just how much physical attraction plays into romantic relationships. Season 10 is streaming now!
Love Island
Where to watch: Peacock
Another fan favorite, Love Island features a group of singles on a tropical island who must “couple up” to win a hefty cash prize. The multiple contestants and rotational nature of the couples make for great drama. Before you know it, you’ll be completely addicted.
Too Hot to Handle
Where to watch: Netflix
Similar to Love Island, a group of singles meet up on a luxurious slice of paradise, but there’s a twist—to win their crash prize, none of them can have sex. Sound difficult? For these contestants, no challenge has ever compared, and drama of the highest degree will ensue while they withhold themselves from what they want most.
Love on the Spectrum
Where to watch: Netflix
A softer, more innocent dating series, Love on the Spectrum follows a group of adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the complicated nature of the dating world. Trust me—this one will leave you smiling for hours.
The Golden Bachelor
Where to watch: Hulu
The newest addition to the ever-growing Bachelor franchise, The Golden Bachelor follows older men and women in pursuit of lasting love. While The Bachelor and The Bachelorette often get the bulk of the attention, The Golden Bachelor is a heartwarming favorite in my household. Add it to your list ASAP.
And, for fans of The Bachelorette, the newest season featuring Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and TikTok influencer Taylor Frankie Paul, premiers end of March!
90 Day Fiancé
Where to watch: Hulu
Similar to Love Is Blind, 90 Day Fiancé tests the limitations of true love as internationals on a “fiancé visa” travel to the United States in pursuit of marriage. Now, they must wed within three months or be sent home. But is that enough time to know for sure?
The Ultimatum
Where to watch: Netflix
The question of this dating series is a critical one: to marry or not to marry. Steady couples are forced to put their love to the test while introduced to other potential matches. Intense emotions make this series quite the ride.
Temptation Island
Where to watch: Netflix
Similar to The Ultimatum, this spicy Netflix reboot forces several couples to put their love to the test as they’re matched up with other eligible singles on a tropical island. By the end of the series, they must decide if they’re ready to let their previous relationship go.
Home and Living Reality TV Shows
For the architecture and interior design nerds out there, real estate reality television should be your new obsession. Something about watching someone else buy a house is oddly relaxing, especially after a long day at work.
House Hunters
Where to watch: Hulu and Disney+
Each episode of this timeless series follows potential home buyers and their agent from their first house tour to the closing sale. Its simple structure and mellow nature make it great nighttime entertainment.
Selling Sunset
Where to watch: Netflix
A group of elite real estate agents at The Oppenheim Group sell the luxurious California life to potential buyers in the Los Angeles area. What ensues is a dramatic and competitive series that will have you on the edge of your seat. The latest batch of episodes dropped in October 2025 and there are eight prior seasons for you to binge, too.
Property Brothers
Where to watch: Hulu
This iconic brother duo—one a real estate agent, the other a contractor—help homeowners buy and sell their houses without too much stress. This is another low-stimulation show that will make an excellent addition to your bedtime routine.
The Parisian Agency
Where to watch: Netflix
While the rest of the home shows on this list are focused on the clients, The Parisian Agency is for the architecture buffs out there who truly care about the homes themselves. It follows the Kretz family as they help multiple families purchase luxury properties in France.
Love It or List It
Where to watch: Hulu
When torn homeowners can’t decide whether to remodel or sell their house, the iconic agent-designer duo from Love It or List It swoops in with their expert advice (and competitive spirit). As their clients make the ultimate decision—to love it, or list it—you’ll find yourself equally invested in their journey.
Fixer Upper
Where to watch: Hulu and Disney+
Chip and Joanna Gaines are in charge of convincing homebuyers to buy the worst house on the block and trust them to turn it into something beautiful. Seeing every client’s dreams come true will make you smile—and wonder if it might be time to remodel your own home.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
