The 2010s were a wild time when reality shows took center stage and had us glued to our screens. These unscripted gems gave us a backstage pass into the lives of others or let us witness contestants battling it out for fame and fortune. They had us hooked because they showcased raw human emotions, ambition, and determination that kept us on the edge of our seats.
Some reality shows from the 2010s truly stole the spotlight and won the hearts of audiences all over the globe. Take, for instance, The Voice, which revolutionized singing competitions with its blind auditions and celebrity judges. Then there was Wipeout, a hilarious combo of physical challenges and side-splitting commentary that made us both laugh and marvel at the contestants’ unwavering spirit. And let’s not forget about Survivor, the ultimate test of wit, resourcefulness, and endurance that kept us hooked season after season. These shows were like a breath of fresh air, perfectly capturing the essence of their time and leaving a lasting impact.
We’ve curated a list of reality shows from the thrilling world of television in the 2010s. But now, dear readers, it’s your turn to determine the cream of the crop. We want to know which shows truly defined this era of unscripted entertainment. So get ready to relive those unforgettable moments, reminisce about your favorite scenes, and let your voices be heard to decide the greatest reality shows of the 2010s!
1. The Voice
This singing competition caused quite a stir in the 2010s with its groundbreaking blind auditions. It gave a big boost to up-and-coming artists and kept viewers at home hooked. Celeb coaches played a major role in helping contestants improve their skills and create strong teams that fought tooth and nail for the championship. The show’s touching stories and jaw-dropping performances make it a reality show that will be remembered for years to come.
Premiered: April 26, 2011
Actors: Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Carson Daly
2. Wipeout
The show was an absolute riot, with competitors facing a ruthless obstacle course packed with traps, bouncing balls, and a massive red sweeper arm. And let me tell you, the hosts’ hilarious commentary just added to the whole experience. People were hooked, craving to see ordinary folks push their limits and tackle gravity-defying challenges for a shot at the big prize. It’s a perfect blend of slapstick humor and athletic prowess that left a lasting impression on everyone.
Premiered: June 24, 2008
Actors: John Henson, John Anderson, Jill Wagner
3. Big Brother
The UK rendition of this show premiered in 2000 and quickly became a favorite among households. It continued to gain momentum and captivate viewers well into the next decade. People who enjoyed getting a voyeuristic glimpse into the lives of a diverse group of individuals living together found this show to be just what they were looking for.
The show had a unique blend of clashing personalities and constant game play that kept audiences hooked. It was like an explosive cocktail that left viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering who would be evicted next.
Premiered: 2000
Actors: Julie Chen, Phil Proctor, Clayton Halsey
4. Survivor
In the realm of reality TV, this show blazed a trail and kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the 2010s. Contestants battled fiercely, pushing themselves to the limit in both physical and mental hurdles. It wasn’t just about brute strength; clever social strategies were key to survival. Plus, the suspenseful tribal council meetings kept fans guessing until the very last moment. It’s safe to say that this show is a timeless gem.
Premiered: May 31, 2000
Actor: Jeff Probst
5. Undercover Boss
In the 2010s, there was this super captivating idea of high-level executives pretending to be entry-level employees. It gave audiences an awesome sneak peek into how major corporations actually functioned. They got to see all the ups and downs that workers went through, while CEOs had a taste of the real deal. It totally changed the whole idea of rolling up your sleeves and getting down to business.
Premiered: February 7, 2010
Actor: Mark Keller
6. Shark Tank
Budding entrepreneurs stepping onto the world stage with their innovative business ideas are thrown into the ultimate negotiation battleground, facing industry titans who are eager to invest in the next big thing. This fast-paced show has viewers completely hooked. They get to witness deals being made or broken, all while discovering groundbreaking products that could potentially change their own lives. It’s an exhilarating experience that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
Premiered: August 9, 2009
Actors: Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John
7. Celebrity Big Brother
In this iteration of the show, they took the basic premise of Big Brother and spiced things up a bit. They brought together a bunch of famous people and stuck them all in a small space where they were constantly being watched. It was like Big Brother, but with a twist.
The combination of big egos, devoted fan bases, and a strong desire to win made for some seriously entertaining drama. They faced all sorts of challenges and eliminations, just like the regular folks on the show. It just goes to show that even celebrities can’t escape the drama when you put them in a house together.
Premiered: February 7, 2018
Actors: Clayton Halsey, Julie Chen Moonves, Marissa Jaret Winokur
8. Chopped
This series has truly captured the attention of food lovers all over the world. It’s packed with intense timed cooking challenges, where chefs have to work with mystery ingredient baskets and compete fiercely against one another. The talented chefs are all vying for a cash prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show.
What makes this cooking showdown even more thrilling is the unexpected twists that occur at every turn. You never know what’s coming next, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the episodes. And the dishes they create are simply mouthwatering. They’re so good that they can even inspire home cooks to get creative in their own kitchens.
It’s no surprise that this cooking competition has become a staple in reality TV. Its combination of intense challenges, fierce competition, and delicious food is a winning formula that keeps viewers coming back for more. So, if you’re a culinary enthusiast or just love a good cooking show, this is definitely a series you don’t want to miss.
Premiered: January 13, 2009
Actors: Ted Allen, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marc Murphy
9. American Idol
In the 2010s, there was a musical titan who completely dominated the singing competition scene. Their performances were truly out of this world, combining raw emotions and powerful vocals that left audiences in awe. These incredible displays of talent not only launched careers, but also left viewers completely breathless.
One of the factors that made this titan’s performances so captivating was the heart-wrenching backstories that accompanied them. These tear-jerking stories tugged at the heartstrings of the audience, creating a deep connection between the viewers and the performers. Alongside these emotional moments, the nail-biting eliminations added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
Week after week, this musical titan took the stage and soared to new heights. Their performances were nothing short of mesmerizing, as they showcased their incredible skills and left a lasting impact on everyone who watched. The combination of their raw emotions and powerful vocals created a transcendent experience that is hard to forget.
Premiered: January 21, 2003
Actors: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest
10. Dancing with the Stars
Celebrities in the past decade have ditched their usual comforts to embrace the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing. This captivating spectacle has kept viewers hooked. We’ve seen famous individuals go through grueling rehearsals and deliver dazzling live performances. These celebrities have truly transformed themselves on the dance floor, proving that shining in the spotlight can take many forms.
Premiered: June 1, 2005
Actors: Tom Bergeron, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli
11. Cops
This series has been absolutely captivating as it gives us an unfiltered look into the daily grind of law enforcement. It has continued to impress us well into the 2010s. We get to witness officers dealing with chaotic situations, tense standoffs, and adrenaline-pumping chases firsthand. It’s a raw and intense reminder of what goes on when these heroes put on their badges.
Premiered: March 11, 1989
Actors: Andrew Fincher, Joe Guay, Wayne Anderson