Reality television is a genrethat has been around for a long time. The rise of streaming platforms, however, has helped it grow like never before, adapting the format to almost any discipline. While not everyone enjoys this kind of entertainment, this boom in production has been great for those who do. Reality television has become one of the world’s favorite genres, offering light-hearted shows to binge from the comfort of our couches.
One of the most interesting things about this kind of TV show is that there is truly one to suit everyone’s preferences. These days, the range of reality shows has expanded to feature competitions of all sorts, withNetflixbeing among the streaming platforms hosting the best showswithin the genre. TV series likeLove Is BlindorThe Ultimatumare perfect for those who enjoy immersing themselves in other people’s dramatic love stories, while productions likeIs it Cake?is great for sharing with the whole family. But if what you’re looking for is a challenging reality competition show available on Netflix that will make you keep watching every episode until the very end, these are a few productions you should totally check out.
Updated on March 7th, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja:This article has been updated with additional content about each show, including what makes them great, more details about the cast, release date, and other relevant information, and to ensure it includes the most exciting, watchworthy titles.
20The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition (2021-2023)
An extremely entertaining, high-concept competition show,The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition, follows sixteen candidates as they participate in a competition that poses mental and physical challenges related to business. These tasks are set by One Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, and the ultimate winner gets to be the powerful billionaire’s mentee. With each episode, the participants advance towards the glorious finale.
A Game of Strategy and Intelligence
Apprenticeshows are always enthralling to watch, and what makes this one stand out are the intense business battles and combat competitions. Chatri’s meticulously planned challenges push the competitors beyond their limits and test them on the basis of strategy, critical thinking, discipline, and leadership. There is an underlying tone of inspiration in this version of The Apprentice, and it brings Asian values and culture to the surface without losing its edge. Overall,The Apprentice: ONE Championship Editionis fueled with adrenaline and innovation.
19Sugar Rush (2018-2020)
Much like any other cooking or baking competition show,Sugar Rushplaces a lot of emphasis on time. In the show, four teams of bakers participate and compete against each other as they are tasked with baking elaborate confectionery creations that are not only appetizing in looks but also extremely innovative in design. The various challenges require these teams to showcase their skills and ultimately get a chance to win a prize of $10,000.
For When You’re Missing Bake Off
Netflix has created a recipe for sweet success withSugar Rush. The fun and easy-to-watch show Is no one for its unique challenges and gorgeous-looking pastries, rightfully called “eye candies.” Pastry chefs Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo are the recurring judges, and they are accompanied by a variety of guests like restaurateur Richard Blais and actor Colin Hanks. What’s most dazzling andsurprisingly feel-goodis seeing everyday home bakers work under pressure and put their grit and imagination on the table.
18Snack vs. Chef (2022)
The premise ofSnack vs. Chefsees twelve acclaimed chefs or culinary experts going head-to-head in a challenge to recreate a beloved classic snack. It could be anything from an Oreo to a Pringles, something crispy or chewy; but the challenge is to bring out their inner scientist, take inspiration from their childhood memory, and put a creative and tantalizing spin on the same. As they are put to the test against one another, there is obviously a cash price on the line – one that is worth $50,000.
Prepare to Get Hungry
Utterly satisfying to watch because of the nostalgia it evokes, this food battle is part experimentation and part trivia game. Seeing experienced chefs humbled or victorious as they navigate their way through some of the most simple recipes of all time just to reinvent them brings out humor and heart in equal proportion. The contestants of the show are diverse and interesting, and every episode brings a challenge that forces you to wonder about the winning recipe. That said,Snack vs. Chefis a simple and fun reality competition show that even non-foodies can enjoy.
17Dance 100 (2023)
Easily binge-able because it has only six hour-long episodes,Dance 100brings energy and prestige to the stage. Hosted by Ally Love, this epic street dance competition follows eight accomplished choreographers who must create a routine and watch it come alive through the performances of 100 of the world’s best dancers – who also act as judges to the choreography. Through technical skill, stage presence, and passion, only one winner will emerge and be entitled to a cash prize of $100,000.
Jaw-Dropping Dancers
As both a competition and a celebration of the art form, this show introduces audiences to fresh faces and old, as the choreographers bring new genres of movement and jaw-dropping talent. Filled with immense emotion and determination, the contestants are seen pushing themselves to achieve new technical heights while maintaining the soul of dance. A couple of interesting twists are brought by challenges like using a prop andhaving dance-offsto up the stakes. But overall,Dance 100is a remarkable experience that is perfect when you’re in the mood for compelling reality TV.
16The Final Table (2018-Present)
Another cooking show,The Final Table, is thrilling and intense. It pits accomplished chefs from across the globe against each other to compete in a series of challenges inspired by various cuisines. With a set of passionate chefs and invested judges, the show has contestants racing against time to perfect new dishes every episode to impress the judges and do justice to the iconic dishes.
Take a Trip Around the World Through Food
The Final Tablehas stunning food visuals along with a high production value, making it a treat for foodies and reality show fanatics. It’s essential viewing if you’re a foodie or a fan of reality shows in general. Moreover, each episode focuses on food from a different culture, making the show diverse and mouth-watering to watch.
15The Mole (2001-Present)
The Moleis the longest-running reality competition show on this list. Each season ofThe Molefeatures a group of contestants that, instead of competing against each other, must work together as a team to raise money for a pot that will go to the winner. The fun twist is that, within the group, there is someone who secretly works to sabotage the missions, and if that person is careful enough not to be discovered, they could emerge as the champion. This reality game show aired on ABC from 2001 to 2008 before its cancelation and was picked up by Netflix for a sixth season last year, gaining popularity in many countries around the world.
If You’re a Fan of The Traitors…
This production, inspired by a 1998 Belgian show, has a very interesting format that makes it an entertaining choice for audiences.The Moletests the perception of both players and viewers as you attempt to figure out who the saboteur is. It requires both a keen eye and strategy, making it a more intelligent show than it might seem to be on the surface. Each episode is engaging and ends in such a way that you simply can’t stop watching without finding out what happens next.
14Metal Shop Masters (2021)
InMetal Shop Masters, seven skilled metal workers or welders take their own skills to outrageous new levels by constructing projects that meet expert standards. The goal is to meet every challenge with precision, creativity, and grit, and do so within tight time limits. Whether operating heaving machinery or transforming everyday tools into mobile phones, there is only one artisan who will be crowned and win $50,000.
Learn About a Fascinating Art Form
Steering away from a plethora of cooking and bakingreality competition showscurrently streaming on Netflix and other platforms,Metal Shop Mastersfinds innovation and action in all things that go zoom and explode. The contestants are the heart of the series; watching them torch, blow, and weld epic things from hardened steel is quite fascinating. The show also has an air of tension because of the risk involved and anticipation toward the jaw-dropping reveal. As an added pressure, Stephanie Hoffman and David Madero are some tough judges to please.
13Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr (2019-Present)
Interior Design Masters With Alan Carrfeatures a group of aspiring interior designers who go through a series of rigorous challenges to showcase their skills and win the grand prize. The ultimate goal is to gain a contract at a swanky London hotel. The challenges in this British series help these designers learn along the way as they work on everything from shops to restaurants and salons.
A Visual Delight
The challenges range from diverse disciplines of interior design and the format of the show contributes to keeping the viewers hooked by making the challenges relatable and easy to understand for everybody. A treat for interior designers and interior enthusiasts,Interior Design Masters with Alan CarrorInterior Design Masters,perfectly marries the workings of a reality show with the interior design industry, creating a show that’s creative in its approach yet competitive in its spirit.
12Run for The Money (2022-Present)
Run for The Moneyis based on a bizarre premise where celebrity contestants have to outmaneuver black-clad hunters to win a grand cash prize.Run for the Moneytakes place in the Huis Ten Bosch theme park and features a diverse range of Japanese celebrities and influencers, from singers to actors to athletes.
Bizzare But Brilliant
Owing to Japan’s propensity for crazy themes, the show blends athleticism and strategy while showcasing an abundance of twists and turns. Known for its fast pace and unexpected twists,Run for the Moneycan suck you in and keep you glued to the screen right from the first episode until the last. At just four episodes long, it’s also a quick and fun binge.
11Awake: The Million Dollar Game (2019-Present)
Hosted by comedian James Davis,Awake: The Million Dollar Gamerevolves around participants staying awake for 24 hours straight and then competing in various challenges for a shot at $1 million. The challenges range from physically tasking challenges to mentally demanding tasks, that might seem very straightforward to the rested, but get very difficult when you’re sleep-deprived.
Hilarious Antics With Insightful Moments
Awake: The Million Dollar Gameis a funny show to binge. It also comments on the importance of sleep by highlighting the clear detriment when there’s a lack of it. In a roundabout way, this might hopefully encourage people to get much-needed rest once they see how much sleep deprivation can impact daily functioning and cognitive abilities. If you’re in the mood for something funny, light yet intelligent, be sure to give the show a watch.
The Trust: A Game of Greed Puts a Unique Spin on Reality TV
Netflix’s newest game show, The Trust: A Game of Greed, pits strong personalities against each other to win a huge cash prize.
