The 30 Best Reality Shows of All Time, According to Our Editors

For decades, many critics have frowned upon the genre of reality television, viewing it as nothing more than nonsense and filler—some might stay a steamy hot pile of garbage—but we disagree. Reality programming is as important to our lives as any Emmy or Golden Globe-award winning show on a premium cable network or streaming site.

Take MTV's classic, The Real World, a show that explored race relations and LGBTQ+ issues well before many news networks at the time. Or American Idol, which gave us Grammy-Award winning pop stars and musicians. Let's not forget Jersey Shore, a show that single-handedly emphasized the importance of exercise, getting Vitamin D, and taking care of errands (ie. "GTL").

It's because of reality TV that people from across the country can come together and experience a moment in time in unison, even if that's just witnessing one "Real Housewife" throwing a glass of wine at another. It's not all great, we'll admit, but it's nice to remind ourselves that we'll never be that trashy.

Together, the Men's Health team compiled some of the best reality shows ever and in one list to help satisfy your need for drama and debauchery.