Let's be honest: True-crime documentaries aren’t the only thing that Netflix is known for to keep us hooked. The popular streaming platform has also been keeping us entertained with a host of intriguing (and sometimes messy) reality shows, from Love Is Blind to newer shows like The Ultimatum. But with so many options at our fingertips, it can be tricky to figure out where to start. Whether you’re eager to watch total strangers fall in love or see people do jaw-dropping stunts for a huge cash prize, we took the liberty of selecting a variety of options that are sure to pique your interest. Keep reading for 21 compelling reality shows on Netflix right now, from Bling Empire to Love on the Spectrum.
21 Reality Shows on Netflix You’ve Been Missing Out On
1. ‘Love Is Blind’
Who’s in it? Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey
What’s it about? Can you imagine getting engaged to someone you've never actually met face to face? Well, that’s kind of the gist of this series, where a group of single men and women make connections by speaking through a wall in rotating shifts. Prepare for some twists and a whole lot of awkwardness.
2. ‘The Big Flower Fight’
Who’s in it? James Alexander-Sinclair, Kristen Griffith-Vanderyacht, Natasia Demetriou
What’s it about? It's the The Great British Bake Off for florists, sculptors and garden designers, except more playful and 10 times more aesthetically pleasing. 10 teams engage in a friendly "flower fight" to see who can create the best garden sculpture.
3. ‘Next In Fashion’
Who’s in it? Alexa Chung, Tan France, Marco Morante
What’s it about? It's the kind of show that'll make you want to ditch your couch and strut down a runway. See budding designers from around the world compete for a chance to win $250,000 and debut their own collection on the fashion retailer site, Net-a-Porter.
4. ‘Tidying Up With Marie Kondo’
Who’s in it? Marie Kondo, Marie Iida
What’s it about? Famous organizing consultant Marie Kondo visits American families and helps them declutter their messy homes, and the process is always quite satisfying.
5. ‘The Casketeers’
Who’s in it? Francis Tipene, Kaiora Tipene
What’s it about? The reality show follows New Zealand couple Francis and Kaiora Tipene, who own a funeral parlor. Both work with their staff and use humor to help Polynesian families cope with their loss, but it also offers some interesting insight into the couple’s business and different funeral practices.
6. ‘The Circle’
Who’s in it? Michelle Buteau, Jack Atkins, Deleesa Carrasquillo
What’s it about? This fascinating social experiment is designed to make isolated contestants use a social platform called “The Circle,” where they can manipulate relationships with other contestants in an effort to snag the highest ranking and win $100,000.
7. ‘Rhythm + Flow’
Who’s in it? Cardi B, T.I., Chance the Rapper, 2'Live Bre, Troy Curry
What’s it about? It's like American Idol, but for talented rappers whose performances will legit make your jaw drop. Judges T.I, Cardi B and Chance the Rapper visit multiple cities as they search for the next big hip hop star, who will also win $250,000.
8. ‘Death By Magic’
Who’s in it? Troy Dillinger, L.A. James, Ebonie Marie
What’s it about? British magician Drummond Money-Coutts travels around the world and attempts to pull off a series of dangerous tricks that previously led to the deaths of other magicians. Talk about terrifying...
9. ‘Blown Away’
Who’s in it? Nick Uhas, Deborah Czeresko, Alexander Rosenberg
What’s it about? Glassblowers from around the globe get to compete in a hot shop and win an artist residency at the Corning Museum of Glass, as well as a prize package worth $60,000. Trust us when we say it's one of the most relaxing things you'll ever watch.
10. ‘Bling Empire’
Who’s in it? Christine Chiu, Kevin Kreider, Kim Lee, Kelly Mi Li
What’s it about? Think of it as a real-life version of Crazy Rich Asians, but with twice the drama. The series follows the everyday lives of wealthy Asian and Asian-American socialites who reside in Los Angeles.
11. ‘Ink Master’
Who’s in it? Dave Navarro, Chris Nunez, Oliver Peck
What’s it about? Ten incredibly skilled tattoo artists compete in different challenges for a chance to win $100,000 and the title of Ink Master. But here’s the twist: there are also Flash Challenges to test other artistic skills, such as painting and haircutting.
12. ‘Glow Up: The Next Makeup Star’
Who’s in it? Dominic C. Skinner, Val Garland, Maya Jama
What’s it about? Aspiring makeup artists compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the beauty industry by taking on the most creative challenges—all of which are judged by industry professionals.
13. ‘Love On The Spectrum’
Who’s in it? Brooke Satchwell
What’s it about? Finding true love as a young adult on the autism spectrum comes with its fair share of challenges, as evidenced by this unique and heartfelt series. The show centers on a group of people on the spectrum as they try to figure out the complicated (and often stressful) world of dating.
14. ‘Floor Is Lava’
Who’s in it? Rutledge Wood, Janine Hogan, Todd Leykamp
What’s it about? It’s one of our favorite childhood games brought to life, only this time, the winner gets a $10,000 prize. On the game show, contestants have to navigate several rooms that are flooded with gallons of “lava” without touching the substance, whether that means hopping across furniture or swinging from a chandelier.
15. ‘Ultimate Beastmaster’
Who’s in it? Tiki Barber, Rafinha Bastos, Luis Ernesto Franco
What’s it about? Top athletes from around the world compete for a cash prize and the winner’s title by going through the most intense obstacle courses. This will definitely have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
16. ‘Dream Home Makeover’
Who’s in it? Shea McGee, Syd McGee
What’s it about? Shea and Syd McGee team up to help lucky families transform their houses into beautiful homes that reflect their unique tastes and styles—but that's not all. The series also offers an intimate look into the lives of Shea and Syd as they run their company, Studio McGee, and raise their kids.
17. ‘Nadiya Bakes’
Who’s in it? Nadiya Hussain
What’s it about? The Great British Bake Off champion reveals how to make her most delicious desserts, from chocolate caramel flan and cross buns to blueberry scone pizza.
18. ‘Best Leftovers Ever!’
Who’s in it? Jackie Tohn, David So, Rosemary Shrager
What’s it about? Need some creative ideas for how to transform that leftover takeout that’s been sitting in the fridge for two days? Well, fret not, because this show will give you all the inspiration you need. Follow a group of talented chefs as they compete by recycling leftovers to create restaurant-worthy dishes.
19. ‘Awake: The Million Dollar Game’
Who’s in it? James Davis, Russell Rope, Ikechukwu Mbagwu
What’s it about? This riveting game show starts off with contestants counting hundreds of quarters for 24 hours straight. Then, each sleep-deprived contestant has to compete in a series of physical and mental challenges until the final round, where the remaining contestant gets a chance to win a million dollars.
20. ‘Amazing Interiors’
Who’s in it? Wesley Cannon, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Will Pemble
What’s it about? If you're fascinated by interior design, then you're in for a special treat. This show highlights a number of seemingly normal homes that have pretty wild interiors, from indoor aquariums to colorful museums.
21. The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On
Who’s in it? Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey
What’s it about? Think Love Is Blind, but with so much drama and mess. Six couples on the verge of marriage (and breaking up) put their relationship to the ultimate test. Ultimately, they must make a choice—marry or move on? Take it from us, this show will have you hooked from beginning to end.