The Longest-Running Reality TV Shows of All Time
Reality television is a modern phenomenon. From watching groups of strangers try to survive on a deserted island to following one of the most famous families in the world, reality television truly offers something for every viewer. Where audiences once associated scripted programing with an escape from reality, reality TV has recently come to provide the same level of comfort, entertainment, and escapism.
There are plenty of reality shows that didn't quite catch on over the years, but there are a select few that undeniably withstood the test of time. No matter how much the world changed over the last couple of decades, these shows kept audiences coming back for more season after season. Keep reading to find out which reality shows are the longest-running of all time and see if your favorites made the list.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians debuted in 2007 and ran for an impressive 20 seasons on E!. The reality show led to countless spinoffs featuring different members of the Kardashian-Jenner brood before coming to a close in 2021. In 2022, The Kardashians premiered on Hulu, marking the family's return to reality television.
Survivor
Survivor debuted on CBS in the summer of 2000 and quickly became a household name. To date, the series has aired a whopping 44 seasons, all of which have been hosted by Jeff Probst, who is also an executive producer of the show. Survivor has been nominated for a total of 63 Emmy Awards and has won seven times.
The Bachelor
The unbeatable classic dating show The Bachelor premiered on ABC in 2002 and has since aired 27 seasons. Plenty of contestants have gained a loyal following all their own, and the hit series went on to inspire a series of spin-offs to varying degrees of success.
The Real World
The longest running show in the history of MTV, The Real World changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1992. Not only did the series confront controversial issues like sex, religion, and sexuality head on, but it was one of the first unscripted shows ever made. To date, 33 seasons of The Real World have been produced, as have a handful of spin-offs that include Road Rules and The Challenge.
The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race first entered homes across the country in the fall of 2001, and in February 2023 the series was renewed for its 35th season. In 2003, the Primetime Emmy Awards introduced a category for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program, and The Amazing Race has brought home this Emmy a record ten times.
Big Brother
The American competition series Big Brother is based on the Dutch variety show with the same name, and since its debut in 2000 it rose to become one of the most-watched reality shows in country. To date, Big Brother has filmed 25 seasons and led to two spin-offs, including the ever-popular Celebrity Big Brother.
American Idol
American Idol, the singing competition series created by Simon Fuller, made its debut in 2002, and has been on the air since besides a two year-long gap. American Idol has aired 21 seasons and there are no signs of the series ending any time soon.
The Bachelorette
A spin-off of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette first aired on ABC in 2003 and since then 20 seasons of the dating series have been produced. The series follows the same structure as The Bachelor, but features an eligible bachelorette in the driver's seat.
Project Runway
Project Runway premiered on Bravo in 2004, and was the first series of its kind to test the talents of fashion designers. The show has been on the air for twenty seasons and has produced a number of successful designers, including Christian Siriano.
Dancing With the Stars
Since it first debuted on ABC in 2005, Dancing with the Stars was a runaway hit. Today, the show has aired 31 seasons and Season 32 is currently in the works. Some of the series' most noteworthy competitors include the likes of Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, Bindi Irwin, JoJo Sita, and Donny Osmond.
Hell's Kitchen
Gordon Ramsey turned kitchens everywhere upside down with his reality competition cooking show, Hell's Kitchen. The series first aired on Fox in 2005 and the 22nd season of the hit series is set to premiere in September 2023.
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