Last Updated on 6 June 2025

I searched the Internet for lists of the best TV reality shows of all time. Criteria included the shows being ranked, not just listed; covering all time and sources, not just one decade or network; and generally created by groups, whether teams or committees or based on general public voting (like Ranker.com).

I was able to find 28 lists. I took the 28 lists and added all their content into a spreadsheet, noting the rank of every show. I ended up averaging the rankings each one got (there were 133 that were on at least 2 lists) and dividing that average by a factor of the number of lists that show was on. The lowest score meant a high ranking average on many lists. The complete spreadsheet is attached at the bottom.

The game shows that were on the most lists (out of 28) were:

  • Survivor (2000-present) – 23 lists
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-present) – 19 lists
  • The Real World (1992-present) – 19 lists
  • Big Brother (2000-present) – 18 lists
  • The Amazing Race (2001-present) – 17 lists
  • Project Runway (2004-present) – 17 lists
  • The Bachelor (2002-present) – 16 lists
  • America’s Next Top Model (2003-2018) – 16 lists
  • The Great British Baking Show (2010-present) – 15 lists
  • American Idol (2002-present) – 14 lists

Here are links to the lists I used along with dates the lists were created:

Best Reality TV Shows of All TimeDownload

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