If you're anything like me, you have an unhealthy obsession with reality tv. From below deck to the bachelor, I live for the drama. And with my wealth of knowledge, 8+ hours of screen time and a photographic memory, I have decided to help out my fellow Blitzians.
Whether you want a fairytale love story or are trying to feel better about your own dating life, there is a show on this list for you. Here is an expert's guide to Reality Dating Shows;
8. Farmer Wants a Wife
If this series could have a rating, it would be rated G. It isn’t an inherently bad thing to have a family fun dating show with authentic Aussie romance. However whenever I think about this show, I either get bored about the lack of drama or start catastrophizing about how early I would have to wake up if I lived on a farm. If you can look past these ‘beige flags’ however, you’ll find that the romance is incredibly fulfilling with 19 lasting couples to date; Spurring nine marriages, seven relationships and 21 kids!!! Overall, a safe, wholesome show to chat about with your grandparents.
Drama: ★☆☆☆☆
Romance: ★★★★☆
Cringe: ★★☆☆☆
7. The Bachelor/Bachelorette
Despite its unstoppable run from 2013-2016, the rise of other shows on tv like MAFS doomed the bachelor to fade into obscurity. If you are looking for the peak Bachelor drama seasons to binge, my recommendations include; Matty J, Blake Garvey and Matt Agnew’s seasons along with Sam Frost's Bachelorette Season. Unsurprisingly - the success rate isn’t that high with only 6/18 still together today! If you want to spend your time wondering how Osher Gunsberg is still employed - this is the show for you.
Drama: ★★★☆☆
Romance:★★★☆☆
Cringe:★★★★☆
6. Too Hot to Handle
Love Island! But on a yacht? Only kidding, this dating show offers a fresh slate for reality tv viewers. Yet quickly falls straight back into pattern with outrageous challenges and archetype contestants such as Harry, Francesca, Chloe and Kelz. I mean these contestants are truly one of a kind, cue "What’s the number for 911?" Definitely one to watch with your friends and attempt to not get PTSD from being reminded of your exes.
Drama: ★★☆☆☆
Romance:★☆☆☆☆
Cringe: ★★★☆☆
5. Love is Blind
I swear the people they find to get onto this show are actually insane. One moment that will forever be in my brain is when Andrew from season 3 PUT FAKE TEARS IN HIS EYES DURING THE CONFESSIONAL!!! If that doesn't sum up the state of this show I’m not sure what will. However, the cringe of this show can be overwhelming so be prepared to walk away from the TV. Multiple times.
Drama: ★★★★☆
Romance:★☆☆☆☆
Cringe: ★★★★☆
4. 90 Day Fiance
Chances are you have seen this show already on tiktok with our new favourite reality TV star- no neck Ed. This show is the perfect amount of unhinged that it perfectly scratches my brain. It is the perfect brain rot show to put on at 9pm and zone off too. Plus, the show is so ridiculous that it makes you feel better about your own situationship. Just try not to romanticise them proposing to you on a whim.
Drama: ★★★★☆
Romance:★☆☆☆☆
Cringe: ★★★☆☆
3. Love on the Spectrum
Love on the spectrum truly doesn't deserve to be on this list because it is so much better than all of these shows. It is wholesome and hysterical and has some of the best displays of romance I have ever seen on reality tv. Abbey and David will forever have my heart and take my top spot as the best reality dating couple ever. It makes me want to cry, so press play if you want a dose of optimism.
Drama: ★☆☆☆☆
Romance: ★★★★★
Cringe: ☆☆☆☆☆
2. Love Island
As a fun revival of the typical dating show, Love Island truly speaks for itself. It is a pinnacle of reality dating TV. From Molly Mae to Farmer Will to Maura. It has shaped the quality and calibre of dating shows today. I mean its influence alone has spurred shows like Too Hot to Handle and Bachelor in Paradise to enter the villa. So many iconic moments, so much drama and decently moderated romance. A fun watch to wonder how embarrassed your parents will be if you go onto this show.
Drama: ★★★★★
Romance:★☆☆☆☆
Cringe: ★★★★☆
1. Married at First Sight
This show is a car crash; it is terrifying but I cannot look away. It is the only show I write ‘stay’ to sit and watch through. It has defined the Aussie TV industry. Truly a collective human experience watching the intimacy week episode with your entire family. Creating priceless moments like the Martha v Cyrell wine spillage, long-lasting romances like Lizzie and Seb, and built villains like Harrison and Bryce (Bryce when I catch you). I fear I will have a lifelong commitment to this show until the day I die. One that you will end up watching, even when you don’t intend to.
Drama: ★★★★★
Romance:★★☆☆☆
Cringe: ★★★★☆
Madeline Kahl is a student from Sydney studying a double degree in Commerce and Media. As an avid reader she is most likely accidentally ghosting all her friends while crying about fictional characters.
