A dose of reality

Although the idea of bringing back early-00s makeover series Queer Eye initially seemed hopelessly outdated, Netflix’s reboot has proved to be one of the most joyous, feel-good and relevant shows of the year so far.

But it’s not the only show on the streaming service which is proving that not all reality TV needs to be exploitative trash or heavily scripted vacuous melodrama.

Featuring everything from mouth-watering cookery shows to fabulous drag-queen contests, here’s a look at ten of the best.

RuPaul’s Drag Race


Little more than a cult concern when it began, RuPaul’s Drag Race has since developed into a genuine phenomenon, winning Emmy Awards, spawning several spin-offs and producing stars such as Bianca del Rio, Alaska and, of course, CBB winner Courtney Act.



For those unaware of its fabulous charms, the show aims to discover the next great drag superstar through various challenges presided over by the titular icon herself.

Lady Gaga, Emma Bunton and Vanessa Williams are just some of the celebrity names who have made cameos over its nine seasons – all but the last of which is now available to stream.

Project Runway

Of course, Drag Race was undoubtedly inspired by Project Runway, the long-running reality competition hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum which aims to find the next great fashion designer.

Only two of its 16 seasons are currently available on Netflix (seasons 7 and 8), but they still contain more than enough trash talk and memorable outfits to satisfy the most stylish US reality TV fan.

Coach Snoop

Rapper, actor, producer and hip-hop’s most famous stoner, Snoop Dogg, recently added another string to his bow by taking on the role of American football coach for this strangely inspiring new reality series.

Indeed, you don’t need to know your touchbacks from your touchdowns to enjoy Coach Snoop, which shines the spotlight on the Snoop Youth Football League the star set up to support troubled kids in South Central LA.

Nailed It

If you’ve ever watched The Great British Bake-Off wondering how the average person would tackle a Spanische Windtorte or croquembouche, wonder no more.

This self-described ‘hot mess’ of a Netflix original sees three sets of amateurs – all of whom have a terrible track record in the kitchen – attempt to recreate an elaborate bake.

And unsurprisingly, few of the results would ever come close to winning Star Baker.

Sing It On

Fans of Pitch Perfect will no doubt be gripped by this behind-the-scenes look at the International Championship Of Collegiate A Cappella.

Produced by soulman and former a cappella vocalist John Legend, Sing It On focuses on five university groups as they compete in the art form’s version of the Super Bowl, and is every bit as entertaining as the antics of the Barden Bellas.

Mary Portas: Secret Shopper

But if all the bombastic music, slanging matches and whiplash editing of US reality TV leaves you with a headache, then there’s plenty more restrained British alternatives on offer too.

Originally screened on Channel 4, Mary Portas: Secret Shopper sees the no-nonsense retail guru attempt to save three struggling business from going under, including a jeans shop, hair salon and a bridal store in which she gets more than she bargained for.



Selling Houses with Sarah Beeny

Once a permanent fixture on Channel 4, property developer Sarah Beeny is now best-known for advising homeowners in their baths and beds in those Tepilo TV commercials.

First airing back in 2012, this one-off series showcases the property developer at her best, dishing out advice to three different clueless sellers, all of whom are hoping to attract the same buyer.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

But if you prefer your property programming to be a little more escapist, look no further than this fascinating globe-trotting BBC series.

Here, architect Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin visit an array of extraordinary homes across the world, including a building made out of a Boeing 747 and a treehouse nestled in the Catskill mountains.

Penn & Teller: Fool Us

Bringing magic back onto British prime-time, Penn and Teller: Fool Us has been one of ITV’s more entertaining attempts to fill the Saturday night void left by The X Factor’s finale.

Here, the little-and-large duo attempt to suss how an aspiring magician pulls off a trick – if they fail to guess right then the prize of a Las Vegas support slot awaits.

Surprisingly, the pair are fooled more often than you might expect.

Terrace House

If you’re one of those Big Brother viewers who longs for the days when it wasn’t manipulated within an inch of its life, then the unashamedly sedate Terrace House may well be the reality show for you.

As its title suggests, this Japanese franchise is filmed entirely in a Tokyo terraced house shared by a group of six strangers.

Pretty much nothing of note ever happens, but it’s refreshing, and strangely hypnotic, to watch a reality show featuring real humans simply going about their daily lives without ever thinking of a glossy magazine deal.


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