Best Reality Shows Of The Decade
American Ninja Warrior - Season 11
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR (NBC)
With respect to those who navigate Drag Race's platform shoes, ANW is the most athletic competition on this list. It is a thrilling spectacle for even the casual viewer, as Ninjas in peak form and hailing from varied backgrounds tackle an ever-evolving array of obstacles. Following, from our cozy Barcalounger, near-folk heroes such as David Campbell, Kacy Catanzaro, "Flip" and "The Kid," we cheer each big win and blurt a sympathetic "D'oh!" with every tumble.
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THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW (Netflix)
We don't describe this beloved UK import as sweet because that's how we imagine its showstoppers tasting; we do so because, thankfully, that's always been its tone. The quirky amateur bakers competing for nothing more than bragging rights and a cake stand support one another with a sincerity that warms the heart. And that the series remains an unaffected delight even after changing networks, hosts and half of its judging duo is a miracle on par with a soufflé that doesn't collapse.
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LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH (A&E Network)
It would be easy to dismiss Remini's docuseries as a personal vendetta against the Church of Scientology, aka the secretive religious institution in which she was raised and from which she publicly broke in 2013. But while the show is deeply personal, it's less a grudge and more a mission to publicize the order's allegedly cult-like behavior, which Remini (and others) claim is responsible for ruining lives and ripping apart families. Accordingly, the stories Aftermath tells are so compelling, they earned the show an Outstanding Informational Series or Special Emmy in 2018.
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QUEER EYE (Netflix)
Netflix's Queer Eye reboot is the TV equivalent of comfort food — and it's exactly the show we need in these turbulent times. The series has introduced us to a delightful Fab Five, all of whom share an effortless chemistry that makes the show warm and inviting. That said, Queer Eye doesn't shy away from tough conversations, including discussions of police brutality and struggles with sexuality. But at its core, the show is an uplifting, low-stakes exercise in self-improvement... and a guaranteed tearjerker, too.
The Real Housewives of New York City - Season 11
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY (Bravo)
Bravo's massive Real Housewives empire stands as one of the decade's most successful (and most reliably entertaining) reality franchises, and it's tough to pick a favorite installment, but we're going with the New York City gals. Bethenny's street-smart wit, LuAnn's pompous grandiosity, Ramona's bottomless self-delusion... these ladies have actually delivered more laughs over the past 11 seasons than just about any sitcom we can think of, while also painting a fascinating portrait of upper-crust excess in action. Glass of Pinot Grigio, anyone?
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RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE (VH1)
When legendary entertainer RuPaul decided to start searching the country for America's next drag superstars, he didn't just create a TV series — he started a movement. From its humble beginnings on Logo (HD? Never heard of her!), this little-show-that-could has grown into an Emmy Award-winning phenomenon, bringing the beauty and artistry of drag into the mainstream. From dramatic lip sync battles to outrageous runway looks, this cutthroat competition is essentially every reality show rolled — actually, make that tucked — into one.
ABC's "Shark Tank" - Season Four
SHARK TANK (ABC)
Though the world of entrepreneurship might seem dull, Shark Tank has now kept us entertained for 10 jargon-filled seasons — and not just because of the highly wacky products that have been pitched over the years. We've also gotten emotionally invested (heh) in the series' myriad underdog stories, and it's strangely thrilling to watch contestants and sharks go back and forth about profits and valuations. In short? It's still a pleasure doing business with Shark Tank, even after 10 years.
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THE VOICE (NBC)
Sure, NBC's sing-off may not be turning out superstars on par with American Idol alumni Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson (who has twice now been The Voice's winning coach). But since its first chair swiveled in 2011, it's kept us affixed to our own seats, whether because we were marveling at the talent on display (tellingly, we all have strong opinions about which performance was the show's best ever) or chuckling at the coaches' interplay (especially Blake Shelton and Adam Levine's long-running rivalry).
Top Chef - Season 16
TOP CHEF (Bravo)
Sixteen seasons in, and our appetite for Bravo's cooking competition remains as great as ever. In part, that's due to the kitchen warriors' dishes, which are often so mouth-watering that they make us wish the show was presented in Taste-o-Vision. But the bigger reason we keep coming back for seconds is the personalities on the menu. Not only are the contestants mostly likable pros, but regular judges Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi work together like ingredients in a well-balanced dish.
Vanderpump Rules - Season 7
VANDERPUMP RULES (Bravo)
If The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is the 90210 of reality TV, Vanderpump Rules is its Melrose Place, an even soapier spinoff about sexy dumb-dumbs navigating their "twenties" in Los Angeles. From cheating allegations to birthday party brawls to... more cheating allegations, we've become obsessed with this lightning-in-a-bottle cast of lovable lunatics — as has celebrity super-fan Jennifer Lawrence, so feel free to take it up with her if you disagree.