The best thing that can be said about reality shows is that we get to connect with the personalities better because, at the back of our minds, we know that the shows are unscripted. This nature is what adds to the thrill. HBO Max contains lots of great reality

shows of different kinds for you to choose from. They are directed toward different sections of the audience with different tastes, which, however, may not be exclusive. So it is only natural for you to like more than one kind. Here, we bring 20 of the best reality shows on the platform.

27. Say Yes to the Dress (2007- )

Narrated by Roger Craig Smith, ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ centres on the Kleinfeld Bridal boutique in Manhattan. It explores the bridal boutique culture from all angles, including designing, sales, and profiling. There is also a focus on the brides who come to pick the “perfect” wedding dress that carries not only her weight but also the overwhelming opinions of her family and friends, as well as her body image issues and an affordable budget. The main cast includes Mara Urshel and Ronald (Ronnie) Rothstein, co-owners of Kleinfeld, Randy Fenoli, the Fashion Director, and other members of the Kleinfeld family who help the brides-to-be figure out their choices. Interesting, especially for those who are into clothing and apparel, ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ can be streamed right here.

26. Izzy Does It (2025- )

Hosted by top-tier contractor Israel “Izzy” Battres and his wife Lilly Battres, ‘Izzy Does It’ follows them and their team as they apply luxury renovations to homeowners on affordable budgets. With years of experience in renovating million-dollar homes on the California coast, Izzy brings innovation and design to people who are ready to upgrade their homes without exhausting their budget. If you are into home design and décor, ‘Izzy Does It’ delivers just fine. You can stream it here.

25. Impractical Jokers (2011- )

It’s basically a hidden-camera show, and the joke is on four real-life best friends who are also the hosts of the show. Add to the mix some public embarrassment, practical jokes, the funniest dares, and stunts, and voila! We have ‘Impractical Jokers’ hosted by Q, Sal, Joe, and Murr. A series of dares is carried out, and the one with the most thumps-downs for the performance is subjected to utterly hilarious public embarrassment. If you are up for some straight-out fun, then ‘Impractical Jokers’ is your go-to show. You can stream it here.

24. House of Ho (2020–2022)

If you enjoy Kardashian-style drama, then ‘House of Ho’ is your go-to. The docuseries depicts the “American Dream” through the eyes of a Vietnamese American family that has set up its empire in Houston, Texas. A big family means drama, and a big, successful family translates into more drama. The series, led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife Hue Ho, shines light on the glittering lives of all the members of the Ho family underpinned by love, hate, affection, jealousy, misunderstandings, power tussles, and the cultural dynamic: American-Vietnamese. That does sound interesting! You can watch it here.

23. 90 Day: Hunt for Love (2025- )

‘90 Day: Hunt for Love’ follows eight singles from the popular ‘90 Day’ universe who give themselves another chance at love among them and other singles during their stay at Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort in Tulum, Mexico. Over the course of the show, which is hosted by Sukanya “Suki” Krishnan, relationships form and break, secrets come to light, and lies take shape, all of which are underscored by personal motives and the chance to win as the singles take part in various tasks. If you are a fan of dating reality shows, ‘90 Day: Hunt for Love’ is a must-watch. It can be streamed here.

22. 90 Day Fiancé (2014- )

This reality show follows couples in which either the fiancé or fiancée has applied for or received a K-1 visa, allowing an applicant to come to the United States with his/her/them partner, a U.S. citizen. If they do not get married within 90 days, the person will have to leave the country. What transpires during these 90 days is what we get to see in the show. Each season has from 4 to 8 couples and looks into their relationship and that with their family, showing how the visa aspect affects them. More complex than it sounds, ’90 Day Fiancé’ can be streamed right here.

21. The Cut Brazil (2021- )

Talk about hairs standing on end. ‘The Cut Brazil’ brings together 12 highly talented hairdressers from all across Brazil, who shall compete to become the country’s top hair stylist. Presented by supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, the 8-episode show follows the contestants as they put their styling skills to the best use and ensure that their subjects look the best in every way. There are also challenges where their techniques will be tested. The judges are Daniel Hernandez, Monica Salgado, Marcos Proença, and Zica Assis. The winner takes a cash prize of 200 thousand reais. You can watch the show here.

20. Selena + Chef (2020- )

This cooking reality show, created by Aaron Saidman and hosted/ presented by Selena Gomez, is filmed inside the singer’s home. With Gomez as the host/student, we get to see professional chefs cook exquisite recipes from different cuisines across the planet as well as giving tips and tricks regarding cooking. With her friends and family acting as her tasters and a lot of trial and error, this show is an exciting, friendly, and amicable take on cooking. You can watch it here.

19. Diesel Brothers (2016- )

A heavy-duty reality show, ‘Diesel Brothers’ is about a group of friends from Utah who work on and build pickup trucks. As cliché as it sounds, a lot is going on in it. All kinds of trucks with different types of modifications are a lot cooler than they sound. What the guys can do with a normal truck shows their love for the job and the machine itself. Featuring David “Heavy D” Sparks and David “Diesel Dave” Kiley and their teammates, ‘Diesel Brothers’ is a must-watch for people who love vehicles and engines and grease and diesel. You can watch it here.

18. 1000-lb Sisters (2020- )

The emotionally exhausting reality show follows the lives of sisters Amy Slaton-Halterman and Tammy Slaton from Dixon, Kentucky. The sisters together weigh more than 1000 pounds, hence the name of the show. ‘1000-lb Sisters’ documents their daily life and also the struggles while trying to shave off pounds so that they may qualify for weight-loss surgery. However, not only is it difficult to lose weight, but they also have to put up with each other. Only when they get along will they be able to work together and help each other out. Amidst all ups and downs, ‘1000-lb Sisters’ has way more to offer than just two people trying to shred some pounds: it’s about family and all that comes with it. You can watch the 5-Season show here.

17. Property Brothers (2011–2019)

‘Property Brothers’ is a Canadian reality show featuring twin brothers Drew Scott, a capable real estate agent who picks up neglected houses and negotiates the rates, and Jonathan Scott, a licensed contractor who then takes over. They manage to turn fixer-uppers into a house of dreams within both the timeline and budget of the family that is looking for a new home. The detailed work that goes into looking for the right house, negotiating the rates, and renovating the property is showcased in a fun and informative manner. You can stream the show here.

16. Good Bones (2016–2023)

An attorney/real estate developer mother and a talented daughter embark on a journey to renovate and restore their Indianapolis neighborhood. How mother-daughter duo Karen E Laine and Mina Starsiak bring smiles to the owners by giving their home a whole new look with stronger foundations is showcased in an exciting manner while giving us a detailed exploration of house renovation as well as the camaraderie between the two ladies. You can watch the show here.

15. Fixer Upper (2013–2018)

If you love home décor, this is a treat for you. ‘Fixer Upper’ deals with home decoration and renovation and is hosted by the real-life married couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Gaines own a redecoration business in Waco, Texas, where they help homebuyers turn their fixer-uppers into potential museums. All the work that goes into turning a house into a home is showcased properly and is garnished with the sweetness that comes with having the perfect home because there is no place like home. You can watch the series here.

14. Project Greenlight (2001-2023)

A docuseries by Alex Keledjian, ‘Project Greenlight’ features amateur filmmakers who get to be entrusted with making their first feature film. Producers are Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, with producers Sean Bailey and Chris Moore. The film would be based on a screenplay picked out of the thousands submitted and would star actors from the industry. The series was canceled after its 4th season in 2015 but was revived in 2021 and released in 2023 titled ‘Project Greenlight: A New Generation’ and features Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, and Prince-Bythewood as the mentors. You can see it here.

13. We’re Here (2020- )

Created by Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram, this reality show follows drag queens Bob The Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela Laquida and Wadley as they travel all across the country and recruit residents from small towns, who shall then join the trio for a one-night no-holds-barred drag show. From training them to be the queens to helping them come out of the shell that life has put them in, one that includes insecurities, doubts, and self-doubts, ‘We’re Here’ is a celebration of drag that is rarely seen. To be a part of something new, you can watch this 6-part series right here.

12. The Hype (2021–2022)

From creators Rachelle Mendez, David Collins, and Rob Eric, ‘The Hype’ is a competition series that pits the best streetwear fashion designers from around the country against each other for a $150,000 cash prize, plus the judges’ “co-sign.” The show is hosted by Speedy Morman, and its main judges are Marni Senofonte, Beth “Bephie” Berkitt, and Offset, with different guest judges throughout the two seasons. If fashion gets you going, then this series will, too. You can stream ‘The Hype’ here.

11. Hoarding for the Holidays (2025- )

How much are you willing to spend on your Christmas decorations? We ask because you have tough competition, as evident in ‘Hoarding for the Holidays.’ The four-part show will introduce you to people who have gone out of their way for Christmas décor. From Texas to Nevada to New Jersey, the show introduces us to people who have spent extraordinary money to give shape to their “perfect” spirit of the season and their living space. From a $5,000 tree to $9,000 a month, the “reality” of the Holidays will blow your mind. You can watch ‘Hoarding for the Holidays’ here.

10. Baylen Out Loud (2025- )

‘Baylen Out Loud’ is a show that follows Baylen Dupree, a young woman who has Tourette’s syndrome. After her rise to fame on TikTok in 2020, TLC gave her a green light to do a show with her in 2024. The show features Baylen navigating her daily life with her parents, siblings, and fiancé Colin Dooley. A heartwarming show that gives the fans an up-close-and-personal look at Baylen’s kind-hearted and funny nature coping with her condition, ‘Baylen Out Loud’ is one of the best reality shows out there. It can be streamed here.

9. The Big Brunch (2022- )

While brunch is an acquired meal, it has become a part of many daily lives today. So ‘The Big Brunch,’ created and presented by Dan Levy, brings together ten contestants who will show their talents in cooking brunches and thereby participate for a cash prize of $300,000. Alongside Levy, we have restaurateur Will Guidara and recipe developer Sohla El-Waylly, who will serve as the judges. While the brunch menu isn’t considered a versatile one and is rather small, this show makes it clear that a brunch can be fun, too, and one that offers the warmth of a family meal just like the other meals of the day. You can watch it here.

8. Dude, You’re Screwed (2013-2014)

In this reality show, it’s not about winning, it’s about survival. The survivalists of different profiles have to search and find civilization while facing Mother Nature’s fury within 100 hours. From Iceland to Alaska to Utah to the Namib Desert to the Canadian Rockies, this series sends contestants across the toughest landscapes and terrains the planet has to offer over its two seasons, showing the skills required to survive in harsh environments. You can see the series here.

7. Nathan for You (2013-2017)

A creation of Nathan Fielder and Michael Koman, this docu-reality series follows Nathan Fielder as the titular character playing a fictional business consultant version of himself who helps struggling businesses grow by offering them outlandish, unorthodox strategies that more often fail. This is a satire of marketing and consultancy and serves as a spiritual spin-off of the segment ‘Nathan Fielder On Your Side’ of the comedy series ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes.’ You can stream ‘Nathan for You’ here.

6. Contraband: Seized at the Border (2023-)

This captivating show follows the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, which protects the US-Mexico border from illegal arms and drug transport and keeps them from entering the country. The officers also grab criminals and terrorists trying to flee or enter the country. From guns in ice cream freezers to rapists with meth to cartel money to illegal moonshine, the series throws light on the unending list of lawlessness that the agency encounters on a daily basis. This is no game but real life. You can watch ‘Contraband: Seized at the Border’ here.

5. The Great Pottery Throw Down (2015- )

This is a British competitive reality show that brings together the UK’s finest amateurs, competing to become the country’s top potter. With the eyes of world-renowned ceramic artists constantly on them, they will have to be careful, patient, precise, and perfect. But one can never be too precise, or can one? Presented by Sara Cox, Melanie Sykes, Siobhán McSweeney, and Ellie Taylor, the whole show takes place in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. It is the home of England’s pottery industry. If there is a show that stresses the quality of being slow and fast at the same time, ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ is it. You can watch it here.

4. American Chopper: The Series (2003-2020)

A reality show based on customized chopper motorcycles, ‘American Chopper: The Series’ focuses on the firm Orange County Choppers. Previously run by father-son duo Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. with a team of talented bike-lovers/ fabricators/mechanics, the series focused on the work that goes into making a motorcycle which, followed by the arguments, were the hallmark of the show. But this was until Paul Teutul Jr.’s termination from Orange County Choppers in 2008 following an argument. Season 6 was the last time the father and son were part of the same company. Season 7 (‘American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior’) onwards, the series focuses on both Orange County Choppers’ bikes and those from Paul Teutul Jr.’s company, Paul Jr. Designs, along with the father-son rivalry. You can watch the series here.

3. Deadliest Catch (2005- )

‘Deadliest Catch’ centers on the crab fishermen who spend day after day on vessels in the freezing Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska, looking for crabs. What is their livelihood is no less than a game of life and death for the audience who are given an up-close-and-personal look at what their job entails. Winner of multiple Emmys, the series concentrates on the October king crab season and January snow crab season, during which the fishermen take on 40-foot waves, power outages, and vessel collisions, in what seems to be a battle with Mother Nature. If you are looking for excitement, ‘Deadliest Catch’ offers just that and more. It can be streamed here.

2. Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking (2024

– ‘Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking’ is a first-of-its-kind reality cooking show that celebrates the world-famous film franchise. This visually stunning and candied competition follows nine pairs of pastry chefs and cake artists as they’ll breathe magic into their Harry-Potter-themed edible showpieces and present them in iconic locales from the movies, including the Forbidden Forest and the Great Hall, at the Leavesden Studios in England. The hosts, James and Oliver Phelps, who played twins Fred and George Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, are joined by the culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef and guest actors. The winning team receives the first-ever Wizards of Baking Cup and gets featured in the newest Harry Potter cookbook. If you love Harry Potter, this cooking show is for you. It can be streamed here.

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013-2018)

‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ is an Emmy-winning travel and food show that takes viewers to various parts of the world, showcasing their food and how it is connected to the culture. Hosted by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, the show goes all the way from Myanmar to Morocco, Libya to Las Vegas, Punjab to Paraguay, and Vietnam to Madagascar. It’s a deep dive into the local communities, their stories, and cuisine-hence, offering a unique learning experience about how the big world we live in is still small and linked by the myriad tastes of life. You can stream the show here. Read More: Best Thanksgiving Movies on HBO Max