American TV has become a staple in reality TV programs. In 2025, millions of people will continue to tune in to their favorite reality show. These shows entertain, inspire, even occasionally surprise us.
But which of the shows are truly popular?
Below, we will look at the top 10 most watched reality TV shows in America in 2025 and give reasons for why they are among the most watched.
Why is Reality TV So Popular?
That’s not the case in reality TV shows, as television is classified into reality TV shows and regular scripted TV shows. They feature real people in real-world situations, and often the drama seems unscripted. Some reality shows are competitions, some revolve around relationships and a few test people’s lifestyles. Whether it’s a show focused on cooking competition, love or even just reality in general, people can’t get enough of reality TV — especially when it’s done right.
And with that out of the way, you can check out the list of the top 10 most popular reality TV shows in America in 2025 below.
The Voice
In the United States, “The Voice” stands out as one of the highest-rated reality TV shows. The show stars singers who battle to be the best in their genre. Celebrities like to take on the roles of judges. They select whom to play with and pass their trainee through their work. In 2025, The Voice still packs in massive ratings, with tens of millions tuning in each week. The show’s thrilling blind auditions and tear-inducing performances keep audiences coming back for more.
Why People Watch: Viewers enjoy witnessing contestants’ transformations. And, of course, they love the competition between all the coaches and the talent we showcase.
America’s Got Talent (AGT)
America’s Got Talent is another fan favorite. This wildly popular program showcases everyday people who possess unique, extraordinary talents—offering them a chance to perform in front of millions. And in 2025, AGT is still one of television’s hottest tickets, drawing millions of viewers each season. A combination of the unexpected, sensational performances and heartfelt stories makes it a winner.
Why People Watch: Viewers like to see ordinary people performing extraordinary things. It’s also inspiring to see people living out their dreams on such a national level.
Survivor
It seems that Survivor has been on television forever and yet it’s still one of the most popular reality TV shows on the tube in America. The contestants are sent to a remote island where they must live and survive on their own. The twist is that the contestants must team up with one another to stay in the game. On and on and on in 2025, Survivor’s strategy-based gameplay and contestants’ interpersonal drama keep fans hooked.
Why People Watch: The strategy, and the mind games that go on during it, are a compelling draw for people. It’s fun watching how each individual will play the game and who will play it smart.
The Bachelor
In 2025 The Bachelor is still a constant presence in the world of reality TV show. On the show, a man or woman dates multiple contestants in search of true love. Each week a few people are cut until there is one remaining rose and one true love. Throughout the years, The Bachelor has known to produce a sea of emotions and surprise eliminations and love stories.
Why People Watch: Sycophantic viewers can’t get enough of the drama and the romance. The show’s curveballs, and dramatic upsets, keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Big Brother
Big Brother is yet another reality show that keeps millions of eyes glued to their television. The premise of the show is the contestants are put into a house where they live together while competing in challenges. The contestants are on camera 24 hours a day and episode contenders are voted out by their housemates every week.
Why People Watch: They want to watch the contestants get to know each other and see how alliances develop. The house dynamics as well as the dramatic eliminations are definitely entertaining.
Keep Up With the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians is a popular reality TV show in the U.S. It follows the lives of the Kardashian family and Jenner family. It is now 2025 and the show is still a hit. Fans also get to see the inside of their family’s personal life, which also includes their relationships, businesses, and parties. Its mix of family drama, opulent lifestyle and business dealings has kept audiences coming back for years.
Why People Watch: Fans bask in the drama and the glitz of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. It’s like stepping into a different world where money and fame and luxury are everywhere.
The Challenge
The Challenge is a reality competition show in which contestants compete in physical and mental challenges that will determine which of them holds the most clout. The contestants are typically alumni of other reality television shows such as The Real World and Big Brother. This combination of all manner of tough challenges and dramatic interpersonal relationships has made The Challenge a fan favorite.
Why People Watch: People are being drawn to the intense physical and mental challenges in the show. Contestant drama makes the competition event spicier.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race is a reality competition show that pits drag queens against each other in fashion, performance and acting challenges. The show in general, and its fans in particular, have become something of a cultural phenomenon, with viewers tuning in from around the globe. And nearly three decades later, at 40 seasons and counting, the show is still beloved, especially for the way it throws together high-energy performances, comedy and dramatic eliminations.
Why People Watch: Fans appreciate the creativity, the comedy and the fierce competition. The contestants include such vibrant personalities that the result is that each episode is special and different.
Love Island USA
Love Island USA is a dating reality show in which single individuals move into a villa and may have to couple up. Contestants can couple up each week, and new people can arrive — and often do — stirring up more drama and action. Jump to 2025, and Love Island USA remains a popular hit thanks to its mix of romance, drama, and entertainment.
Why People Watch: People like the romantic combinations and the fight for love. The drama and little surprises make the show interesting.
The Challenge: All Stars
The Challenge: All Stars is a spinoff of the original The Challenge. It reintroduces previous contestants that have appeared in earlier seasons and have an opportunity to compete. The stakes are high and the competition is fierce. This has just become popular but is already the potion of 2025.
Why People Watch: Fans enjoy watching returning players and seeing how they fare in new challenges and with new twists.
Most Popular Reality TV Shows in America: Why We Love Them?
There are a few things that the most-watched reality TV shows in America do to keep us hooked. They provide drama, competition and a look into the lives of others. Reality TV shows offer viewers a break from their own lives, whether it’s the challenges of Survivor or the romance of The Bachelor.
Conclusion
Reality TV shows remain a big part of American television in 2025. Programs such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent and Survivor continue to draw millions of viewers. These shows can be entertaining, dramatic, even inspiring. I’m looking forward to even more entertaining moments and seeing what else reality TV has up its sleeve as it continues to skyrocket in popularity. Whether you are tuning in for a hefty helping of romance on “The Bachelor” or the cutthroat competition on “The Challenge,” reality TV is a favorite pastime among people all over the country.
As we look forward, one thing is certain: most watched reality TV shows in America will continue to be a critically important part of TV entertainment in 2025 and beyond. So the next time you’re trying to figure out what to put on, you know which shows are running the show.
