The 15 Longest-Running Reality Shows Of All Time

As someone who’s spent a good chunk of my life glued to the television, I find it fascinating to delve into the world of the longest-running reality shows that have captivated audiences for decades. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching real-life drama unfold on the small screen, whether it’s a team of antiques experts revealing a hidden treasure or cops chasing down a suspect in broad daylight.

Many long-lasting television series have been reality shows, either structured or unscripted, featuring competitions or not. It appears that a powerful formula for reality TV is nearly endless. A reality show that strikes gold early and plays its hand correctly can continue for numerous years, eventually becoming deeply ingrained in popular culture and an essential part of the entertainment world – something that millions upon millions of viewers will consistently watch every year, as long as they receive the familiar goods.

Have you ever wondered about the longest-running American reality TV series? To feed your curiosity, here’s a list of 15 American reality shows that have been airing the longest (measured in years, not seasons). We’ve set some rules: we’re focusing on years on air instead of number of seasons and excluding court shows like “Judge Judy” and “Divorce Court”, which although can be considered reality TV, are more distinct genres. Discover which shows have been entertaining audiences for decades!

15. Hell’s Kitchen

It’s hardly unexpected that many cooking competition shows have endured for so long, due to their built-in drama and captivating element of high-stakes culinary artistry, as well as our shared enjoyment of appreciating visually appealing, inventive dishes. However, one particular American reality show in the cooking genre stands out from the rest, adding an additional layer beyond typical cooking show allure – by featuring the intense, often abrasive Gordon Ramsay barking orders at contestants.

Debuting on Fox in 2005, “Hell’s Kitchen” is a culinary competition series that lasts about eleven episodes per season. Each season, teams of chefs compete against each other to win the job as head chef at a restaurant chosen by Ramsay. Apart from a break in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “Hell’s Kitchen” has consistently aired a new season annually since its premiere. This means it has now been running for 19 years with 23 seasons and over 350 episodes, making it the longest-running American cooking competition show, just surpassing “Top Chef” (which started in 2006 and boasts 21 seasons).

14. Intervention

Among long-running reality TV series, one that stands out for its controversial nature is A&E’s “Intervention.” Over the years, it has been criticized by both critics and health experts for allegedly exploiting subjects and prioritizing entertainment over ethical boundaries. Despite these concerns, the show continues to garner high ratings and keeps producing new seasons. This program focuses on a different individual or small group dealing with substance dependence or addiction each week, tracing the build-up towards an intervention meeting where their loved ones, along with a professional interventionist, urge them to seek help from drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Despite the heavy criticism it has faced for manipulating addicts to depict them at their lowest, the show won the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding reality program in 2009. “Intervention” has been airing every year since 2005 save for a hiatus in 2023, with some years having multiple seasons. This brings its total bow to 19 years on air, with 25 seasons and over 350 episodes. In that time, it has also inspired several spin-off shows.

13. Deadliest Catch

“Discovery Channel’s ‘Deadliest Catch’, unlike many reality TV shows, is truly authentic. Over the years, it has demonstrated that specialized work environments can create compelling human-interest stories. Before the era of niche reality TV, ‘Deadliest Catch’ pioneered this genre. This series focuses on real fishermen who work on crab fishing boats in the Bering Sea, off the coast of Alaska. It portrays the extreme dangers, volatility, and physical demands of their daily lives, providing a unique insight into what it means to earn a living under such perilous conditions. The show offers some of the scariest moments ever seen on American television.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on “Deadliest Catch” since its debut back in 2005 with just 10 episodes. Over the years, this gripping series has released one season annually without fail, and the episode count has steadily risen. We hit an all-time high of 23 episodes in 2022, marking a significant milestone. Now, as we celebrate its 20th anniversary, “Deadliest Catch” has aired 20 seasons in total, making it the 13th longest-running American reality show ever.

12. The Bachelorette

In simpler terms, “The Bachelorette” is similar to the show “The Bachelor,” which you’ll find mentioned later in this list. Both are reality dating shows where a single person (in “The Bachelorette,” it’s a woman) meets and eliminates potential suitors week by week, ultimately choosing one at the end who often proposes marriage. The male contestants usually number 25, and some seasons may feature two bachelorettes instead of one.

Back in the day, I remember when the American version of “The Bachelorette” hit our screens for the first time way back in ’03. It was a groundbreaking show, paving the way for countless international adaptations. After a brief break from ’06 to ’07, it’s been a consistent part of my TV lineup ever since. Now, here we are 20 years later, with over 21 seasons and more than 230 episodes under its belt. It’s amazing how far the show has come!

11. Dancing with the Stars

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the global phenomenon that is “Dancing with the Stars.” Originating from the British show “Strictly Come Dancing” back in 2004, this enchanting reality TV franchise has since been shared with over 60 countries across all continents. The United States’ version, which I’ve followed faithfully since its debut in 2005, might not have been the first to bear the name, as that honor goes to the Australian edition that aired earlier in the same year, but it certainly stands among the longest-running and most enduring.

Every year, stars across different professions join forces with skilled dancers to tackle a sequence of dancing competitions as partners. These duos compete against each other until one pair is crowned the champion. The show usually broadcasts several seasons annually, and has been airing consistently since 2005; over the past two decades, “Dancing with the Stars” in the U.S. has aired 33 seasons and more than 500 episodes. Initially, it was aired on ABC, but moved to Disney+ in 2022, and then became a concurrent show on both Disney+ and ABC starting from 2023.

10. American Idol

One popular example of reality competition TV that originated from the British series “Pop Idol,” known as “American Idol,” initially featured Simon Cowell as a judge when it debuted. Over time, this show has become synonymous with a well-recognized format on American television, where hopeful singers are chosen from nationwide tryouts by a group of judges. These contestants then proceed through several rounds requiring them to perform different songs. The viewing public votes off contestants weekly until one winner emerges, earning a recording contract in the process.

Despite being hailed as one of television’s most successful and impactful shows ever, “American Idol” faced rating difficulties and was taken off air by Fox in 2016. However, it was swiftly reborn on ABC and reappeared on our screens in 2018. In total, the show has now been running for a remarkable 22 years, with numerous seasons and over 650 episodes under its belt.

9. The Bachelor

The original series that launched the worldwide phenomenon known as “The Bachelor” franchise on ABC, titled simply “The Bachelor,” has consistently been one of their most successful audience drawers since its debut. It shares the same fundamental format and structure with its spin-off “The Bachelorette,” but centers around a male lead character instead, who competes for affection from a group of female contestants each season. Similarly to “The Bachelorette,” the show usually concludes with the protagonist making a final decision between two suitors and proposing marriage.

As a gaming enthusiast, I remember when “The Bachelor” made its debut on ABC back in 2002. Dating reality competition shows were just starting to gain traction then, having not yet replaced the classic, more straightforward dating game shows that came before. Over the past two decades, this show has graced our screens for an impressive 28 seasons! Each season, consisting of 7-13 episodes, has been a thrilling ride. With nearly 300 regular episodes and around a dozen specials, it’s safe to say that “The Bachelor” has left quite the mark on reality TV history.

8. The Amazing Race

In the annals of the Primetime Emmy Awards, no show has been as consistently victorious in its category as “The Amazing Race.” This CBS series has won 15 Emmys out of a staggering 97 nominations, making it a formidable force. The appeal lies in its unique blend of sports and travelogue, where teams compete in multilegged races across the globe. Each leg requires not just speed and stamina, but also logical thinking, financial and time management skills, and strong interpersonal abilities. In essence, “The Amazing Race” transforms the world into a massive scavenger hunt.

The Amazing Race” is among the most productive reality shows ever made when counting by number of seasons. To put it simply, it boasts an impressive 36 seasons to date. If we consider its longevity, it’s still one of the top choices, having debuted in 2001 and airing at least one season annually, usually two, with a maximum of three, except for 2021. This means that the show has been on our screens for approximately 23 years, during which it has produced over 400 episodes.

7. Big Brother

Among American competition shows, one notable standout has shifted its focus from competition towards human interaction: On CBS’s “Big Brother,” a spinoff of the Dutch series that debuted in 1999, a group of participants live together in a secluded house under constant video surveillance. While much of the action revolves around fostering strong relationships, there are also occasional challenges, games, and eliminations (referred to as “evictions”). The season concludes with a final three, and the winner is chosen by a jury consisting of contestants who were previously evicted.

The U.S. edition of “Big Brother,” initially aired in 2000, has been consistently broadcast each year, resulting in a staggering 26 seasons and more than 930 episodes to date. This longevity positions it as the longest-running version of “Big Brother” worldwide, a significant feat considering its status as one of the most beloved reality TV formats globally.

6. Survivor

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by CBS’s hit series, “Survivor.” This groundbreaking reality show is like no other, where contestants find themselves stranded in exotic locales around the globe. Each season begins with a mix of players divided into teams or tribes. The competition kicks off as they battle it out in various challenges to avoid elimination. It’s a cutthroat game, as each tribe initially votes off members among themselves, and later, the entire contestant pool is at stake. One by one, competitors are voted off until only one remains standing, claiming the title of ‘Sole Survivor.’ This iconic 21st-century TV phenomenon sets a high bar for reality television; some of its finest seasons rank among the best that the genre has produced.

Beyond its cultural influence, the show boasts one of the longest running conceptual histories among current reality TV series; the original broadcast was Sweden’s “Expedition Robinson” in 1997. The American version has been on the air since 2000, spanning 47 seasons over a quarter of a century.

5. America’s Most Wanted

“America’s Most Wanted,” a long-running American reality show, uniquely blends elements from news, documentaries, and reality TV. This series aims to transform ongoing manhunts into a blend of entertainment and public service. Each episode zeroes in on a specific fugitive, wanted for severe crimes at the time of broadcast. The episode then details their crimes, re-enacts them, offers additional insights through interviews, and urges viewers to share information via a hotline.

Known for revolutionizing American law enforcement, “America’s Most Wanted” first aired on Fox in 1988. It was broadcast annually on its original network until 2011, when it was canceled but later resurrected on Lifetime before returning to Fox in 2021. A second reboot occurred in 2024. Over the years, spanning 26 non-continuous seasons, the show has been on air for a total of 27 seasons.

4. The Real World

One could argue that if there’s one TV series often considered as the ancestor of modern reality shows, it would be “The Real World.” As its name suggests, this iconic show aimed to provide viewers with a glimpse into the lives and actions of real individuals from diverse backgrounds, without any competitive element to heighten tension or conflict. Instead, it simply focused on the experience of shared living. Each season, a group of residents stayed in a house equipped with 24/7 cameras for several months, venturing outside only to locations previously approved for filming.

Regardless of the decline in its originality and the questionable tactics that emerged as the series progressed, “The Real World’s” longevity makes it an intriguing record of American social and cultural shifts during the early 21st century, encompassing numerous controversial topics. Initially airing on MTV in 1992, the show remained a consistent presence until its cancellation in 2017. It was revived for one more season on Facebook Watch in 2019. Over the course of its 27-year run, “The Real World” featured 33 seasons and 614 episodes.

3. The Challenge

Originally created as a spin-off from “The Real World” and its sister series “Road Rules,” the show known as “The Challenge” was designed to bring together alumni of these iconic MTV shows. The initial titles, “Road Rules: All Stars” and later “Real World/Road Rules Challenge,” reflect this intention. Each episode presents a competition where contestants participate in demanding challenges, often involving adventure and physical activities. Contestants are gradually eliminated until one team emerges victorious at the end.

The program now recognized as “The Challenge” first aired on MTV in 1998, following the broadcast of multiple seasons of both “The Real World” and “Road Rules”. Although the initial series have since ended, “The Challenge” has persisted, marking its 27th year, 40th season, and over 550 episodes, making it the longest-running American reality competition show to date. Over the years, “The Challenge” expanded its scope beyond its original purpose of promoting other shows and began incorporating former contestants from various non-MTV reality programs as well.

2. Antiques Roadshow

Many shows on this list are extremely popular, with high ratings and a strong cultural impact. However, it’s not essential for a reality show to be a ratings powerhouse or a frequently spoofed pop culture icon to last for many years. And no show demonstrates this better than “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS, which, while light on drama, is very educational and has managed to maintain its longevity.

As an enthusiast, I’d put it this way: I’m captivated by the Emmy-nominated show that follows a skilled team of antiques appraisers. They travel across the U.S., setting up shop at diverse locations such as convention centers, hotel ballrooms, historical sites, or other unique venues. Here, they invite local residents to bring their prized antiques for a professional evaluation. Throughout this process, these experts guide us through fascinating chapters of American history, ultimately revealing whether an item is exceptionally valuable, essentially worthless, or something in between.

Originating from its British counterpart, the show titled “Antiques Roadshow” has been consistently running since 1997, with an impressive total of 28 seasons broadcasted so far – a fact that appears substantial until you discover that the original British “Antiques Roadshow” has been continuously airing since 1979.

1. Cops

The longest-standing American reality TV show ever is called “Cops.” As suggested by its name, this program showcases the routine duties of police officers, sheriffs, and deputies, capturing patrols, undercover operations, responses to service calls, execution of search and arrest warrants, among other activities. To enhance authenticity and immediacy, the show uses impromptu handheld camera work, with no background music or narration added.

Back in 1989, I found myself immersed in a groundbreaking series called “Cops,” which made its debut on Fox. This show ran consistently without any breaks until 2013 on its original network. For its 26th season, it moved to the basic cable channel Spike TV, transforming into Paramount Network in 2018. However, after the 2020 George Floyd protests, Paramount Network decided to pull the plug on this show. But guess what? In 2021, the subscription VOD platform Fox Nation brought it back! Over the years, “Cops” has aired an impressive 1200+ episodes across 36 seasons, making it the undisputed ruler of American reality TV.

2024-12-25 00:31