Reality shows offer some of the most eye-catching and jaw-dropping entertainment, promising viewers real-life reactions and situations captured on camera. ABC’s The Bachelor is one of the most successful reality shows ever after being on air for 28 seasons and a handful of spinoffs.

CBS’s Survivor has proved to networks it too can survive after launching countless spinoffs after launching in 2000. The early 2000s was the heyday of reality TV, with networks like MTV and VH1 being the place to see contestants and celebrities find love and money on shows like Rock of Love with Brett Michaels and Flavor of Love. Nowadays, however, streaming networks like Netflix are popping out reality shows like mints.

While reality shows still have an end-game for contestants and cast members, these days it’s more about profit than finding love, earning a cash prize, or winning a competition. With multiple streaming services in competition with each other, Netflix is one of the most successful after profiting over $5.4 billion in 2023, as reported by Statista.

Original reality shows like Love is Blind and The Ultimatum are among some of the more popular shows on the streaming giant. However, it’s fair to say most of the reality TV show contestants on Netflix are looking for a shot at social media fame rather than a long-lasting relationship or a title. Likewise, production has become so manufactured, it ruins the art of reality TV.

Is Netflix Ruining The Opulence Of Reality TV?

Netflix is dimming the light on reality TV with the sheer amount of shows it’s producing without the same depth and knowledge that went into network shows in the past. Netflix’s versions of reality TV are heavily manufactured to stir the pot to gain more streamers and revenue instead of finding the formula for truly inspiring reality TV.

In the early 1960s, The Dating Game became one of the nation’s leading (and first) reality dating shows. The show would have a single woman or man interview three hopeful bachelors or bachelorettes. By the end of the show, the chosen contestant would choose their match — hoping to find ever-lasting love. It became an instant success because there were contestants who truly wanted to find love, not fame.

Fast-forward to the best era for reality TV, the early 2000s. This was a time before social media, influencers, and endorsement packages. The motive for being on reality TV was to find love, win money, or continue appearing in a string of reality TV shows. A hidden agenda of fame and influencerhood wasn’t top-tier.

The intrigue of reality TV shows hasn’t wavered, but the depth and motives behind the shows have.

Bloomberg reported that it’s big-time Hollywood money that keeps Netflix reality TV shows getting renewed season after season. Not necessarily a blueprint for showing audiences how to find love or win a competition. With over 277 million users and billions of dollars in profit, Netflix continues to produce shows with a similar formula to manufacture more of the same: money.

The managing director of the global creative network at ITV Studios, Mike Beale, explained the intrigue behind reality TV shows on streaming services, especially dating shows. Beale explained to Bloomberg, “Part of the reason dating shows have done so well in streaming is you can have volume.” He continued, “There needs to be more episodes and more content to get you into binging. The second part is that it brings young eyeballs.”

Now that Netflix has become a reality TV streaming giant with its hit originals, it prioritizes what brings in more steamers and drama instead of connections. However, stirring the pot in the production room to enhance drama has made reality TV feel like anything but reality. The first seasons are typically the best before continued seasons get more saturated and curated for views.

Netflix’s Long List Of Reality TV Shows Reigns Supreme Over Other Streaming Services

It’s no secret that Netflix is the ultimate streaming service for reality TV fans — especially those who love reality dating shows. Series like The Ultimatum, Love is Blind, and The Perfect Match are among the most popular. With live reunions and delayed reveals, fans can’t get enough of the unscripted format, despite its contestants not always being there for the right reasons.

In an interview with Vulture, Brandon Riegg (who works in Netflix’s reality TV division) shared there’s always room for innovation and improvement in the world of reality TV on streaming services. “I think there’s always room for innovation and I think any of these categories are constantly evolving anyway,” Riegg shared. “Creative execs and producers have to constantly be thinking, ‘What’s the fresh take on the familiar?’ That’s just a good mindset to have.”

One creative turn Netflix took was creating a reality competition series from Squid Games, where real-life fans can apply to be a part of the challenges.

Despite manufacturing drama and contestants who aren’t always there for the right reasons, Netflix continues to be the new reality TV giant. However,if execs continue to get too involved, the art of reality TV is no longer reality.