From dating shows to cooking extravaganzas, reality TV shows offer a chance to watch people succeed—and win big prizes. It’s not just because contestants are relatable; we often share similar interests and passions.
Sometimes it’s about watching a high-stakes drama filled with conflict that makes our lives feel less chaotic in comparison; other times, it’s entertaining to watch people live completely different lives. It’s hard not to get whisked away when someone unveils an undeniable talent or creates a meal you wish you reach out and grab a bite of.
Whether you’re rooting for the underdog or just looking to forget about (your own) life for a while, here are 10 reality TV shows worth sinking your teeth into this fall—all available on free OTA TV.
“The Golden Bachelor”
This senior citizen spinoff of “The Bachelor” hones in on mature contestants in their golden years. This year’s bachelor is 71-year-old grandfather Gerry Turner who is looking to find true love. The show is expected to air sometime this fall at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.
“Bachelor in Paradise”
Already in its 9th season, the show sends singles from different seasons of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” to an island to search for a new relationship. The new season will air Tuesdays this fall on ABC at 9 p.m. ET and is expected to begin in September or October.
“The Voice”
The new season of this NBC hit show starts September 25th at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Gwen Stefani, and John Legend, vocal contestants compete with different songs in front of both celebrity panelists and TV audiences. Aspiring singers are voted to the next level through phone, text and internet ballots.
“Name That Tune”
Already in its third season, “Name That Tune” is an entertaining game show where players are teamed up to compete on their musical knowledge. It’s hosted by Jane Krakowski with Randy Jackson as the band leader. Catch the premiere on September 19th on Fox. The exact time is still TBD.
“I Can See Your Voice”
Imagine a place where being a bad singer can actually be beneficial. This game show, hosted by Ken Jeong, lets contestants battle for money by lip-syncing as a celebrity panel tried to determine who can—and can’t—sing without actually hearing their voice. The show premieres on September 19th on Fox.
“Kitchen Nightmares”
Revived after a decade hiatus and now in its 8th season, “Kitchen Nightmares” offers restaurants in distress to be turned around by renowned chef Gordon Ramsay. While the results might be remarkable, the process isn’t always pretty—or easy. Airing on Fox on September 25, time TBD.
“Lego Masters”
Back in its 4th season and hosted by Will Arnett, this reality TV show showcases teams of Lego enthusiasts building various spaceship creations. The new season premiers on Fox on September 28th, time TBD.
“Buddy Games”
Hosted by Josh Duhamel, this brand-new game show lets teams of four friends compete in a variety of challenges and games. With a nod to summer camp, the show is filmed at a lakeside location and teams live together. Catch it on CBS on September 14th at 9 p.m. ET.
“Survivor”
Expanding to 90-minute episodes now in its 45th season, “Survivor” airs on CBS on September 27th at 8 p.m. ET. You can expect the same Emmy Award-winning Jeff Probst to return as host and executive producer; however, the list of contestants is still under wraps.
“Amazing Race”
Another show expanding to 90-minute episodes is the Emmy Award-winning reality series “The Amazing Race,” which airs September 27th at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The essence of the show remains the same with teams embarking on adventures all over the globe, and competing in challenges for the $1 million prize.
Which one of these reality TV shows is on your can’t-miss list?
