The 15 best reality shows to binge on Peacock
The streamer carries legacy Bravo franchises like “The Real Housewives” along with newer favorites like “Love Island.”
The 15 best reality shows to binge on Peacock
The streamer carries legacy Bravo franchises like "The Real Housewives" along with newer favorites like "Love Island."
By Kevin Jacobsen and Kirstie Renae
February 16, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET
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Andy Cohen on the 'Vanderpump Rules' reunion; Alan Cumming of 'The Traitors'; Kathy Griffin on 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List'. Credit:
Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty; Euan Cherry/Peacock via Getty; Jess Alper/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Reality television has been a part of the modern pop culture diet since the dawn of the 21st century, with no signs of slowing down. From talent-based shows like *Top Chef* to cutthroat competitions like *The Traitors* to the glamorous escapism of the *Real Housewives*, there's a reality show for every type of TV viewer.
Peacock is the home to all of the aforementioned reality TV stalwarts, but those are just the tip of the iceberg, with hundreds of hours of reality entertainment on the streamer. Ahead, we're recommending 15 of the best reality shows on Peacock.
American Ninja Warrior (2009–present)
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Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila on 'American Ninja Warrior'.
Elizabeth Morris/NBC via Getty
Based on the Japanese television show *Sasuke*, *American Ninja Warrior* features athletes from all over America as they tackle the world’s most difficult obstacle courses. Competitors take part in multiple qualifying rounds, each one harder than the last, in an effort to reach the finals, hit the buzzer at the top of the Mt. Midoriyama rope climb, and win a massive cash prize.
Not only does the reality series showcase people with amazing physical fitness, but it also dives deep into their personal stories and motivations. —*Kirstie Renae*
Where to watch *American Ninja Warrior*: Peacock
**Cast:** Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Zuri Hall
Baking It (2021–2023)
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'Grannies' Harriet Robin, Anne Leonhard, Sherri Williams, and Norma Zager on 'Baking It'.
Jordin Althaus/Peacock via Getty
This spinoff of the craft show *Making It* finds teams of two competing in numerous baking challenges. What helps this reality series stand out, however, is the colorful commentary by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg (Amy Poehler replaces Samberg in season 2) as well as the quartet of opinionated "grannies" who serve as judges. While the grans can be shockingly honest in their critiques, *Baking It* is mostly low-stakes fun, especially if you enjoy the comedic stylings of its hosts. —*Kevin Jacobsen*
Where to watch *Baking It*: Peacock
**Cast:** Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Amy Poehler
Below Deck (2013–present)
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(From left to right): Iain MacLean, Sabrina Muller, and Joe Bradley on 'Below Deck Mediterranean'.
Fred Jagueneau/Bravo via Getty
Have you ever wished you could sail away? Well, the crew members on *Below Deck* have, and they've made their dream a reality by becoming full-time employees on world-class yachts that travel around the globe. The catch? In exchange for making a living and enjoying the seaside views, they must deal with the unrealistic demands of their high-maintenance passengers and the interpersonal drama that goes down behind the scenes.
*Below Deck* gives viewers a glimpse of what life on the ocean is like, both for the crew and the wealthy patrons, making for a unique reality show filled with all the glitz and gossip you could want. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *Below Deck*: Peacock
**Cast: **Lee Rosbach, Kate Chastain, Eddie Lucas, Rachel Hargrove, Fraser Olender
Deal or No Deal Island (2024–2025)
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Joe Manganiello of 'Deal or No Deal Island'.
Patrick Ecclesine/NBC via Getty
*Deal or No Deal Island* takes the namesake 2000s-era game show and raises the stakes tenfold. Filmed on an island in Panama, contestants compete in physical challenges to secure briefcases containing high-dollar amounts, with low-placing players having to play "Deal or No Deal" against the mythical Banker. If they accept an offer from the Banker higher than what’s in their case, they get to eliminate another player; if it’s lower, *they* are eliminated.
Essentially blending *Deal or No Deal* and *Survivor*, the Joe Manganiello-hosted series certainly scratches an itch for fans of both series. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Deal or No Deal Island*: Peacock
**Cast:** Joe Manganiello
The First 48 (2004–present)
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Still from season 21, episode 51, of 'The First 48'.
As any true crime aficionado knows, the first 48 hours after a crime occurs are the most crucial for detectives to solve the case. This long-running A&E series follows detectives from various cities as they use forensic evidence and witness interviews to investigate homicide cases.
The two-day window offers an inherently compelling dramatic structure as investigators race against the clock, though the series sometimes follows them beyond those 48 hours. "[*The First*] *48* flies by, but moments along the way linger," writes EW's critic. "No matter the outcome, the show never wavers from its aching immediacy." —*K.J.*
Where to watch *The First 48*: Peacock
**Cast:** Dion Graham
Hell’s Kitchen (2005–present)
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Contestant Johnathan, host/chef Gordon Ramsay, and contestant Ryan on 'Hell's Kitchen'.
Do *not* get on Gordon Ramsay’s bad side. Many poor souls have done so in *Hell's Kitchen*, the reality cooking competition in which a group of chefs vies for Ramsay's approval and the opportunity to become head chef at a fine dining restaurant. Contestants are split up into teams and tasked with cooking challenges and dinner services, with the losing team having to select two of their own for the chopping block, at which point Ramsay eliminates one of them.
As the title implies, *Hell's Kitchen* is not for the faint of heart, with Ramsay's colorful insults demonstrating that if you can't stand the heat, it's best to get out of the kitchen. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Hell's Kitchen*: Peacock
**Cast:** Gordon Ramsay
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (2005–2010)
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Seth Rudetsky and Kathy Griffin on 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List'.
Jess Alper/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Amid the glut of artificial celeb-reality shows in the mid-2000s, Kathy Griffin’s hilariously unfiltered look into her life as a self-professed D-list celebrity was an oasis. Through six seasons, the comedian tries to climb out of Hollywood’s lower ranks through stand-up shows and public appearances, with a tenacious yet snarky spirit that makes her endlessly watchable.
While some of Griffin’s jokes may be a product of their time, *My Life on the D-List* is, all the same, a fascinating snapshot of early aughts celebrity culture in all its chaotic messiness. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List*: Peacock
**Cast:** Kathy Griffin, Matt Moline, John Griffin, Maggie Griffin, Jessica Zajicek
The 30 best shows on Peacock
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The 16 best reality shows on Netflix, from 'Love Is Blind' to 'The Circle'
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Love Island USA (2019–present)
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Daia McGhee, Catherine Marshall, and Olivia Walker on 'Love Island USA'.
Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty
For reality fans who prefer a little romance with their competition shows, a must-watch on Peacock is *Love Island USA*. America’s take on the hit U.K. dating series features sexy singles at a tropical villa competing for connection and $100,000. The so-called "islanders" must find a partner and last until the end of the season to win the grand prize, but their love must stand up against challenges like recouplings, surprise eliminations, and temptations at Casa Amour — a second villa that hopes to pry couples apart in pursuit of juicy television.
Fans love the show for its unique format, competitive edge, and, of course, the inordinately attractive cast. Whether you’re in it for love triangles, real romance, or broken hearts, Ariana Madix guides you through the show’s seasons. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *Love Island USA*: Peacock
**Cast:** Ariana Madix
Project Runway (2004–present)
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Designer Kara Saun (left) on 'Project Runway'.
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
*Project Runway* has "made it work" for 20 seasons and counting, winning multiple Emmys and a Peabody over the years. The reality show centers on fashion designers from all walks of life who are tasked with crafting creative, eye-catching clothing under a time crunch. Expert judges then critique their designs and select contestants to be eliminated one by one until a winner is crowned and given a six-figure grand prize to kickstart their careers.
Premiering in 2004, *Project Runway* was instrumental in ushering in a new style of reality competition based on skill rather than duplicity and cynicism. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Project Runway*: Peacock
**Cast:** Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, Christian Siriano
The Real Housewives franchise (2006–present)
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Annemarie Wiley, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke, and Crystal Minkoff of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'.
Emily Shur/Bravo
If you’re looking for a reality franchise with endless content, look no further than Peacock’s wide selection of *The Real Housewives* shows. From the one that started it all (*Orange County*) to the latest in the bunch (*Dubai*), Peacock has a whopping 11 series available to stream (a 12th, *The Real Housewives of Rhode Island*, premieres on Bravo TV in April), plus ample spinoffs and after shows. We thank you, Andy Cohen. The Bravo franchise documents the lavish lives of some of the richest people in the world, but in addition to giving viewers a glimpse into the high life, the shows also showcase the dramatic, the headline-making, and the ugly — a combination that makes *The Real Housewives* a must-see for any true reality TV aficionado.
If you’ve never watched any of the *Housewives*, we recommend starting with the OG *Orange County*, which features housewives like Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, and Shannon Storms Beador. To catch up on some of the franchise’s most iconic moments like Teresa Giudice’s angry table flip, Sheree Whitfield’s fight with her divorce party planner, and the infamous drama between Kim Richards and Lisa Rinna in Amsterdam, check out *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*, *Atlanta*, and *Beverly Hills*, respectively. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *The Real Housewives*: Peacock
Southern Charm (2014–present)
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The season 9 cast of 'Southern Charm'.
Stephanie Diani/Bravo via Getty
Southern aristocracy gets a modern spin in *Southern Charm*, a reality show set in Charleston, S.C., that follows socialites like Craig Conover, Shep Rose, and Kathryn Dennis (to name a few) as they navigate life, work, and love. However, unlike similar programs, these folks have to stay true to their Southern roots and family names, a difficult feat in today’s modern world.
The successful show has inspired a variety of spinoffs, including *Southern Charm: Savannah*, *Southern Charm: New Orleans*, and *Southern Hospitality*, all of which you can also stream on Peacock. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *Southern Charm*: Peacock
**Cast:** Craig Conover, Cameran Eubanks, Jenna King, Thomas Ravenel, Shep Rose
Top Chef (2006–present)
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Kristen Kish, Danny Garcia, Emeril Lagasse, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons on 'Top Chef'.
David Moir/Bravo via Getty
For reality fans who skew more culinary, there is no better binge-watch than *Top Chef*, the series where chefs compete in several high-stakes cook-offs. Competitors are judged by some of the culinary world’s greatest chefs, experts, and entrepreneurs as they create unique and delicious dishes.
*Top Chef *has proven to be star-making, helping chefs like Carla Hall, Richard Blais, and Antonia Lofaso become household names. With 21 seasons (plus spinoffs) on Peacock, there is a nearly endless amount of intense competition, moving stories, and culinary inspiration available to stream. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *Top Chef*: Peacock
**Cast:** Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Kristen Kish
The Traitors (2023–present)
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Kate Chastain and Alan Cumming on 'The Traitors'.
Euan Cherry/Peacock via Getty
Few modern reality-competition shows have become required viewing as quickly as *The Traitors*, adapted from the Dutch series *De Verraders*. Hosted with wicked glee by Alan Cumming, the Emmy-winning series features contestants living in a Scottish estate where a group has been pre-selected as "traitors," who assemble each night to banish one player from the game. The other players, dubbed "faithfuls," are tasked with rooting out the traitors using social strategy. If the faithfuls successfully banish every traitor, they win the prize money, but if any traitors are left in the end undetected, *they* win the money.
The second season, which casts former reality TV stars like *Survivor* veteran Parvati Shallow and *Real Housewives* star Phaedra Parks, is riveting from start to finish. Season 4 is airing weekly through Feb. 26, with high-profile names such as Lisa Rinna, Colton Underwood, Ron Funches, and Monét X Change. —*K.J.*
Where to watch *The Traitors*: Peacock
**Cast:** Alan Cumming
Vanderpump Rules (2013–present)
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Andy Cohen and Lisa Vanderpump on the 'Vanderpump Rules' reunion episode.
Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty
This spinoff of *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* follows the turbulent lives of entrepreneur Lisa Vanderpump and the employees at her various restaurants, bars, and clubs. *Vanderpump Rules* features all the petty drama of *Real Housewives* with a messy cast of (very flawed) characters who make plenty of mistakes and get into more than their fair share of conflict. The series received a huge boost in 2023 when bartender Tom Sandoval was caught cheating on his long-term girlfriend Ariana Madix with her friend Raquel Leviss, a scandal the media dubbed "Scandoval." —*K.J.*
Where to watch *Vanderpump Rules*: Peacock
**Cast:** Lisa Vanderpump, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, Kristen Doute
The Voice (2011–present)
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John Legend, Dan Smyers, Reba McEntire, Chance the Rapper, and Shay Mooney on 'The Voice'.
Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty
*The Voice* is NBC's Emmy-winning singing competition show that’s unlike any other. Here, celebrity coaches select singers to mentor during a now-iconic blind audition process in which they only hear their voices. Once drafted to a celebrity coach’s team, contestants compete in multiple rounds and live performances in hopes of winning a massive cash prize and a recording contract.
Viral moments like the band Girl Named Tom earning a rare four-chair turn during the blind auditions in season 21 are just the start of what makes the show great. Viewers not only enjoy hearing the stellar performances and heartwarming stories of the hopeful vocalists but also seeing music’s most successful stars passing on invaluable insight and mentorship. —*K.R.*
Where to watch *The Voice*: Peacock
**Cast:** Carson Daly, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg
Source: “EW Reality”