# The best reality competition shows of all time

Islands, kitchens, runways and runways of a different kind: the reality competitions critics and viewers rank highest (Variety, Collider, Looper).

- 1485 votes · 14 items
- Jul 21, 2024 · Jack Doyle
- https://even.best/en/l/2089/the-best-reality-competition-shows-of-all-time

## Top 14

1. **Survivor (2000-)** (149 · ▲164 ▼15) — Castaways vote each other off the island.
2. **The Amazing Race (2001-)** (129 · ▲139 ▼10) — Teams of two race around the world.
3. **RuPaul's Drag Race (2009-)** (120 · ▲128 ▼8) — Drag queens compete to be America's next drag superstar.
4. **The Great British Bake Off (2010-)** (95 · ▲109 ▼14) — Amateur bakers in a tent, the kindest show on TV.
5. **Project Runway (2004-)** (93 · ▲107 ▼14) — Designers, a deadline and Tim Gunn's 'make it work'.
6. **Top Chef (2006-)** (88 · ▲99 ▼11) — Professional chefs and impossible challenges.
7. **American Idol (2002-)** (72 · ▲92 ▼20) — The blueprint for TV singing competitions.
8. **Big Brother (2000-)** (62 · ▲71 ▼9) — Strangers locked in a house with cameras everywhere.
9. **Hell's Kitchen (2005-)** (53 · ▲77 ▼24) — Gordon Ramsay yelling at two brigades of chefs.
10. **MasterChef (2010-)** (40 · ▲61 ▼21) — Home cooks under Gordon Ramsay's gaze.
11. **The Traitors (2023-)** (40 · ▲58 ▼18) — Faithfuls hunt traitors in a Scottish castle.
12. **Dancing with the Stars (2005-)** (34 · ▲55 ▼21) — Celebrities paired with professional dancers.
13. **The Circle (2020-)** (32 · ▲52 ▼20) — Players compete only through a social media app.
14. **The Voice (2011-)** (30 · ▲49 ▼19) — Blind auditions and spinning chairs.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.