Top 10 Best Reality TV Shows to Enjoy Right Now

Over the past decade – and the last few years in particular – reality TV has become a cornerstone of entertainment, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. While some people may still think of reality TV as tacky or invasive (which it sometimes is), the rise in popularity of the genre has also expanded the kinds of shows created.

There’s still plenty of drama in reality TV, but today there’s something for any interest – from romance to house hunting to dog whispering and more. Here are some of the reality TV shows available to watch on DIRECTV.

And make sure to keep coming back to this list to see the most up-to-date information on what real TV lovers are watching right now. From Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits to The Real Housewives of New Jersey, this list will help reality TV fans stay up to date on the most entertaining unscripted shows available to watch now.

Watch Reality TV & so much more on DIRECTV.

Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.

---

Most Popular Reality TV Shows

Towering above even the most popular reality TV shows is one of the first of its kind, which essentially created the reality format we know and love today: Survivor.

If you haven’t watched Survivor, this is your sign to give it a shot. And if you love Survivor, consider checking out some of the other top reality TV shows listed below.

---

TOP 10 REALITY TV SHOWS TO WATCH

Below is your go-to list of the top reality shows to watch on TV right now. Whether you’re looking for a single episode to pass the time or want to do a deep dive into an entire season, you can’t go wrong with the shows listed below.

1. ‘Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits’

↑ 22 vs. Prior Week

Join Theresa Caputo, popularly known as the Long Island Medium, on a fascinating journey into the spiritual realm in Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits. Caputo’s charismatic personality and incredible ability to communicate with the departed provides comfort and closure to those in need.

This show is more than just a run-of-the-mill celebrity reality show. It intertwines heartwarming stories, spontaneous laughter and tear-jerking moments, taking viewers on an emotional roller coaster. Plus, follow Theresa’s daily life as she balances family, friendships and her unique abilities in this compelling, feel-good series.

---

2. ‘Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under’

↑ 25 vs. Prior Week

Embark on a thrilling expedition with Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under. Explore Australia’s largest zoo – the iconic Taronga Zoo Sydney, narrated by Naomi Watts. Each episode introduces viewers to exotic and endangered animals, as well as the dedicated zookeepers who care for them tirelessly.

Uncover intimate and heartwarming animal stories as you dive deeper into the viscerally incredible world of wildlife rescue, rehabilitative care and conservation. It’s more than just a zoo tour; it’s a riveting and emotional journey into the lives of animals and those who protect them.

---

3. ‘Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog’

↑ 27 vs. Prior Week

Join world-famous dog behaviorist Cesar Millan in Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog, as he works to transform distressed dogs and their owners. Each episode captures the raw emotion and intense challenges Millan faces in his pursuit to mend relationships between pups and their parents.

Internationally known for his remarkable work, Millan educates families on effective training techniques while instilling essential life values. This captivating show sheds light on the importance of creating a more harmonious environment for everyone. 

---

4. ‘Judge Steve Harvey’

↑ 26 vs. Prior Week

Get ready for a unique twist on courtroom dramas with Judge Steve Harvey. Join the renowned television host, Steve Harvey, as he steps away from his usual comic routine to assume the status of a judge. With his signature humorous approach, he resolves everything, from minor squabbles to major disputes, using wisdom drawn from his own life. Watch as the chamber fills with laughs, life lessons and the balance of justice in each episode of Judge Steve Harvey. This show offers an unparalleled blend of entertainment, comedy and fair judgement.

---

5. ‘Life Below Zero: First Alaskans’

↑ 26 vs. Prior Week

Life Below Zero: First Alaskans offers an intimate portrayal of the daily trials and tribulations faced by native Alaskans. Immerse yourself in the lives of the Hailstone family, a clan led by skilled hunters and gatherers navigating against the harsh, icy conditions of Alaska. This tension-filled reality series brings viewers face-to-face with life-or-death survival situations, where the failure to hunt or fish can mean the end. Witness this captivating story of resilience, adaptation and survival against some of the most unforgiving conditions on Earth.

---

6. ‘Lucky Dog’

↑ 28 vs. Prior Week

Follow the touching journey of rescue animals finding their forever homes in Lucky Dog. Brandon McMillan, a professional animal trainer, takes abandoned dogs from heartbreaking situations and trains them to become perfect companions. He transforms these once-neglected creatures into well-behaved pets ready for adoption with his patience, care and expert technique. Watch as not only the dogs’ lives change, but also their future families’ lives, as they experience the unconditional love that only a pet can provide.

---

7. ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

↑ 30 vs. Prior Week

Embark on an emotional exploration of roots and history in Who Do You Think You Are? In this unique show, celebrities embark on personal journeys to uncover their ancestral histories, with expert historians providing fascinating insight.

Each episode reveals uncovering surprising secrets, intricate mysteries and rich details about the family trees of your favorite stars. Tune in to witness a deep, moving exploration of identity, heritage and the past’s impact on the present as these celebrities discover exactly who they really are.

---

8. ‘America’s Backyard Gold’

↔ vs. Prior Week

In America’s Backyard Gold, Dave Turin, the familiar face of gold mining reality TV, embarks on a thrilling adventure to uncover the untold treasures that lie within the heart of America’s mining legacy. Venturing into unchartered territories, Turin unearths old mining mysteries and aids contemporary miners to strike it rich.

Each episode is a golden nugget of history, geology and personal tales of prospecting. Serving as a guide and mentor, Turin brings the past and present together in an addictive quest for gold and glory. Tune in to witness ordinary people find extraordinary wealth in America’s backyard.

---

9. ‘Judge Judy’

↔ vs. Prior Week

Experience the sharp wit and unyielding justice meted out in Judge Judy’s courtroom. With 25 seasons under her belt, Judge Judy Sheindlin rules with an iron fist, settling disputes ranging from neighbor battles and business disagreements to family feuds and so many other unbelievable conflicts. Her no-nonsense demeanor and biting humor add an entertaining layer to this reality courtroom drama.

---

10. ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’

↔ vs. Prior Week

Dive into the glitz, glamor and explosive drama of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. In this hit reality TV series, Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Dolores Catania and the gang share an unapologetically opulent lifestyle filled with lavish parties and luxury vacations. But all the glamour doesn’t come without its fair share of conflict.

Feuds, friendships and family ties frequently burst into fiery fights that grip you from episode to episode. Tune in to see these grand dames of Jersey navigate life, love and high-stakes drama in their exclusive world of wealth.

---

And there you have it: the most popular Reality TV shows available to watch now. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best TV content with DIRECTV.

For those who aren’t DIRECTV customers, make the switch today! Get all the best channels, shows, movies and more. And with four unique packages, there’s something for everyone.

And for more information on the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:

• Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
• 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
• 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
• Top 10 Comedy Shows on DIRECTV
• Top 10 Best Drama TV Shows to Watch Right Now
• The Top 10 Most Popular Game Shows to Watch Now
• The Top 10 Best Adult Cartoons to Watch Right Now
• Top Travel Shows to Curb Your Wanderlust
• Top Singing Shows to Sing Along to
• 10 Thrilling Suspense Shows to Watch Right Now
• Best Horror TV Shows to Stream Today

DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.