Reality TV shows have invaded the Australian cultural landscape like an army of glitzy, over-the-top conquerors, taking no prisoners and leaving us all addicted to their spectacle.
They’re as prevalent as a shrimp on the barbie or a VB in hand, and let’s face it, we can’t get enough of them. From the heartwarming transformations on The Block to the cringe-worthy first dates on Married at First Sight, these shows have us hooked, and there’s no going back.
The Australian reality TV landscape is a complex and ever-evolving ecosystem, reflecting the country’s insatiable appetite for drama, DIY, and all things culinary. With that said, ExpressVPN found the best reality tv shows in Australia. From the nail-biting suspense of Married At First Sight, to the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Australian Ninja Warrior, Aussies love nothing more than tuning in to see their fellow citizens compete for fame, fortune, and social media clout.
As the summer holidays draw to a close and the nights start to cool down, TV networks and streaming platforms alike are gearing up for another season of reality TV madness. But what shows are Aussies watching and loving?
The stats revealed some fascinating insights into the most-searched-for reality TV shows of 2022. While juggernauts like Masterchef Australia, Married At First Sight, and Survivor were searched for repeatedly nationwide, there were some intriguing regional variations that caught our attention.
For example, Ninja Warrior was the most searched-for show in the Northern Territory, with over 212,000 regional viewers per episode in 2022, according to Nine, the show’s network. Love Island Australia, on the other hand, dominated Western Australia, with Perth local Maddy Gillbanks becoming the talk of the town.
Tasmania, meanwhile, had a high search volume for The Traitors, a psychological thriller based on the Dutch series De Verraders that features Nigel Brennan, a former photojournalist who escaped after being kidnapped by insurgents while in Somalia. It’s worth noting that all three of these shows are relatively new to the Australian reality TV scene, suggesting that some viewers may be seeking fresh perspectives while perennial favourites like The Block and Masterchef Australia remain popular.
When it comes to streaming services, it’s clear that Netflix is the undisputed king of the hill, with the most-watched shows across the great divide, followed by Disney and Prime Video. Binge, Foxtel, and Stan round out the top six, but it’s clear that Aussies love a bit of local flavour, with Stan punching above its weight to claim the fourth spot.
So, what shows are we all hanging out for in 2023? Well, it seems that FBOY Island Australia and Season 10 of Married At First Sight have us all hot and bothered in anticipation. These shows promise to deliver more drama, more tears, and more cringe-worthy moments that we can all revel in and judge from the safety of our couches.
But while we love our tried-and-true reality TV staples, we’re also excited about the prospect of fresh concepts and new genres in 2023. Shows like Taskmaster Australia, an adaptation of the popular British comedy series, has already gained a cult following, and the upcoming spin-off Masterchef: Dessert Masters is sure to satisfy our sweet tooth.
After a 14-year hiatus, Australian Idol is back, and we can expect exciting new reality shows like The Challenge—a spin-off of the reality shows The Real World and Road Rules—where contestants are made to compete against one another in various extreme challenges to avoid elimination.
All in all, it’s clear that Aussies are hooked on reality TV, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. Whether you love it or hate it, reality TV is here to stay, and who knows what wild and wonderful shows we’ll be watching in the years to come.