Reality TV shows to help escape reality
These 30 series can provide distraction from actual events
It’s clichéd at this point to note that our reality feels as if it’s been scripted by the writer of a horror film. But maybe that’s why reality TV has become such a desirable distraction from what’s happening in real life.
If you’re looking for shows to keep you glued to your couch — or at least keep you entertained enough not to venture outside unnecessarily — we’re here to help.
While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it’ll hopefully introduce you to a show you wouldn’t have sampled were you not doing your part to stay at home.
If you just want to collapse and watch something that will make you say, “What???” when everything else makes you want to cry: “Vanderpump Rules”
With eight seasons under its belt, it’s likely you’ve heard of this gem. It’s a spinoff of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and revolves around employees of West Hollywood’s SUR (an acronym for Sexy Unique Restaurant), owned by “RHOBH” alumna Lisa Vanderpump. The series is like the love child of every soap opera and young-adult drama that’s ever aired.
Available on: Bravo, Hulu
Also try: “90 Day Fiancé” and any of its spinoffs (TLC); “Below Deck” (Bravo); “The Circle” (Netlix); “Nailed It!” (Netflix)
If your vacation got canceled/postponed, but you want to pretend your staycation is more exotic: “Restaurants on the Edge”
If you sit close enough to your TV, you can feel as if you’re on the coast of Malta or Costa Rica. This six-episode restaurant makeover show features a team of experts helping to revive a struggling restaurant by exploring its surrounding community for inspiration. Sweeping shots as the camera glides over expansive vistas will have you longing for the day you can start booking trips again.
Available on: Netflix
Also try: “House Hunters International” (HGTV); “Making the Cut” (Amazon); “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (Hulu)
If you need a reminder on how to put together an outfit that’s more presentable than joggers and a T-shirt: “Project Runway”
I was skeptical, but the new version of “Project Runway” — back on Bravo after 11 seasons at Lifetime — has returned the series to my TV fold. The decision to cast former contestantturned-red carpet guru Christian Siriano in the mentor role previously occupied by Tim Gunn was an A-plus move. Judge Nina Garcia, the editor of Elle, is the only remaining original cast member. She’s joined by new judges Elaine Welteroth, the former editor of Teen Vogue, and designer Brandon Maxwell, with model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss taking over as host.
If going through the whole catalog is overwhelming, consider catching up on the revamped seasons (17 and 18).
Available on: Bravo app, On Demand (some past seasons on Hulu)
Also try: “Next in Fashion” (Netflix)
If your Zoom backdrop has you thinking about how you’ll redecorate when life returns to normal: “Fixer Upper”
Spending endless hours at home has a funny way of pulling your focus to all the things you wish you could change about your décor. Cue “Fixer Upper,” hosted by home renovation all-star couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, which has been helping me get my fix of impossibly white walls, shiplap, giant wood candle holders, barn doors and oversized clocks.
Available on: HGTV
Also try: “Amazing Interiors” (Netflix); “Home Town” (HGTV)
If self-quarantine is forcing you to confront your relationship status: “Love Is Blind”
The Netflix matchmaking show seemed absurd just a few weeks ago when it was taking the internet by storm: Its premise involves gathering a group of singles who date by talking to each other through a wall. Now, it’s basically a blueprint for how to date in this time of self-quarantine.
Available on: Netflix
Also try: “Dating Around” (Netflix); “Love Island” (Hulu); “Catfish” (MTV)
If you’re missing the days when it didn’t require an elaborate game plan to go grocery shopping and ingredients were in ample supply: “Guy’s Grocery Games”
Just imagine it: a supermarket’s shelves fully stocked with more than 20,000 items. It’s a beautiful sight we will, hopefully, never take for granted when life gets back to normal. Hosted by Guy Fieri, the “Supermarket Sweep”-meets“Chopped” food competition series pits chefs against each other in a three-round elimination contest, using ingredients found in the grocery store under guidelines set by Fieri.
Available on: Food Network Also try: “Top Chef ” (Bravo); “The Great British Baking Show” (Netflix)
If it’s all too overwhelming and you need something to ease your anxiety: “Pick of the Litter”
The six-episode series follows six puppies in their quest to become guide dogs for the visually impaired. It’s not without tension: Dogs who don’t meet certain behavioral or physical standards can be “career changed” (i.e., dropped from the program). Still, it’s the sort of heartwarming content to cleanse your palate after a day of anxiety-inducing news headlines.
Where to watch: Disney Plus Also try: “Making It” (Hulu); “Behind the Mask” (Hulu); “Blown Away” (Netflix)
If you’re fantasizing about returning to simpler times, consider reacquainting yourself with a classic: “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”
The show premiered its 18th season last week. But you might be interested in journeying back to 2007, when the transformation of this family into megastars was starting its gestation — back when billionaire Kylie Jenner was just 10 years old and Kim Kardashian was sporting Hervé Léger’s bandage dresses. Available on: E!, Hulu
Also try: “America’s Next Top Model” (Hulu); any of the cities in the “Real Housewives” franchise (Bravo, Hulu); “The Hills” (MTV app); “Survivor” (CBS All Access, Hulu)