Netflix has cleaved away space for original reality TV series over the years. From twists on baking challenges to bringing in-house talent such as Queer Eye’s Tan France for other reality series with Next in Fashion, the streaming service is quick to notice trends and capitalize on them — see, Is It Cake. Their latest takes the popularity of the Korean award-winning drama Squid Game with Squid Game: The Challenge. Participants of the game must compete in high-stakes children’s tournaments to win a $4.56 million cash prize.
Despite the buzzy nature of the series, there are plenty of other worthwhile and notable Netflix reality TV series to recommend to those who have exhausted the usual selections both on Netflix and elsewhere. Here are seven Netflix reality TV series worth diving into, from the trashy to the truly impressive.
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Blown Away
In Blown Away, glassblowers compete in each episode to push their creative limit. Glassblowing is a transfixing art form that is unique in its unattainable nature. While there’s room for error, there’s greater stakes in this work compared to other competition series. Sometimes, it’s just fun to watch incredibly talented people make incredible pieces of art. Blown Away might not have grabbed the attention of similar artisan-driven contests like Bake Off. Still, the skill on display is considerable, especially considering the physically demanding working conditions. There’s never been quite so much sweat on a reality series before.
The Circle
One of the most ridiculous original Netflix TV series, The Circle, isn’t great television. It’s not even good television. The series’ ultimate goal is to prize the “top influencer” with contestants who either play as themselves or catfish as someone else. It’s trashy and messy, and each season leans further into that identity. And yet, somehow, it works. Due to the ludicrous setup where the contestants are all split up, we’re essentially watching people talk to themselves for hours on end, and yet the way it’s cut and scenes are spliced together make it a riveting, sometimes nauseating, watch. Nobody is proud to be watching The Circle, but there’s no denying its addictive nature.
Singles Inferno
Pretty, single people arrive at “Hell Island” in this Korean reality series to try and couple up and spend a night at “Heaven Island.” The main objective is to leave the island partnered up by the end of the season, even if the relationships don’t always tend to last much further than the end credits. Skip season one and go straight to season two. While both seasons operate on the same playing field where vanity and excess are on display (paradise is largely a chance to advertise luxury hotels), the second is far superior due to the cast. With likable players and strong chemistry — both romantic and platonic — the season captures some genuine magic, even if we don’t quite root for all of the resulting pairings. There’s one match between Jong Woo and Jin Young where the tension will leave you floored.
Glow Up
Talented people are doing things the average viewer couldn’t conceive. Glow Up seeks Britain’s’ next star make-up artist, or MUA. Led by beauty experts Val Garland and Dominic Skinner, the series sees week-to-week challenges where the artists must prove their considerable creative skills. While the latest season lacked the overwhelming artistry of previous installments, there’s still no doubt that each episode will provide at least one look that’s jaw-dropping. The mix of beauty makeup, drag, and special effects opens up the world of makeup to a larger canvas for casual viewers who have stuck to the same beauty routine and seek inspiration from artists’ ingenuity. Smartly, the series also cuts the excess, keeping a brisk pace as it moves from challenges without any middle, behind-the-scenes drama to bog it down.
Korea Number 1.
This is one that mainly hinges on the charisma of the hosts involved. Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Yeon-koung, and Lee Kwang-soo lead the series as the celebrities who must immerse themselves in the work of Korea’s best artisans. As hosts, they meet the masters of Korean traditional culture and, through the process, learn more about the work that goes into making these “masters” the very best. Between the charisma and chemistry among the hosts and the genuine intrigue the show generates surrounding the exploration of Korean heritage and touchstones, the series is a must-watch.
Physical 100
While there’s been a level of controversy surrounding the winner since it’s ending early this year, the overall experience of watching Physical 100 for the first time is boundless in engagement. One hundred contestants are gathered to compete to claim the honor of being the player with the “ultimate physique.” A celebration of strength and how it manifests itself in all shapes and sizes, the series has some clear standouts in terms of onscreen charisma. Wrestler Jang Eun-sil made a particular mark, especially in the group challengers, where she rallied her team of underdogs into performing amazing feats of strength.
Siren: Survive the Island
Siren: Survive the Island is set on a remote island where 24 female contestants trained in combat and strategy must compete in this survival reality TV series. The women are split up into teams based on their professions, from firefighters to stunt women. Teams of strong and capable women striving to become the winners by utilizing their might, cleverness, and scrappy nature (watch out for team Army)? Sign us up. It’s a well-shot, surprisingly action-packed reality series that highlights the strengths of women across Korea; from athletes to firefighters, they’re put in increasingly difficult and, at times, dangerous situations.
Reality series can be hit or miss, and popular titles such as Love is Blind aren’t for everyone. With so many series airing these days, it’s tough to find the ones that are worth your time but for every misfire, there’s a Physical 100 that’s certain to grab your attention. Squid Game: The Challenge looks to be newest, addictive, reality TV series on Netflix, but there are plenty of others to check out as well.
