Survey reveals America’s favorite reality TV shows

The golden buzzer has sounded — “America’s Got Talent” has been declared America’s favorite reality TV show, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted among 2,000 American reality TV fans evenly divided by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 Millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 Baby Boomers), looked at America’s obsession with reality TV and took a deep look at the greatest shows of all time.

The results showed that America is particularly obsessed with talent, as “America’s Got Talent” (42%) ranked second followed by “American Idol” (33%).

“Family Feud” (31%) ranked third, while MTV’s classic “Catfish” (29%) and TLC’s drama-filled “90-Day Fiancé” series rounded out the top five.

The average American watches reality TV four days per week, although 31% admit to doing so every day. This means that an average of 10 hours of reality TV is watched each week, with 20% of people watching between 10 and 18 hours.

For most people, watching reality TV gives them “me time” or a chance to relax and unwind (64%), while another 10% say they watch it to keep up with their favourite celebrities and personalities.

The results also showed that HGTV is still popular, especially among female respondents, as women are more likely than men to enjoy House Hunters (17% vs. 12%) and Love It or List It (17% vs. 10%).

Looking generationally, “Impractical Jokers” (32%), “60 Days In” (31%), “1,000 Lb Sisters” (30%), “The Kardashians” (29%) and “American Ninja Warrior” (25%) have audiences that are overwhelmingly Gen Z.

Interestingly, baby boomers have a slight edge over younger generations when it comes to both “The Bachelor” (20%) and “The Bachelorette” (21%). They also prefer the classic “Survivor” (27%), “Judge Judy” (24%), “Master Chef” (23%) and “House Hunters” (21%).

When it comes to reality TV shows that are no longer airing, the top five include: “Deal or No Deal” (30%), “The Jerry Springer Show” (26%), “Wife Swap” (24%), “Fear Factor” (24%) and “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” (23%).

Millennials are most saddened by the end of “MTV Cribs” (34%), while Gen Z misses “America’s Next Top Model” (30%) and “Jersey Shore” (29%).

The results of the survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Butter Wine maker Jam Cellars, also revealed that 61% of respondents prefer modern, currently running reality TV shows over old, classic reruns.

Interestingly, 66% of Baby Boomers prefer new, modern shows more than any other generation.

More than three-quarters (76%) prefer to watch different shows rather than the same one and 59% prefer to stream their content rather than watch it live on cable.

This could be because 64% of people prefer to watch an entire season rather than one episode at a time.

More than two in five (43%) respondents to the survey would like to be a participant in their favourite reality TV show.

The top shows Americans would love to watch include: Family Feud (15%), Big Brother (9%), America’s Got Talent (9%), Deal or No Deal (8%) and even 60 Days In (7%) or Survivor (6%).

“Apparently America’s favorite reality TV viewing experience is to watch ‘America’s Got Talent,’ call the girls over for a watch party, drink some wine, and binge-watch a season (or two) in a row,” shared Michelle Truchard, co-founder of buttery wine maker Jam Cellars. “I think this finding reflects the genre of shows like this have become such a cultural and social phenomenon that we love to share with each other — and make it a special occasion with a meal and a glass of wine every day.”

The survey only included Americans over the age of 21, and also found that for 59% of female respondents, “girls night in” is likely to also include watching reality TV.

The other 39% throw watch parties, which include essentials like soda (67%), chips and dip (64%), finger foods (53%) and wine (48%).

In fact, more than half (52%) of people enjoy a glass of wine while watching their reality TV shows.

And while 41% of people prefer to watch it alone, others prefer to watch it with their partner (27%) or their friends (21%).

The three types of wine consumed most by Americans are Moscato (28%), Rosé (18%) and Chardonnay (13%).

Others enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon (9%), Pinot Noir (7%) and Bubbles (7%).

When asked which wines they would pair with different types of reality TV shows, red wine varieties came out on top and were most likely to be paired with documentary-style reality TV (45%), such as Big Brother or The Kardashians.

Those who chose white wine most often watched game shows or competition-style reality TV (32%), such as Family Feud or Amazing Race, and rosé drinkers opted for talent shows (19%), such as America’s Got Talent, American Idol or Dancing with the Stars.

Sparkling wine drinkers, on the other hand, are more likely to enjoy physical endurance reality TV (15%), such as Survivor, Wipeout or American Ninja Warrior.

Whatever their preference, 8 out of 10 viewers of drinking reality TV shows admit that having a glass of wine makes them feel more happy.

“It’s so interesting to see different reality TV viewers choose their favorite wines. Every show has its own personality, mood and occasion, and the wines have that same variety,” said Truchard, who is the “M” in “Jam Cellars.” “There’s truly a ‘me-time’ moment for everyone on reality TV — whether it’s a glass of Chardonnay with reality favorite America’s Got Talent, a Sauv Blanc with The Amazing Race or perhaps sipping a Pinot Noir with The Kardashians. Whatever your favorite, there’s something for everyone.”

America’s Top 30 Favorite Reality TV Shows

• “America’s Got Talent” – 42%
• “American Idol” – 33%
• “Family Feud” – 31%
• “Catfish” – 29%

• “90 Day Fiancé” series – 28%
• “Hell’s Kitchen” – 27%
• “The Voice” – 27%
• “Shark Tank” – 25%
• “Pawn Stars” – 22%
• “Impractical Jokers” – 22%
• “Judge Judy” – 21%
• “The Masked Singer” – 21%
• “Survivor” – 21%
• “In 60 days” – 21%

• “1,000 Pound Sisters” – 20%
• “Master Chef” – 20%
• “Dancing with the Stars” – 20%
• “Real Housewives” series – 20%
• “My 600-lb Life” – 20%
• “The Kardashians” – 20%

• “American Ninja Warrior” – 20%
• “Big Brother” – 19%
• “Storage Wars” – 19%
• “Dr. Pimple Popper” – 19%
• “The Bachelor” – 17%
• “The Bachelorette” – 17%
• “Chopped” – 17%
• “Top Chef” – 17%

• “Naked and Afraid” – 17%
• “Love Island” – 16%

America’s Favorite Wines to Drink While Watching Reality TV

• Red Wine – documentary-style reality TV, like Big Brother or The Kardashians (45%)
• White wine – game shows or competition-style reality TV, such as Family Feud or The Amazing Race (32%)
• Rosé wine – talent reality TV, such as America’s Got Talent, American Idol or Dancing with the Stars (19%)
• Sparkling wine – Reality TV based on physical endurance, such as Survivor or American Ninja Warrior (15%)

Survey Methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 reality TV fans who were 21 years of age and older and were evenly divided by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 Millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 Baby Boomers); the survey was conducted by Jaime Sellers and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 23 and July 30, 2024.