reality tv

In a TV rut? These are 8 of the best reality TV shows to binge on Stan.

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There's nothing quite like discovering a reality show — especially if that show has a back catalogue of seasons.

It feels like unearthing a precious gem — a gem you quickly form a parasocial attachment to, as you soon embrace the show's cast as your own loved ones. (Just me?)

Being a reality TV show fan is the best! And there's no better streaming platform than Stan when it comes to a huge array of choices.

Seriously, they've got some of the best reality shows of all time in one destination.

If you're counting the weeks until MAFS or Love Island Australia, look no further.

Love Island US.

Best reality tv shows on Stan. Image: Stan.

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The buzziest reality show of 2025 is ready to be streamed on Stan.

Get ready for a sizzling summer of love and drama with the 2025 season of Love Island US. Expect the unexpected as a new group of singles enters the villa to find their perfect match.

Hosted by Scandoval-famous reality star Ariana Madix, the show promises spicy challenges, shocking re-couplings, and, of course, every few episodes, a new bombshell enters the villa.

A huge slice of this season's drama stemmed from the tumultuous relationship between Islanders Huda and Jeremiah, whose often erratic connection kept viewers captivated. Gird your loins.

Love Triangle.

From the twisted minds of MAFS, Love Triangle Australia challenges singles to choose a partner based on personality alone — they start dating sight unseen.

Watch the Love Triangle Season 3 trailer. Post continues after video.


Video via Stan.
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Contestants text two potential matches before making a choice. They move in with their pick, only for (you guessed it… ) the rejected suitor to arrive later, creating the titular love triangle.

Of course, this format breeds crazy drama as established connections are tested with temptation and loyalties are questioned.

Geordie Shore.

Best reality tv shows on Stan. Image: Stan.

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Inspired by its American counterpart Jersey Shore, this reality show follows a group of young, party-loving housemates from Newcastle.

The format places them in a house together, documenting their lives as they work, date and navigate the city's hectic party scene.

Chaos is the show's cornerstone, fuelled by alcohol-infused arguments, rocky romantic relationships (Gary and Charlotte were a regular Romeo & Juliet), and clashing personalities in their close-quarters living situation.

The Geordies introduced in the early seasons quickly felt like friends. A fun bonus for longtime fans of the early seasons is the spin-off Geordie OGs that brings back the most iconic cast members, many of whom have started families.

RuPaul's Drag Race.

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Hosted by the iconic queen of drag, RuPaul, this reality competition sees talented queens vie for the crown. The show tests their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent through acting, comedy and design challenges.

Contestants present themed runway looks before the bottom two must "lip-sync for their lives" to avoid elimination. Drama erupts from clashing personalities, rivalries and the intense pressure to impress RuPaul.

When it comes to iconic reality TV moments, Drag Race has A LOT of them.

And believe me, the All-Stars, Down Under and UK spin-offs should be added to your watch list, too.

Are You The One?

 Best reality tv shows on Stan. Image: MTV.

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Hosted by Terrence J, Are You The One? challenges singles to find their pre-selected 'perfect match'.

The group lives together, trying to identify these pairs through dating different people.

Weekly match-up ceremonies reveal their progress — spoiler: they usually do horribly — with a shared cash prize at stake.

The format creates drama as contestants often follow their hearts (or other body parts) instead of getting to know their true soul mate, leading to fights, love triangles and a lot of confusion.

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Siesta Key.

Best reality tv shows on Stan. Image: MTV.

Think of Siesta Key as the spiritual successor to the iconic '00s reality show Laguna Beach, as it's from the same producers.

And they have plenty in common, albeit it's a little aged up, as documenting a bunch of teens' love lives is a little problematic in the 2020s.

Following a group of wealthy young adults in their Florida hometown, Siesta Key documents the lives and loves of its core cast, especially the three main girls, Juliette, Madisson and Kelsey.

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In the vein of The Hills, this is more of a scripted docu-soap vibe than a straight-up reality show, but it's still entertaining as hell, capturing their lavish lifestyles, evolving friendships and inevitable fallouts.

Ex on The Beach.

You don't get much more iconic than Ex on the Beach. This was peak '00s reality TV excellence.

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The show brings normie and celebrity singles to a tropical paradise to find new love, only to be ambushed by their ex-partners arriving one by one from the sea. Like literally, they climb out of the ocean like deranged sea creatures.

The format, often guided by a narrator rather than a traditional host, thrives on chaos. Drama is guaranteed as old flames and new romances collide, sparking explosive confrontations and reigniting unresolved feelings from the past.

This show introduced so many iconic reality personalities, but none quite as memorable as Megan McKenna. The woman, she is!

Catfish.

Best reality tv shows on Stan. Image: MTV.

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Part reality show, part social documentary, this reality show is based on the movie of the same name and it's straight-up enthralling viewing.

On Catfish: The TV Show, Nev Schulman and his co-host Max Joseph (or his replacement Kamie Crawford) investigate mysterious online relationships.

The format sees them help a hopeful person uncover the truth about their digital lover, whom they've never met.

Drama unfolds as they expose lies and deception, with each episode culminating in a real-life confrontation with the catfish and oh my, it gets intense!

Feature image: Stan.

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