Reality TV has been a staple of entertainment for decades. Whether you love the drama, competition, or larger-than-life personalities, there’s no denying the massive appeal these shows have. Some iconic reality TV shows have stood the test of time, adapting to changing trends and keeping audiences hooked season after season. Others, despite making a huge splash when they first aired, eventually faded into the background as tastes shifted or storylines ran dry.

What makes a reality TV show last versus one that fizzles out? It often comes down to how well it connects with its audience. Shows that tap into universal emotions like love, ambition, and rivalry tend to find longevity, while those with one-dimensional premises may struggle to evolve. Today, we’re exploring some of the reality TV staples still going strong, like The Kardashians and Survivor, and revisiting iconic shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Simple Life, which have wrapped up their runs.

Whether you’re a reality TV superfan or just curious about the genre’s longevity, this list will break down what keeps certain shows alive and why others couldn’t maintain their place in the spotlight.

Still Airing

1. The Kardashians (Hulu, 2022–Present)

While Keeping Up with the Kardashians may have ended, the famous family didn’t stay off our screens for long. Their rebooted Hulu series, The Kardashians, continues to dominate the reality TV space. The show offers a fresh perspective on their lives, now focusing more on their businesses, relationships, and personal challenges.

This revamped series feels more polished and streamlined than its predecessor. The production value is higher, and the family’s evolving roles create new storylines that keep fans invested. From Kim navigating her career and motherhood to Kourtney’s high-profile romance with Travis Barker, the show spotlights relatable challenges amidst their luxurious lives.

Why does it work? The Kardashians have mastered the art of keeping themselves relevant. They know how to capitalize on their brand, turning personal moments into engaging TV. Their ability to balance drama and family unity ensures their audience keeps coming back for more. If the original series cemented their status as cultural icons, this new iteration is showing they’ve still got plenty of runway ahead.

2. Survivor (CBS, 2000–Present)

With over 40 seasons under its belt, Survivor is the gold standard of reality competition shows. The premise is simple but endlessly exciting: contestants are stranded in a remote location and must outwit, outplay, and outlast their competitors to win $1 million.

But what sets Survivor apart is its constant reinvention. Every season introduces new twists, challenges, and strategies, ensuring that viewers stay on the edge of their seats. Alliances form, betrayals happen, and fans can never predict who will emerge victorious. The show also reflects the changing times, with more diverse casting and modernized gameplay.

Its longevity boils down to human nature. Watching people push themselves physically, mentally, and socially never gets old. And with host Jeff Probst guiding the action, Survivor continues to feel fresh, even after two decades.

3. The Real Housewives Franchise (Bravo, Various Cities)

From Beverly Hills to Atlanta, The Real Housewives franchise has become a juggernaut in reality TV. Each city brings its own flavor of drama, luxury, and unforgettable moments. Whether it's the extravagant lifestyles or epic feuds that draw you in, these shows know how to keep audiences entertained.

One reason for their success is the diverse cast of women. Each franchise recruits wealthy and outspoken personalities who are guaranteed to clash. Add glamorous lifestyles, exotic vacations, and quotable one-liners, and you’ve got a recipe for reality TV gold.

The franchise’s ability to expand into new cities while maintaining its core appeal shows how adaptable this series is. Even as cast members come and go, the Housewives remain a cultural phenomenon.

4. RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV, 2009–Present)

Few reality shows have had as much cultural impact as RuPaul’s Drag Race. What began as a small, niche competition for drag performers has grown into an international sensation. Each season, drag artists compete in challenges that test their creativity, fashion, and charisma, vying for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.

What sets this show apart is its celebration of individuality and artistry. From jaw-dropping runway looks to laugh-out-loud improvised skits, the contestants bring something fresh and exciting every season. Plus, RuPaul’s signature humor and empowering mentorship add an emotional layer that keeps fans engaged.

The rise of drag culture in mainstream media owes much to Drag Race. It’s more than a competition; it’s a movement that champions inclusivity and self-expression.

5. 90 Day Fiancé (TLC, 2014–Present)

If you love drama and unexpected twists, 90 Day Fiancé is the show for you. This TLC hit follows couples navigating international romances and the challenges of the K-1 visa process, where one partner has just 90 days in the U.S. to marry their American fiancé.

The show thrives on high-stakes drama. From cultural clashes to family conflicts, every couple faces unique challenges that keep viewers hooked. The franchise’s success has also spawned numerous spin-offs, like Before the 90 Days and The Other Way, offering fans even more juicy content.

Its continued popularity stems from its relatability. At its core, the show is about love, commitment, and compromise, topics that resonate with viewers everywhere.

Ended or Canceled

1. Keeping Up with the Kardashians (E!, 2007–2021)

The Kardashians became household names through their original reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. For 20 seasons, fans followed their every move, from pregnancies to weddings to headline-making feuds.

The show ended as the family shifted their focus to new ventures, such as their Hulu series. While the series was a massive success, some critics felt it had run its course, as the family’s fame and wealth became less relatable over time.

2. The Osbournes (MTV, 2002–2005)

Long before today’s celebrity reality shows, there was The Osbournes. This chaotic look into the life of rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his family introduced viewers to unscripted family dysfunction with a comedic twist.

The show ended due to the family’s desire for privacy, but its legacy as one of the first major celebrity reality shows lives on.

3. America’s Next Top Model (2003–2018)

Tyra Banks revolutionized modeling competitions with America’s Next Top Model, a show that balanced high fashion with dramatic eliminations. While it started as a cultural phenomenon, its later seasons faced criticism for outdated practices and a lack of innovation.

After 24 seasons, the show wrapped its run, but its iconic moments still live rent-free in fans’ minds.

4. The Simple Life (2003–2007)

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie made waves with The Simple Life, where the socialites traded their glamorous lives for small-town America. The show’s humor and absurdity captivated audiences, making it a pop culture sensation.

Its novelty wore off after a few seasons, but it remains a classic example of early 2000s reality TV.

5. Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004–2006)

This glossy high school docu-series launched the careers of Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari. It captured the drama of teen relationships in a hyper-glamorous setting, paving the way for shows like The Hills.

While its run was short, its impact on teen-focused reality TV is undeniable.