Scripted TV shows have been in trouble over the past few years, with critics declaring that the “golden age of television” is almost dead. The New York Times,,,,, economist Even Creator soprano There was an influx of “medium-sized” TVs. They believe that the rise of streaming services, the treatment of art as IP, the new threat to AI, and the universality of killing the reboot of the hype era. There is too much content now and it’s not good enough.
But while scripted TV may no longer be typical Reality TV is, especially international reality TV is just a moment.
Director Bong Joon Ho accepted the Best Foreign Language Film Award at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards Parasitewhich also won the best photo at the Oscars of that year. In his Accept speechhe famously said: “Once you overcome an inch-high subtitle barrier, you will be introduced to more amazing movies.”
In 2025 The jury is still outside The advice of Americans to put the Korean filmmaker into practice in terms of film. But, American audience Do If Netflix’s Endless International Love is a blind person Any signs indicate spin-offs and the US interest in Korean reality TV. For many, reality television is a waste of time, but for others, it is an anthropological window into our society. International reality TV can introduce different worldviews and cultures to observers, and we urgently need them now.
Below, find five international reality shows to get you started, some with subtitles and some without.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wvckn7ohci
Single hell
In this Korean date show, contestants are trapped on a deserted island (Inferno), where they are forbidden to reveal their age or work. However, they can win the upscale resort “Paradise” overnight by winning physical challenges. There, they can open up to their partners and develop romantic connections further. Like many Korean reality shows Single hell A team of hosts was hired to watch participants with the audience and comment on the drama. Current hosts include actress Lee Da-hee and Korean Boyband member Kyuhyun. Although the title of the show implies that Ra Fumei, Single hell Very soft. The kiss on the cheek is the height of the physical emotions of this series, and the conflict is contemplative and internal rather than explosive.
Where to watch: Netflix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZQ6VGX9Z0O
Australian survivors
If David Genat appears on the American reality show Trading or no trading island Inspired your interest survivorIn the following peers, you are in the right place. Based on Swedish TV series Adventure Robinson,,,,, survivor It is one of the longest reality TV shows in the United States. The premise is simple: Participants are caught in an island competition to fight for prizes and immunity while slowly voting to each other until there is a winner. The series has lost some light in recent years: since the pandemic at the age of 19, survivor It has been reduced from 39 days to 26 days. The performers introduced increasingly complex game elements to attract audiences, which left many Confusion and troubles instead. If you desire survivorDays of glory, checkout Australian survivorswith longer survival (about 50 days), the challenge is more difficult, and the twists and turns are simple and simple. While Jeff Probst is arguably the best host on reality TV, Jonathan Lapaglia gave him his own money and Kuvid’s 19 season in the outback was definitely a blast.
Where to start: Season 5 or 8
Where to watch: Unfortunately, you need a VPN to watch in the US
Love is a Swedish blind / Japan
If you watch a date show, you’ve already watched it Love is a blind person. Netflix’s outstanding reality show takes a unique head: contestants have made dozens of dates in dozens of meetings with each other. About a week later, they were engaged and unable to see their chosen partner, and for about a month they decided whether they wanted to attend the wedding. since Love is a blind personNetflix created nearly twelve international spin-offs at its 2020 premiere, including international spin-offs from Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Germany.
While available with every adaptation, the Swedish and Japanese versions stand out. In many ways, Love is a blind person Sweden Most similar Love is blind In terms of the country’s gender and dating culture. However, Sweden Make a list of their Bonkers Live reunions, which will keep your chin on the floor. Love is a blind man JapanOn the other hand, it sometimes reads more like a Hirokazu Kore-Eda movie than a reality show. Unlike other versions of the series, the series involves dramatic confrontation and poorly behaved contestants to keep the audience engaged, Japan As you might expect, it’s a quieter, more inside and out show. It explores the country’s social taboos, such as tattoos, divorces and age gaps in grace and thoughtfulness.
Where to watch: Netflix (Sweden, Japan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0q4nss-2×0
Love Island UK
There will be no list of international reality programs Love Islandan old man, but a good thing. In a famous British show, handsome guys in swimsuits live in large villas and try to make connections. They fight, participate in challenges, couples and break up. Through the “recoupling” ceremony, the islanders switch partners and dump randomly from the island. The revolving door of this new entrant called “Bombshell” creates chaos, which is an all-encompassing and visible part. Part Love IslandThe attraction is its massive volume – Seasons of the sky live in the UK, usually accounting for 50 episodes. It’s also hard to exaggerate the show’s impact on pop culture: Love IslandEven among the counterparts that are scattered throughout the ponds on the show, ISMs like “grafting” and “I Have I Kick” have become part of the cultural dictionary. If you like adventure, you can try it too Love Island Australia or Love Island Francethey are all addicted in their own way.
Where to start: Season 3
Where to watch: Hu Lu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikhus6mawve
Old enough!
Old enough! It’s another kind of reality show – a ton of heart. Since 1991, the Japanese series has been aired, following children aged 1 to 6 on simple errands. Sometimes, the kids’ task is to pick up one or two items from the store. At other times, they visit relatives or place sacrifices in local shrines. They often pick up the wrong items and get lost, but watch these little human problems resolve in a safe environment (photographs are nearby, townspeople are told about errands in advance, and Japan is part of the appeal). The show has been airing for a long time Old enough! Participants sent their children to the show. The series demonstrates the Japanese community culture to international audiences. Plus, it’s super cute.
Where to watch: Netflix
