U.S. reality TV’s longest-running shows started in the early 1990s with MTV’s The Real World. Soon after, the genre expanded to include competition, law enforcement, and lifestyle shows such as Survivor, Big Brother, Cops, and The Amazing Race.
Hundreds of reality shows have come and gone, but only a few have lasted for years, shaping the genre and pop culture. These series stayed popular by updating their formats but keeping the main idea that kept viewers interested.
Below are some of the longest-running reality TV shows.
1. COPS (1989–2020; 2021–present)
- Years on Air: 37
- No. of Seasons: 33
- No. of Episodes: 1,242
COPS is the longest-running reality TV series in the U.S. and one of the most influential unscripted shows. It follows real police officers on patrol, during arrests, and on calls, using handheld cameras and little narration. Its long run is thanks to low costs and endless real-life stories.
2. The Real World (1992–2017; 2019)
- Years on Air: 27
- No. of Seasons: 33
- No. of Episodes: 614
The Real World is often seen as the start of modern reality TV. The show puts strangers together in one home and follows their conflicts, relationships, and differences over several months.
The Real World stood out because it tackled real social issues like race, sexuality, politics, and mental health. Later seasons focused more on drama, but the early episodes set the pattern for many reality shows that came after.
3. America’s Funniest Home Videos (1989–present)
- Years on Air: 37
- No. of Seasons: 34
- No. of Episodes: 824
America’s Funniest Home Videos is one of the few reality shows to last for generations without big changes. It features home videos sent in by viewers, showing accidents, pranks, and funny moments, all in a family-friendly way. The show’s simple format and audience involvement keep it going.
4. The Challenge (1998–present)
- Years on Air: 28
- No. of Seasons: 39
- No. of Episodes: 520
The Challenge started as a spin-off with cast members from The Real World and Road Rules. It grew into its own high-stakes competition. Contestants face tough physical challenges, form alliances, and compete for cash prizes.
5. Survivor (2000–present)
- Years on Air: 26
- No. of Seasons: 46
- No. of Episodes: 714
Survivor changed reality TV by mixing competition, strategy, and social dynamics. Contestants are split into tribes in remote places, compete in challenges, and vote each other out until one winner is left. Producers keep the show fresh by adding new twists, locations, and rules.
6. Big Brother (US) (2000–present)
- Years on Air: 26
- No. of Seasons: 27
- No. of Episodes: 975
Big Brother puts contestants in a house where cameras film them all the time. The show mixes social strategy with competitions. Players vote each other out while dealing with alliances, betrayals, and shifting power.
7. The Amazing Race (2001–present)
- Years on Air: 25
- No. of Seasons: 38
- No. of Episodes: 442
The Amazing Race is a worldwide competition where teams race through different countries, complete tasks, and handle travel challenges under time pressure. Each round ends with an elimination, leading up to a final race to the finish.
8. American Idol (2002–2016; 2018–present)
- Years on Air: 24
- No. of Seasons: 22
- No. of Episodes: 718
American Idol set the standard for modern TV talent shows. Contestants audition for celebrity judges, and viewers vote to decide who moves on and wins. The show was hugely popular in the 2000s, thanks to emotional stories and audience voting. Its format has shaped almost every singing competition since.
9. The Bachelor (2002–present)
- Years on Air: 24
- No. of Seasons: 29
- No. of Episodes: 306
The Bachelor follows one person dating several contestants at once, with eliminations happening in romantic ceremonies. Each season starts fresh but keeps the same familiar format, so viewers can jump in anytime.
10. Project Runway (2004–present)
- Years on Air: 22
- No. of Seasons: 21
- No. of Episodes: 253
Project Runway is a fashion competition where designers make clothes with limited time and materials. Judges look for creativity, skill, and flexibility.
11. Dancing With the Stars (2005–present)
- Years on Air: 21
- No. of Seasons: 34
- No. of Episodes: 514
Dancing with the Stars teams up celebrities with professional dancers. Each week, they perform and are judged by experts and viewers. The show mixes competition, entertainment, and celebrity appeal.
12. Hell’s Kitchen (US) (2005–present)
- Years on Air: 21
- No. of Seasons: 23
- No. of Episodes: 377
Hell’s Kitchen puts chefs in a tough restaurant setting with Gordon Ramsay in charge. Contestants deal with team challenges, service problems, and strong criticism.
13. Deadliest Catch (2005–present)
- Years on Air: 21
- No. of Seasons: 21
- No. of Episodes: 366
Deadliest Catch shows commercial crab fishing in the Bering Sea, one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. It highlights real risks, bad weather, and equipment failures. The drama is real, not staged, which keeps the show tense and authentic.
14. So You Think You Can Dance (2005–present)
- Years on Air: 21
- No. of Seasons: 18
- No. of Episodes: 319
So You Think You Can Dance features dancers across multiple styles. Contestants perform weekly routines judged by experts based on technique and versatility.
15. Top Chef (2006–present)
- Years on Air: 20
- No. of Seasons: 22
- No. of Episodes: 330
Top Chef has professional chefs compete in cooking challenges judged by experts. The show stands out by focusing on skill, creativity, and respect among chefs. It keeps up with food trends while holding high standards.
16 Pawn Stars (2009–present)
- Years on Air: 17
- No. of Seasons: 24
- No. of Episodes: 675
Pawn Stars shows the day-to-day life of a Las Vegas pawn shop. The show highlights deals over unique items, with each episode focusing on appraisals, history, and bargaining.
17. Shark Tank (2009–present)
- Years on Air: 17
- No. of Seasons: 17
- No. of Episodes: 369
Shark Tank has entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to investors, who choose whether to invest their own money. The show is both educational and entertaining. Its draw comes from real financial stakes and open negotiations, letting viewers learn about business as they watch.
18. RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009–present)
- Years on Air: 17
- No. of Seasons: 18
- No. of Episodes: 239
RuPaul’s Drag Race is a competition show featuring drag performances, fashion, and comedy. Contestants are judged on creativity, stage presence, and flexibility. The show has lasted by staying culturally relevant and reaching a wide audience beyond its original niche.
19. Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007–2021)
- Years on Air: 14
- No. of Seasons: 20
- No. of Episodes: 280
Keeping Up with the Kardashians followed the personal and work lives of a celebrity family. The show mixed reality TV with brand building. It lasted because viewers were fascinated by the family’s lives and how they turned fame into business.
20. Storage Wars (2010–present)
- Years on Air: 16
- No. of Seasons: 16
- No. of Episodes: 349
Storage Wars follows people bidding on abandoned storage units, hoping to find valuable items. Each episode highlights bidding strategies and profits. The show’s unpredictability has helped it last so long.
21. Gold Rush (2010–present)
- Years on Air: 16
- No. of Seasons: 15
- No. of Episodes: 365
Gold Rush shows small mining teams trying to find gold in tough conditions. The risks and challenges keep things tense. The show stays interesting by following the miners’ ups and downs over time, not just in single episodes.
22. MasterChef (US) (2010–present)
- Years on Air: 16
- No. of Seasons: 15
- No. of Episodes: 304
MasterChef features amateur cooks competing for recognition. Judges guide and critique them as the challenges get harder. The show’s success comes from its relatability—viewers connect with everyday people, making the contest feel open to anyone.
23. The Voice (US) (2011–present)
- Years on Air: 15
- No. of Seasons: 28
- No. of Episodes: 667
The Voice stands out with its blind auditions, where judges pick singers without seeing them. At first, only vocal talent matters. Changing celebrity coaches and simple rules have helped the show stay popular among many talent shows.
24. Love & Hip Hop (2011–present)
- Years on Air: 15
- No. of Episodes: 480+
Love & Hip Hop looks at relationships and careers in the hip-hop world. The show mixes personal drama with professional goals. Spin-offs in cities like New York, Atlanta, Hollywood, and Miami helped the series grow while keeping its familiar style.
25. Ink Master (2012–present)
- Years on Air: 14
- No. of Seasons: 17
- No. of Episodes: 223
Ink Master is a tattoo competition that judges artists on skill, creativity, and consistency. Contestants take on themed challenges, with professionals as judges. The show stands out by giving serious attention to a subculture rarely seen on TV.
26. Naked and Afraid (2013–present)
- Years on Air: 13
- No. of Seasons: 18
- No. of Episodes: 202
Naked and Afraid puts survivalists in tough environments without any supplies. The show tests their physical and mental strength. Its long run comes from the real drama created by these extreme situations.
27. Kitchen Nightmares (2007-2026)
- Years on Air: 19
- No. of Seasons: 9
- No. of Episodes: 113
Kitchen Nightmares features Gordon Ramsay attempting to rescue failing restaurants. Episodes focus on management issues, food quality, and operational chaos. The show’s formula is rigid but effective, allowing it to be repeated with new locations.