Reality TV is in a transitional moment, with some big premieres coming in 2026. Many long-running reality franchises have either concluded, paused indefinitely, or begun experimenting with format changes to stay relevant. Others remain on the air but face criticism from viewers who feel they've become repetitive, overly produced, or disconnected from the elements that once made it compelling. This leaves the field wide open for new shows.
As reality TV has largely migrated to streaming platforms, where shorter seasons, higher production values, and niche targeting have allowed new concepts to flourish, things have been changing. Streaming services have embraced reality TV as a way to generate conversation and weekly engagement, often blending competition, dating, lifestyle, and documentary-style storytelling in ways traditional networks were slower to adopt.
Despite that shift, network and cable reality shows still command enormous audiences. Franchises airing on network TV and legacy cable channels continue to rank among the most-watched programs in the genre, proving that standard TV still holds power when it comes to communal viewing and appointment-television content. Reality competitions, in particular, remain a reliable draw for viewers who prefer familiar structures with seasonal twists.
The current landscape is one where reinvention is essential. Some established shows are reworking their formulas to remain relevant, others are introducing spin-offs, and several new titles are attempting to reframe classic concepts for modern audiences. From competition revivals to dating experiments and celebrity-driven docuseries, the slate of 2026 premieres reflects how broad and adaptable reality TV has become.
As 2026 approaches, reality TV is clearly preparing for another major evolution. New shows are arriving across streaming platforms, network TV, and cable channels, each aiming to capture audiences who are hungry for novelty, nostalgia, or something in between. The upcoming year already promises a wide range of formats designed to appeal to fans across every corner of the genre, revitalizing reality TV's impact once again.
10 The Valley: Persian Style (Bravo)
January 8
The Valley: Persian Style is a direct answer to those who have been looking for a spin-off of Bravo's long ago hit, Shahs Of Sunset. Framing the spinoff as a secondary version of The Valley, the new series builds on the network’s long-standing interest in culturally specific ensembles, blending lifestyle storytelling with interpersonal drama.
Reza Farahan, Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi, and Mercedes "MJ" Javid will all return for the Shahs spinoff, having traded in their luxe Beverly Hills lives for a slower roll in the Valley. Dealing with new hurdles in their relationships, new phases of life, and the same affection for one another, the series will explore new turf with old friends.
9 Suddenly Amish (TLC)
January 13
Known for their intense reality TV programming, TLC's newest show is coming in 2026 and hoping to expose viewers to a whole new lifestyle. According to the network, the Amish community is facing a major crisis in seeing young people leave the church, which has effectively shrunk the population in the community.
TLC's Suddenly Amish is looking to help in some way, working with Bishop Vernon from an Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as he opens his community to six outsiders who are interested in becoming Amish. The group must give up technology, electricity, and modern convenience while embracing the Amish's strict daily routines and rules, potentially opting to change their lives forever.
8 Fear Factor: House Of Fear (Fox)
January 14
Fear Factor: House Of Fear reimagines the classic competition Fear Factor with a whole new element to the game. Hosted by Johnny Knoxville, Fear Factor: House Of Fear brings the bold and terrifying pieces of the series to life as competitors are dropped into an unforgiving, remote location and made to live under one roof as they face challenges.
Rather than traveling between stunts, the show uses an immersive setting to heighten psychological pressure. Fox’s revival reflects the continued popularity of survival-based reality competitions and nostalgia-driven reboots. Adding a social element to the competition will elevate the game in a whole new way, changing the series entirely.
7 Star Search (Netflix)
January 20
Netflix's revival of Star Search brings the iconic classic competition to a whole new audience, hoping to launch an entirely new group of talented potential stars. Star Search will be hosted by Anthony Anderson, and is set to feature real-time voting as new talent across various genres perform. The series aims to discover the next generation of stars like Beyoncé and Britney Spears, who were discovered on the original.
By reviving a recognizable brand, Netflix can tap into nostalgia while positioning the show to a global audience. The series aligns with the platform’s development of competition formats that generate viral moments and long-term engagement.
6 Canada Shore (Paramount+)
January 22
Much like Jersey Shore before it, Paramount+'s new reality TV docuseries Canada Shore is exactly what it sounds like. While some may not be familiar with the beaches of Canada's great lakes, they're designed in a similar way to the raucous New Jersey shoreline.
Canada Shore adapts the party-house reality format popularized by Jersey Shore, blending social drama, nightlife, and interpersonal conflict, with a distinctly Canadian backdrop. Designed for streaming audiences, the show emphasizes ensemble chemistry and episodic storytelling. Its release reflects Paramount+’s continued push into youth-focused reality TV.
5 The Voice: Battle Of Champions (NBC)
February 23
A new format of The Voice, The Voice: Battle Of Champions is the first-ever all-star spinoff of the original competition. Changing the format of the series, the series will feature an all-star trio of coaches choosing from a pool of champions from The Voice's impressive run of singers.
Featuring legendary coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend along with host Carson Daly, The Voice: Battle Of Champions is set to offer built-in familiarity for longtime viewers, hosting the show's version of an all-star battle.
4 The Greatest Average American (ABC)
February 25
ABC's upcoming game and competition series, The Greatest Average American, is hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. The show's premise is laughably simple, as contestants compete in trivia and challenges about everyday American life for a grand prize of the average U.S. salary, $67,920. Somewhat based on Bargatze's schtick of being an average American and an average comedian, the show has a built-in audience.
ABC has positioned the series as a broad-appeal competition that blends physical and mental elements. The premise aligns with the network’s tradition of accessible reality programming aimed at family audiences.
3 Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars (ABC)
February 27
Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars brings back notable contestants from previous celebrity editions of the long-running quiz show. The tournament-style format allows familiar faces to compete at a higher level while maintaining the accessible tone of the franchise. ABC’s continued expansion of Jeopardy! spinoffs reflects the enduring popularity of knowledge-based competition.
While the traditional Jeopardy! competition tournaments are often sought-after by viewers, the celebrity editions can be hit or miss. Thankfully, All Stars is set to bring back the best of the best. The competition combines nostalgia, celebrity appeal, and the recognizable structure that has sustained the franchise for decades.
2 The Golden Ticket (Netflix)
To Be Announced
Netflix’s The Golden Ticket is a reality competition inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, focusing on imaginative challenges rather than traditional elimination formats. Contestants on the series will face creativity-based tasks designed to reward innovation and problem-solving, rather than feats of strength or mental ability.
While the show's details are still being kept under wraps, it's clear that The Golden Ticket is building on the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory IP, which can build an audience who are familiar with the general concept. A family-friendly offering, Netflix's upcoming series represents a departure from their more mature reality TV content.
1 Love Overboard (Hulu)
To Be Announced
From Alex Cooper's Unwell Productions, Love Overboard is Hulu’s next dating reality series, set aboard a luxury yacht where romantic connections unfold in close quarters. Hosted by Gabby Windey, the show combines travel-based spectacle with relationship storytelling, mixing Below Deck and The Bachelor together for a whole new dating experience.
Love Overboard appears to be emphasizing emotional dynamics over gimmicks. Hulu has increasingly leaned into dating formats that prioritize their contestants' development, and Love Overboard will continue that trend. Its confined setting is designed to intensify interactions while offering visually striking backdrops and brand-new relationships for viewers to obsess over.
