These often vulnerable reality shows showcase participants finding love, traveling the world, and surviving the elements.

The 16 best reality shows to watch on HBO Max when you want to get personal

These often vulnerable reality shows showcase participants finding love, traveling the world, and surviving the elements.

By James Mercadante, Mia Hairston, and Ilana Gordon

March 1, 2026 9:00 a.m. ET

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Jerrod Carmichael on 'Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show'; Ed 'Big Ed' Brown on '90 Day Fiancé'; Selena Gomez on 'Selena + Chef'. Credit:

Courtesy of HBO; TLC; Courtesy of HBO Max

Reality show contestants will tell you they don’t come on TV to make friends. But the picks on this list aren’t all traditional competition shows, and the subjects here hold nothing back. From surviving three weeks naked in the wilderness — strictly for bragging rights — to following along as long-distance lovers move in together, these people will feel like friends by the end of a season.

Ready to invite some interesting new characters into your life? Read on for the 16 best reality shows on HBO Max.

90 Day Fiancé (2014–present)

Liz Woods and Ed 'Big Ed' Brown from '90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After'. Aaron Feldman/TLC

TLC stumbled upon a windfall with *90 Day Fiancé*, the reality TV sensation that's kept audiences hooked since 2014. Hosted by Shaun Robinson, each season follows a group of U.S. citizens meeting their long-distance loves who enter the country on a K-1 visa. However, they're up against the clock with around three brief months to determine if marriage is in the cards — or if it's a one-way ticket back home for the fiancé(e).

While fans tune in for the inevitable relationship chaos, they end up staying for the real drama: cultural frictions, disapproving family members, immigration challenges, the list goes on. —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *90 Day Fiancé*: HBO Max

**Cast: **Shaun Robinson

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005–2012)

Anthony Bourdain on 'Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations'.

Anthony Bourdain was one of America’s best cultural assets. A chef, author, and devoted traveler, Bourdain traversed the planet, introducing viewers to new-to-them locales and making foreign foods accessible. Bourdain transitioned from author to TV personality in 2002 with his first show, *A Cook’s Tour*, but it was his second series, *No Reservations*, that helped establish Bourdain as an Everyman with a refined palate and an appreciation for the global food scene. —*Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013–2018)

Anthony Bourdain on 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown'. Isaac Brekken/WireImage

On the seven-time Emmy-winning reality series, Anthony Bourdain and his crew ventured to destinations seldom showcased on American TV, from Beirut to Lebanon, Bahia to Brazil, and onward. Enriched by his iconic self-written narrations, the late author/celebrity chef encapsulated the nuances of cultures worldwide by immersing himself in local communities, sampling their cuisine, and listening to their stories.

Despite its tragic conclusion in the 12th season, *Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown* remains a groundbreaking series, spotlighting the universality of food and eternalizing Bourdain's candid, magnetic aura. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Anthony Bourdain

Breaking Amish (2012–2014)

Kate, Jeremiah, Sabrina, Abe, and Rebecca on 'Breaking Amish'.

Walling McGarity/TLC

A time capsule from the early 2010s, *Breaking Amish* was TLC’s attempt to demystify the Amish and Mennonite communities, and allow some of its younger members to tell their stories. Centered around five Anabaptist adults in their 20s and 30s, the show follows the stars as they move to New York City and experience living outside of their hometowns.

But the stakes here are higher than in your average reality show. The decision to remain in New York and to explore life removed from Amish culture means risking the dissolution of their familial and community ties at home. The show lasted for four seasons, but the initial group only stuck around for the first two, with new casts rotating in for seasons 3 and 4. —*I.G.*

Where to watch *Breaking Amish*: HBO Max

**Cast: **Kate Stoltz, Rebecca Schmucker, Jeremiah Raber, Sabrina Burkholder, Abe Schmucker

Conan O’Brien Must Go (2024–present)

Conan O'Brien on 'Conan O'Brien Must Go'.

Courtesy of Conaco/Max

Bringing his classic "remote" sketches to streaming, Emmy-winning host Conan O’Brien stars in this HBO Max Original travelogue in which he visits fans he met virtually via his podcast, *Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend**. *Making stops in countries including Thailand, Ireland, Argentina, and Norway, O'Brien takes up an unconventional meet-and-greet tour, hilariously fumbling through cultural activities and mingling with locals (all while sparring with producer Jordan Schlansky). *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Conan O'Brien Must Go*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Conan O'Brien, Jordan Schlansky

Deadliest Catch (2005–present)

The 'Cape Caution' fishing boat on 'Deadliest Catch'.

Discovery Channel/Courtesy Everett Collection

Nearly two decades back, audiences first set sail to the dicey waters of the Alaskan coast on the Bering Sea, where crab fishermen gambled their lives for their life's passion and a paycheck. And 16 Emmys later, the documentary-style series has chronicled the harrowing adventures of various vessels and their intrepid crews across the October king crab and January snow crab seasons — battling boat collisions, power outages, 40-foot waves, and beyond.

While these teams are under pressure of high-stakes competition among their fellow fishermen, *Deadliest Catch** *eschews contrived drama as Mother Nature provides enough organic thrill, but what truly reels in viewers is the rapport among these seafarers and the eclectic subplots of rookie deckhands finding their footing. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Deadliest Catch*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Mike Rowe, Sig Hansen, Keith Colburn, Jake Anderson

Impractical Jokers (2011–present)

Brian 'Q' Quinn, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, and James 'Murr' Murray from 'Impractical Jokers'. TruTV

Since 2011, childhood pals Joe Gatto, Brian "Q" Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and James "Murr" Murray have reshaped their knack for humiliating each other into a family-friendly hidden-camera series on TBS (previously on TruTV). Operating by the rule, "If you refuse, you lose," the foursome — a.k.a. the Tenderloins — competes in a variety of public challenges where each takes turns wearing an earpiece as the others use a mic to spew out instructions, and the Joker who receives the most thumbs-down votes has to face an excruciatingly embarrassing dare.

Spanning 10-plus seasons and counting, *Impractical Jokers* delivers priceless laughs with the Tenderloins' can-do attitudes and quick-witted improv skills, putting their lifelong camaraderie on full display. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Impractical Jokers*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto

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Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (2024)

Jerrod Carmichael on 'Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show'.

Since coming out as gay in his stand-up special, *Rothaniel*, comedian Jerrod Carmichael has committed to maintaining blunt transparency on screen. In HBO Max's eight-episode reality series, the thirtysomething comedian aims to "self *Truman Show*" by presenting a candid and multifaceted self-portrait, with the cameras holding him accountable as he navigates the dating scene and everyday relationships.

Featuring unfiltered stand-up from Carmichael and guest appearances from Tyler, the Creator and a ski-masked Bo Burnham, *Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show* faithfully puts the "real" in reality, with EW's critic describing it as "part performance art, part cognitive behavioral therapy." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast: **Jerrod Carmichael, Tyler, the Creator, Bo Burnham

Naked and Afraid (2013–present)

Contestants on 'Naked and Afraid'. Discovery Channel

It's one thing for someone to willingly endure three weeks in the wilderness, sans clothing and with only one essential item, all while being filmed for the world to see. It's a whole other endeavor to do it all for free. Spanning 18 seasons and counting (with season 13 available on HBO Max), each episode of Discovery Channel's *Naked and Afraid* tracks a pair of strangers venturing into high-pressure outdoor settings — au naturel, of course — relying solely on their survival instincts to receive nothing but some brownie points. The premise alone is enough to pique interest, but trust us, the actual content is every bit as wild as you'd imagine. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Naked and Afraid*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Michael Brown

Naked Attraction (2016–present)

A participant on 'Naked Attraction'.

Channel 4's reality game show kicks off right where some successful dates end: in the buff. Hosted by the quirky and sex-positive Anna Richardson, *Naked Attraction* dedicates each episode to one clothed individual who is presented with a lineup of six unclad potential partners. Hiding behind differently-colored booths, these contestants are to be judged first by their lower bodies, followed by their torsos, faces, and voices.

While the show stirred some controversy in the U.S. due to its unabashed display of full-frontal nudity, it doesn't involve any sexual activity. Additionally, *Naked Attraction* includes brief segments dedicated to the science behind human desire, demystifying the nude body to appear ordinary and empowering contestants to embrace their figures and sexuality. (Plus, it introduces American viewers to dirty British slang!) *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Naked Attraction*: HBO Max

**Cast: **Anna Richardson

Say Yes to the Dress (2007–present)

Randy Fenoli (left) and Erendira Wallenda (center) on 'Say Yes to the Dress'.

TLC's long-running reality series shows us that bridal consultations involve more than just trying on racks of white gowns — they also leave room for interpersonal conflicts to crash the party. Set in Brooklyn's top-end Kleinfeld Bridal salon, *Say Yes to the Dress* follows a 250-plus team of experts who spare no expense in bringing many brides' wedding dreams to life while adhering to budget constraints and unique preferences.

However, as they search for the perfect dress, the fiancées must navigate disruptors like hypercritical loved ones or their own self-image struggles. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Say Yes to the Dress*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Mara Urshel, Ronald Rothstein, Randy Fenoli, Dorothy Silver, Nicole Sacco

Selena + Chef (2020–2023)

Selena Gomez on 'Selena + Chef'. HBO Max

When Selena Gomez isn't cracking cases alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short on *Only Murders in the Building*, or making music in the recording studio, she's learning new tricks in the kitchen. What began as a lockdown-inspired passion project to address her own culinary shortcomings evolved into an Emmy-nominated series that follows the pop star as she connects with legendary chefs, tries new recipes, and shares invaluable tips for managing kitchen catastrophes.

With each episode contributing $10,000 to a food-related charity of the guest's choice, *Selena + Chef* is an informative and cozy binge that glows with Gomez's infectiously positive energy. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Selena + Chef*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Selena Gomez

Sweet Life: Los Angeles (2021–2022)

Jaylenn Hart, Kamie Crawford, Issa Rae, Jerrold Smith II, and Briana Jones on 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles'. Jessica Perez/HBO Max

Created by Issa Rae, *Sweet Life: Los Angeles** *invites viewers into the journeys of seven passionate Black creatives who navigate reality, love, and entrepreneurship in South L.A. Across two seasons, this *Real Housewives*-esque HBO Max Original series channels the essence of past classic reality shows like *Laguna Beach* and *The Hills*, yet distinguishes itself as uniquely authentic, showcasing a group of twentysomethings pursuing their dreams without the cushion of a trust fund. —*Mia Hairston*

Where to watch *Sweet Life: Los Angeles*: HBO Max

**Cast: **Amanda Scott, Briana Jones, Cheryl Des Vignes, Jerrold Smith II, Jordan Bentley

This Is Life With Lisa Ling (2014–2022)

Lisa Ling on 'This Is Life With Lisa Ling'.

Lisa Ling is traveling the country and taking CNN’s audiences along with her. A journalist known for investigating America’s most interesting and least-known subcultures, Ling uses her show to find a fresh way to introduce different types of Americans to each other.

Described as an “edgier” version of Ling’s former OWN series, *Our America*, the first season of *This Is Life With Lisa Ling* sees Ling digging into — among other things — the worlds of North Dakota’s booming oil industry, traveling strippers, gay rodeos, and men who feel called to the priesthood. With all nine seasons available to stream on HBO Max, *This Is Life With Lisa Ling *is a reminder that America’s diversity extends far beyond racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *This Is Life With Lisa Ling*: HBO Max

**Cast: **Lisa Ling

Trixie Motel (2022–2024)

Trixie Mattel on 'Trixie Motel'. Discovery+

Co-produced by Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, this Discovery+ reality series follows *RuPaul's Drag Race* winner Trixie Mattel and her partner, David Silver, as they invest $2 million to purchase and revamp a rundown mini-resort in Palm Springs.

With assistance from project manager David Rios, interior designer Dani Dazey, and countless celebrity helpers — including Lisa Vanderpump, Iggy Azalea, Katya, and more — Trixie infuses her dry, unapologetic humor into every episode and her signature feminine flair into every room, fashioning the ultimate retro-chic queer getaway. And be sure to catch season 2, *Drag Me Home*, where the couple transforms their century-old craftsman estate into their personal (and pink, obvi!) sanctuary. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Trixie Motel*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Trixie Mattel, David Silver, David Rios, Dani Dazey, Brandon Lim

We’re Here (2020–2024)

Jaida Essence Hall, Priyanka, and Sasha Velour on 'We're Here'.

Greg Endries/HBO

The queens are coming! Strutting through small-town America, a few *RuPaul's Drag Race* alumni recruit three locals to give them a glamorous makeover and prepare them to perform at a one-night-only drag show. These queens not only transform their mentees into full-blown drag divas but also provide them with a safe space to embrace their most authentic selves. Winning four Primetime Emmy Awards, *We're Here* is as heartfelt as it is entertaining, bridging the gap between queer people and their tight-knit communities. *—M.H.*

Where to watch *We're Here*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka, Shangela, Jaida Essence Hall, Priyanka

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW TV”