From scripted screens to real-life drama: reality TV shows you need for your next binge

ARE you someone who craves non-stop real-life drama? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you might just be a fan of reality TV - and we have just the list for you for your next binge-watching session.

Whether you're a seasoned reality TV enthusiast or just looking to dip your toes into this genre, you'll find a show that resonates with you, ones that brilliantly capture the full spectrum of life - from intense drama to the heartwarming spirit of community, and of course, humorous antics from charismatic individuals that will have you laughing out loud.

1. Vanderpump Villa

Lisa Vanderpump’s latest reality spin off takes us to a magnificent château in France, where the star opens the doors to Château Rosabelle, a stunning Haussmann-style estate nestled in the French countryside.

Running a hospitality business comes with its own set of challenges, with Lisa taking it to another level when she staffs the villa with a dozen waiters and bartenders who have their sights set on becoming the next big reality star.

While these starry-eyed hopefuls must cater to high-end guests and keep the villa running, we can expect these big personalities to clash, wildly. From bar fights with scathing words, to the château manager conducting a very strange (and unwelcome) wake up call for the guests with a sheep in tow, plus a very heated reunion episode, one thing’s for sure - Vanderpump Villa is très magnifique!

2. Welcome to Wrexham

At first glance, Welcome to Wrexham may seem like a show made for football enthusiasts or fans of new owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. But it is so much more than that. Welcome to Wrexham is about community, spotlighting residents, local and global fans, and volunteers alike in their journey of supporting the underdog Welsh football club.

Through this award-winning series, we witness the human side of the players as they navigate personal struggles alongside football, like Wrexham’s star Paul Mullin raising awareness for autism after his son’s diagnosis, midfielder Jordan Davies coping with loss, and more.

The first season focused on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s acquisition of the fan-owned club, climbing through the ranks in their endeavour to return to the Football League, which culminated in a suspenseful match against Grimsby. The second season features new player acquisitions, an exciting run in the FA Cup, and finally - a promotion to League Two.

With the second season of Welcome to Wrexham ending on a high, we promise that the upcoming third season will have just as many exhilarating moments, dramatic twists, and heartwarming stories that will leave you teary-eyed.

3. Unexpected Business in California

If you’ve ever thought about trading the hustle and bustle of city life to run a quaint shop in the countryside, Unexpected Business in California may give you an idea of what your experience could look like.

Starring Cha Tae-hyun and Zo In-sung, the series unfolds with the duo venturing into the roles of bosses at a Korean mart for 10 days in Marina, a port city located in sunny and vibrant California. From daily tasks like ringing up purchases and managing inventory to personally serving meals and snacks to customers, Cha Tae-hyun and Zo In-sung dive headfirst into the complexities of running a supermarket in an foreign setting, offering viewers a glimpse of both the joys and frustrations of entrepreneurship.

Amidst the whirlwind of activity, at the heart of the show is the camaraderie between the cast and the locals, with bonds forming between Cha Tae-hyun, Zo In-sung, and their Californian customers, who are always there to cheer the supermarket owners on, even in tough times.

Additionally, guest stars such as Han Hyo-joo, Lim Ju-hwan, and Kim Ah-joong make memorable appearances, extending a helping hand and sharing their life stories and experiences, adding an extra layer of warmth to the duo's journey.

4. The Zone: Survival Mission

If you like your reality shows lighthearted with loads of laughter, look no further than The Zone: Survival Mission. Hosted by comedy icons Lee Kwang-soo and Yoo Jae-suk, alongside singer and Girls' Generation member Kwon Yu-ri, the trio are thrown into the deep end of eight unexpected situations where they must survive for four hours without giving up in order to complete each mission.

This trio's antics will leave you in stitches as they endure side-splitting challenges like crossing a floor doused in super glue, battling hordes of zombies, and navigating a haunted house full of booby traps.

The impeccable chemistry between Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, and Kwon Yu-ri is truly the star of the show. While Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo often end up distracted from their objectives because they constantly tease each other, Kwon Yu-ri’s positive and determined demeanour provides the perfect counterbalance to keep both them on track.

With two successful seasons under their belt, The Zone: Survival Mission is set to return for its third season with Yoo Jae-suk and Kwon Yu-ri. They will be joined by new cast members, Single’s Inferno star Dex and former UFC fighter Kim Dong-hyun. To see what new encounters the foursome will face, don’t miss the release of the third season of The Zone: Survival Mission later this year.

5. My Name is Gabriel

A brand new reality show with an intriguing premise, My Name is Gabriel hits the screens later this June. Starring high-profile Korean celebrities Ji Chang-wook, Park Bo-gum, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Myung-soo, and Gabee, who trade in their celebrity status for a life of normalcy abroad for 72 hours.

Utilising an artificial intelligence program named Gabriel, data from the five stars’ preliminary interviews were meticulously analysed to simulate the lives of real people, selected from a global pool of eight billion individuals.

The results see the cast relocating to places far and wide, from Chongqing, China, to Guadalajara, Mexico, and even Dublin, as they immerse themselves in local life - promising viewers an exciting exploration of diverse cultures and unexpected challenges. My Name is Gabriel premieres on Disney+ Hotstar this coming 21 June, so be sure to check it out.

Dive into these shows and explore a whole new world of reality TV, only on Disney+ Hotstar. - 7KLIK

ARTIKEL LAIN: