Après Ski is one of those reality TV series that’s so bad that it’s good. It could also be considered good since it has a fair share of cringeworthy moments, especially when things aren’t going right. The show takes place in the hottest place for the rich and famous to go skiing. Of course, that’s British Columbia, where breathtaking adventures are rivaled by off-slope ‘après ski’ unrestrained activities.
In this skiing village, the stakes are pretty much as high as the ski slopes, and you get to meet all the well-groomed staff members who have their own things going on when they are not on their working hours. Perhaps you may find this show entertaining if you like watching rich, obnoxious guests on holiday and get fascinated when bad management unfolds. For the most part, though, it hasn’t been received too well by viewers and Bravo fans alike.
Best: Top Chef
If you haven't seen this show, then you have definitely heard about it! "Top Chef" is a reality series in its own class. Unlike a lot of other food shows, it searches for the next best Top Chef. In each new episode, a talented group of chefs who already have a background in professional cooking or have been self-taught to a level that's worthy of the competition will compete against one another.
The competing chefs get judged and challenged by some of the best chefs in the industry. Over the course of the episodes of endless challenges, one unlucky or underperforming chef will be asked to "pack their knives and go home," to the point where there is only one Top Chef remaining in the final. The show has been a goodie for a while now, and even after 19 seasons, it still manages to get better.
Worst: Work Out New York
In theory, this could be a good show, but we think that people would rather go to the gym than attempt to watch people working out on T.V. "Work Out New York" encourages viewers to break a sweat with a bunch of the hottest personal trainers from NYC. The trainers may be friends, but they also compete against one another to ultimately gain celebrity clientele and the business of wealthy regulars.
Apparently, training techniques are constantly evolving to prevent trainers from losing their clients, but honestly speaking, who wants to watch people work out so that they can get more patrons underneath them? Sounds like a terrible idea to us, and we can totally see why this show didn't manage to gain a huge following.
Best: Family Karma
"Family Karma" has received relatively good reviews from audiences as it follows the lives of seven young Indian-American buddies who reside in Miami. All the stars of the show grew up in traditional multigenerational households, so they all have that to bond over. Furthermore, they all have a lot of other things in common, too, including strong familial and cultural ties, and they all pretty much lead vibrant social lives in the Vice City.
Their parents and grandparents may still follow cherished customs, but these young adults are slowly making their way toward the Westernized "American Way." It's interesting to see the two worlds, one old and one new, clashing in the most unexpected ways. The friends are set on living their lives to the fullest as they navigate the stresses of growing up while simultaneously keeping their deep-rooted ties to the Indian culture close.
Worst: Tour Group
We don't blame you if you've never heard of this show. You know why? Because "Tour Group" only ended up running for one season back in 2016! The producers weren't happy with the ratings and decided to cancel it before it caused any more damage. In short, the reality show is about a group of people consumed by wanderlust who embark on a bunch of strange and wonderful excursions.
And surely enough, they stay together all the time as they visit a bunch of exotic places. Individuals form bonds along the way and discover new and exciting sites. Maybe if it followed the formula of "Amazing Race," it would have been more successful.
Best: Top Chef Duels
While there are plenty of spin-offs of the popular series "Top Chef," there is no denying that "Top Chef Duels" is one of the very best. In each new episode, two chefs will compete head-to-head to test their own unique creativity, skills, and speed when it comes to cooking.
It's a fierce yet friendly competition between previous "Top Chef" contenders who, with a few minor exceptions, are nice to see again. For the main challenge of each episode, the contestants have to create a three-course meal, where dishes are served all at the same time so they can be compared on the spot, making it a direct face-off.
Worst: Après Ski
Après Ski is one of those reality TV series that's so bad that it's good. It could also be considered good since it has a fair share of cringeworthy moments, especially when things aren't going right. The show takes place in the hottest place for the rich and famous to go skiing. Of course, that's British Columbia, where breathtaking adventures are rivaled by off-slope 'après ski' unrestrained activities.
In this skiing village, the stakes are pretty much as high as the ski slopes, and you get to meet all the well-groomed staff members who have their own things going on when they are not on their working hours. Perhaps you may find this show entertaining if you like watching rich, obnoxious guests on holiday and get fascinated when bad management unfolds. For the most part, though, it hasn't been received too well by viewers and Bravo fans alike.
Best: Cash Cab
Some critics have dubbed this show as one of the best reality shows to ever hit the Bravo scene. It goes like this: unsuspecting passengers take a ride in an NYC cab, which, to their surprise, turns out to be an actual game show. The driver, who is also the host of the show, asks the riders a series of general knowledge questions.
If the rider gets three of the questions wrong, then the driver drops them off instantly, be it in rainy or snowy conditions. Seems harsh, but if they get a set of questions right, they could also stand a chance to win a hefty $3000! All hail the Cash Cab!
Worst: Untying the Knot
The whole premise behind the reality series "Untying the Knot" is basically seeing the process that people go through during a divorce. Couples go from saying 'I do' to 'we're getting a divorce.' In addition to that, you'll get to see who gets to keep what from the marriage. We could totally see how this could interest a lot of people, but the reviews have not been very promising.
Vikki Ziegler is the host of the show and works as the middle girl between the two individuals, helping to handle the legal matters, such as who gets what. Unlike most broken couples, who decide these matters for themselves, the "Divorce Diva" is the one in control.
Best: Summer House
"Summer House" is a reality TV show about a group of nine friends based in the beach village of Montauk, New York. Throughout the series' run, the group has been hanging out in the very best beach areas that the East Coast has to offer, celebrating everything from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
The summer house that the show gets its name from is the prime location that the show is based around. However, viewers also get an insight into the cast members' work and personal lives. As soon as the weekend comes around, they put everything to one side to party the night away.
Worst: The Real Housewives of D.C.
In 2010, when Bravo released "The Real Housewives of D.C.," it was an almost instant failure, although not in the typical way that makes a reality TV series. The cast ladies of the show weren't real power players like what we have seen in the other series of the franchise.
Despite the fact that they were miles away from official Washinton D.C., they were also rather unwilling to contend with the sort of high degrees of drama that has made the "Real Housewives" franchise such a perfectly compulsive and cringeworthy show to watch. Luckily, things didn't go on for too long, as the show got canceled after airing for just one season. It's safe to say that the short running of this series didn't damage the franchise's reputation too much.
Best: Inside the Actor's Studio
"Inside the Actor's Studio" offers a unique approach to celebrity interviews that virtually no other interview show has managed to do. The actors, directors, and sometimes writers who star in the show get the opportunity to discuss their craft openly and elaborate on how they approach their work. You don't have to be in the showbiz sector to appreciate this show.
You don't even have to be a big fan of movies to enjoy the insightful interviews given by the host, James Lipton. And if you are interested in this field of work, then this has got to be the best way to learn about it, as you get a close-up peek into the whole thing from the masters themselves. The show started airing in 1994 and is still going strong today. You really can't go wrong with a reality series that has an IMDb rating of 8.6/10!
Worst: Million Dollar Listing Miami
The "Million Dollar Listing" franchise started out in Los Angeles in 2006. In 2014, the makers decided to expand and embark on the sexy city of Miami, where three real estate agents have to battle it out in the world of luxury high-end real estate listings. Business can get tense as the agents attempt to rise up in the world by outshining their peers.
The vision for the series was great, but in the end, the show was canceled after just one season as it got terrible feedback from critics. The most important aspect required for a successful reality series is a strong and engaging cast. Apparently, this show was lacking that main ingredient to make the show a hit and sadly got squashed.
Best: The People's Couch
So the fact that there is a show about people watching TV just shows how as a human race, we have run out of ideas for quality TV shows. Essentially, "The People's Couch," just shows people reacting to other things that they are watching on their TV. In fact, they are often just watching other Bravo shows.
Truth be told, the charm of the show is how it shows some truly outrageous, out-of-this-world reactions that often seem over the top and way too strong for what the person is actually watching. Despite the silly premise, the show has had a huge following and has even received positive reviews.
Worst: The Real Housewives of Miami
You might be thinking to yourself, "How could 'The Real Housewives of Miami' be any different from the million other 'Real Housewives' that Bravo has produced over the years?" The short answer is that — it isn't. Just like all the other shows, this one focuses on a handful of rich housewives in Miami, displaying their petty drama on the most lavish stages.
While other "Housewives" shows had their fair share of success, the Miami edition never got the same kind of following. Despite this, the people who have watched it have probably binged the hell out of it, even though it offers nothing that the other editions have done over the last decade.
Best: Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
During the second half of the 00s, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" developed a pretty big following and even won two Emmy's along the way. The titular character of the show is known for mocking A-list celebrities. On this show, which is very much in a behind-the-scenes setting, Kathy shows just how depraved the Hollywood scene actually is, as well as shedding light on her personal affairs.
From trying to revamp her supposed "A-List" ready home with her visionary live-in buddy Mike Nielson to attempting to get free furniture for her home or struggling to sell her DVDs, you can be sure that Griffin will make you laugh out loud. She proves that you can have loads of fun, even if you're on the D-List side of life.
Worst: The Millionaire Matchmaker
The reality series "The Millionaire Matchmaker" ran from 2008 to 2015 and was presented by Patti Stanger. In the early 2000s, Stanger founded the exclusive Beverly Hills-based "Millionaire Club," which caters to the super-rich looking for romantic partners. Essentially, the premise of the show is to link single wealthy folk with other single wealthy folk who all claim to be millionaires.
A lot of bad press around the show came from the fact that the show is extremely shallow in that the presenter encourages cast members to flash their wealth. If they don't seem wealthy enough, then they simply don't get matches. The presenter is also thought of as being ultra obnoxious and self-absorbed. This definitely does not seem like a feel-good reality TV series. Some critics have even gone as far as to call this the worst reality series ever made! Yikes!
Best: Blood, Sweat and Heels
"Blood, Sweat and Heels" is another great reality TV series that orbits around a group of elite females in NYC. The all-female cast includes movers and shakers who come from circles of real estate, fashion, and media. From Brooklyn to Harlem, life in the Big Apple often resembles a small town when these women cross paths in their private and professional lives.
These independent ladies never underestimate the power of a girlfriend's support, and they all challenge themselves to achieve their own personal goals, even if the way to the top seems too steep. This show has some "Housewives" vibes to it thanks to the elaborate parties, the drama, and the strong female characters, but it has its own unique twists to it.
Worst: The Rachel Zoe Project
We're not saying that this reality TV series is bad, but we can't lie and say it's good, either. This show follows the life and adventures of the celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe as she tries to balance her professional life with her private life while coping with her husband, Rodger Berman, and her ever-fighting assistants.
The show features Zoe's longtime assistants, Brad Goreski and Taylor Jacobson, and a newly hired assistant who just can't manage to get along with the others due to contrasting personalities. The negative reviews of this show mostly stemmed from the main girl, Zoe, who has a bad rep for treating her workers poorly. Some may like to watch all this drama unfold, but if you're not keen on hearing about other people's personal problems, then we doubt that this show would cater to you.
Best: Imposters
Unlike most of the series on this list, "Imposters" is actually not a reality series, but since it belongs to the Bravo channel, we felt the need to give it a mention. "Imposters" is definitely not your typical TV series. This dark comedy follows the life and relationships of the con artist Maddie, who is just as beautiful as she is dangerous.
She goes around robbing tormented victims of pretty much everything, including their hearts. Things get a little tricky, though, when her former targets team up to try and catch her. This show is smart, fun, and funny, and it left a lot of fans gobsmacked when they found out that it got canceled after two seasons.
Worst: The Real Housewives of Orange County
An installment of the "Real Housewives" franchise spin-offs that didn't do as well as the makers hoped is "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Just like its counterparts, the reality show follows the lives of five women and their close ones who reside in some of the wealthiest communities in the region of Orange County.
The series takes the viewer into the real lives of really rich housewives to demonstrate that even though they have a lot of money, things are far from perfect. This particular spin-off got terrible ratings as some critics felt that the show was more scripted than a reality TV show, which, let's face it, should not feel that way at all. This could definitely be a guilty pleasure for some, but this is essentially not the best one from the "Real Housewives" franchise.
Best: The Awful Truth
"The Awful Truth" documentary by activist, author, and filmmaker Michael Moore may be one of the most daring documentaries to hit Bravo. Moore grills politicians and peeps from the public alike by placing himself firmly in the middle of the 21st century's most controversial topics and problems.
Moore goes on a crusade for justice as he exposes the wrongdoings of the high and mighty through the most bizarre ways. The documentary is shot in Moore's signature 'guerrilla video' style, and each episode is bound to have you in stitches thanks to his wit and humorous rants that provide practical insights into today's cultural landscape.
Worst: Work of Art: The Next Great Artist
In this competitive reality series, 14 aspiring artists come together to compete in a solo show at an internationally recognized art museum, and of course, there's a hefty cash prize involved. Each week, the contestants are presented with a brand-new challenge to prove their skills and talent in the world of art.
This is not necessarily a bad TV show, but since it deals with arty things and arty people, it is rather niche in the world of reality TV. Some of the critics of the show raved about a lot of great things the show has to offer and also about how annoying some of the judges were. This show is definitely not a complete right-off, but it's most certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
Best: Flipping Out
The ever-entertaining reality series "Flipping Out" ran for a mighty 11 seasons from 2007 to 2018. The show follows the lives of interior designer Jeff Lewis and his loyal assistant Jenni Pulos as they remodel and flip houses for fun. With a dizzying array of prominent clients, including George Eads from CSI and his wife, the resources and time at the Jeff Lewis Designs company are spread quite thin.
One thing that critics have said makes the show is the fact that the main guy (Jeff) is rather compulsive in everything that he does. Others have also pointed out that this series is one of Bravo's best reality shows, and therefore, it makes the channel such a hoot to watch.
Worst: Below Deck Adventures
One good thing that apparently came out of this show is the unbelievably beautiful backdrops and locations that the show is set in. But according to some critics, that was the only thing that this show had going for it. As one of the series belonging to the "Below Deck" franchise, this spin-off "Below Deck Adventures" unfortunately didn't live up to the high expectations its counterparts had previously set.
Sadly, it was the poor choice of crew members that failed this reality show. Apparently, the cast/crew members weren't adventurous in any sense, which kind of defeats the name of this spin-off. Perhaps the show would have been more successful if it had a different group of cast members because everybody knows that a certain set of cast members can make or break a reality series.
Best: Million Dollar Listing New York
The critically acclaimed reality TV series "Million Dollar Listing New York" follows some of the most relentless and ruthless real estate agents in Manhattan as they attempt to close deals as fast as the NYC rats travel up the drainpipe.
The show has been praised for managing to bring a bunch of different personalities together who all make up an ideal mix for an exciting and engaging reality TV series. Besides that, the show also teaches its audiences a great deal about real estate markets and related topics, which could be useful if they ever find themselves in a situation of buying or selling houses.
Worst: Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles
Unlike its New York counterpart, the Los Angeles version from the "Million Dollar Listing" franchise didn't do as well as the makers had expected. Don't get us wrong, some folks still love this show, but among all the fans of the franchise, there were a lot more naysayers when it came to this particular spin-off.
Like the other "Million Dollar Listing" shows, this show follows the cutthroat lives of property brokers in big cities, and this one takes place in LA. The thing that let this series down was not so much the location, but rather, it came down to a lousy choice of cast members. Apparently, the cast members on this reality show were either boring, or they just missed some key ingredients that ultimately made the show so difficult to watch.
Best: Below Deck
The hit reality series "Below Deck" had a pretty great turnout. So much so that the makers of the franchise made a number of spin-offs from it. Not all of those spin-offs were entirely successful, as viewers of "Below Deck Adventures" will testify, but this one was a smasher. "Below Deck" follows the adventures aboard a 164-yard mega-yacht as it cruises into uncharted waters.
While each crew member brings something new to the table, they all bond over their love for the lifestyles they lead, enabling them to see some of the most stunning and exotic locations around the globe. Each episode presents a new set of charter guests, ranging from millionaires to entertainers to party animals, as they all ultimately seek the same thing — an adventure at sea.
Worst: Shahs of Sunset
We're not saying this reality show is terrible, but it has received a lot of mixed reviews, so it could definitely be a hit-or-miss situation for most. With that said, "The Shahs of Sunset" did last for a whopping nine seasons, so people certainly kept coming back for more. The premise of the show? The lives of six young Persian-Americans living their best life in L.A.
Through all of the dating and the partying, the cast has plenty of drama. On the flip side, they also have to deal with the pressures from their communities and their families to live a conventional, Persian life, and everything that comes with it — such as settling down, religion, and family life. A guilty pleasure for many, viewers just couldn't get enough of all the superficial, materialistic shenanigans.
Best: Project Runway
When it comes to "Project Runway," either you have watched the entire thing from start to finish, or you have at least heard of the iconic series. This reality show is about 16 aspiring fashion designers who are on the brink of taking over the runway and the fashion industry, in general.
The winner of the show gets a cash prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to show off their collection at New York Fashion Week. However, they will need to win over a brutal panel of judges along the way. The likes of award-winning designer Michael Kors and Victoria's Secret supermodel Heidi Klum are just two of the many big names to have judged on this show.
Worst: Don't Be Tardy
If you have watched "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," you will know exactly who Kim Zolciak is. She took her fame to a whole new level when she released the hilarious single "Don't Be Tardy for the Party." And she capitalized on that success when Bravo gave her her very own spinoff series, "Don't Be Tardy."
It was originally titled "Don't Be Tardy for the Wedding," as the first season revolved around Kim's wedding with Kroy Biermann. As time went on though, the following seasons became more about Kim's life in general, and as a result, critics became less impressed. Amazingly though, "Don't Be Tardy" lasted for nearly a decade.
Best: Winter House
We get the impression that Bravo reality shows all happen during the summer in the hottest locations. But not this one. "Winter House" decided to take the reality dynamic into a colder setting, making the most of cast members from other Bravo shows such as "Summer House" and "Southern Charm."
Basically, the cast members go off to Stowe, Vermont for a winter getaway, which lasts for two weeks. Surely enough, the show has been laden with plenty of drama and moments against its winter setting. Not to mention the fact that every cast member would be considered by most viewers as unrealistically attractive.
Worst: Married to Medicine
The reality show "Married to Medicine" documents the everyday lives of six women in a medical community in Atlanta. Of the six cast members, two are doctors, while the rest of them are the wives of doctors. It showcases the ladies' lives as they balance their careers, families, and social outings. The Bravo TV network has a successful reality show from Atlanta, but sadly, this show is not it.
Some critics claimed that this series gave a terrible portrayal of women due to the toxic female relationships. They also pointed out the distaste for the verbal and sometimes physical aggressions that the women of the show get involved in. Yikes! Perhaps some may like that level of drama, but for us, we'd rather skip this show.
Best: Top Chef Masters
Another successful spin-off of the critically acclaimed series "Top Chef" is "Top Chef Masters." In this series, each week, world-class chefs compete against one another with a new set of challenges. This show differs from "Top Chef" in that it features 13 world-renowned chefs instead of younger professional chefs who are still trying to make a name for themselves in the culinary world.
Each episode explores the interconnected relationship between the Master Chef and their counterpart sous chef and how well they fare in a feverish culinary contest. There can only be one winner in the season finale who gets to donate a whopping $100,000 to their chosen charity.
Worst: Newlyweds: The First Year
In the reality series "Newlyweds: The First Year," one can be sure to explore the highs and lows of marriage as different couples from all over the country go through the experiences of their first year of marriage. The series follows everything from the moment they say 'I do' to their one-year marriage anniversary, capturing all the trials and tribulations, including harsh adjustments, significant milestones, and also the daily life of the 12 newlyweds.
The show sets out to see if the contestants can survive the supposed 'most difficult' first year of marriage. The show was not a terrible idea at first, but some critics stated that it was infringing on the "Real Housewives" franchise with similar plots of kooky brides and a lot of melodrama. Perhaps best to leave those big-time drama levels to the "Real Housewives."
Best: Below Deck Mediterranean
Much like the other "Below Deck" counterparts, "Below Deck Mediterranean" follows the daily lives of nine crew members working and living abroad on a 150-yard yacht as it cruises through the Mediterranean waters. As always, the crew members provide the finest service to their wealthy and tenacious guests, but it can be tough to keep up when they have their own set of challenges to deal with in their social and private lives.
The show was a great success, partly due to the stunning surroundings and, at times, intense drama. There's also always something new happening, be it the love triangles between crew members or seeing their coworkers go a little too far with some of the guests. Either way, they endure through it all as they navigate the sea.
Worst: Manzo'd With Children
Caroline Manzo departed from the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" (RHONJ) to do Bravo's "Manzo'd With Children." This reality series follows the daily life of the Italian Manzo family, including Caroline and her hubby Al and their three grown-up children, Albie, Chris, and Lauren. The show was created as a lot of RHONJ fans enjoyed the matriarch character Caroline, so it would be an obvious win to create a spin-off from her.
But of course, not everyone was a major fan of this character, so the reviews were quite a mixed bag between some loving seeing Caroline in her own spin-off to "Why did she get her own show?" The show aired for three seasons from 2014 to 2016, so it can't be that bad, but then again, it only got an IMDb rating of 5.2/10.
Best: There Goes the Motherhood
A lot of "There Goes the Motherhood" fans were highly disappointed when they heard that this series was not going to get a season 2. In this reality series, one gets to take a look at a group of intelligent and successful women who also happen to be moms. One of the stars of the show is Jill Spivack, who operates one of the most in-demand groups for mommies in the LA region.
She also offers advice to other mothers who are struggling with parenthood, marital issues, and getting a good balance in their professional and personal lives. We get the chance to see many mothers who have their unique ways of raising their children. At the same time, they are all trying to help each other through this pivotal time in their lives.
Worst: The Real Housewives of Dallas
It makes perfect sense that there would be a spin-off of "Real Housewives" in one of the cities of Texas. "The Real Housewives of Dallas" was a hit for a minute. However, its initial wave of fans couldn't stop the show from ultimately getting canceled after just a couple of seasons. To put it simply — people just stopped watching it.
The standard premise of a bunch of rich housewives having drama with each other just wasn't enough of a hook anymore for the average viewer. The mainstream theory that the Dallas edition didn't last was that the housewives in question weren't particularly interesting. Not to mention some racial slurs that were made during the show's short-lived run.
Best: Below Deck Down Under
In this "Below Deck" spin-off, one gets to take a glimpse of the lives led aboard a yacht that's making its way through the waters near the land down under. The breathtaking backdrop of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef seas and the tropical Whitsunday Islands in northeastern Australia never ceases to amaze audiences.
The series explores the complex connections and sometimes explosive dynamics between the crew members and the rotating groups of challenging charter guests aboard the M/Y Thalassa. What makes this show and its successful counterparts such a hit is that each different cast member and group of guests brings something new to the table. Never a boring episode in this series, as every new week, there is a new group of visitors aboard.
Worst: Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen
In many ways, Andy Cohen is one of the poster boys of Bravo. The man has been the host of pretty much all the "Real Housewives" shows and others. And it was just a matter of time before Cohen got his own show — a talk show called "Watch What Happens Live!" Everything from politics and entertainment to celeb rumors is discussed here.
There is no denying that the show has had polarizing reviews since it started back in 2009. While some are continuously enamored by the drama that the show fuels, others find the overall vibe of the show annoying and insufferable. And usually, the things that guests say will fuel some fire for future drama in Bravo's other reality shows.
Best: Vanderpump Rules
It was just a matter of time before Lisa Vanderpump got her own reality show after her antics on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." At one point, the British entrepreneur had both "Vanderpump Rules" and "Housewives" to juggle on Bravo. The former deals with Vanderpump's efforts to make her restaurant/lounge, SUR, an unequivocal success.
SUR basically stands for "Sexy, Unique Restaurant," in case you were wondering. When she was opening the restaurant, Vanderpump was also busy juggling other responsibilities, such as being a "Real Housewife," a wife, and even a mother. Most people would agree that her best Bravo moments came in the "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." But "Vanderpump Rules" has certainly had its moments.
Best: Southern Charm
The reality series "Southern Charm" goes behind the scenes of one of South Carolina's most aristocratic families today to expose their world of money, exclusivity, and scandals that go way back to earlier generations. The Charleston society is known for being very closed off, but in this series, we can finally get a peek at what life is like for Southern elites.
The social scene is rather charming as traditions and ostentations bind it in a way that no other culture in America has experienced. The show was such a hit that it managed to get its own spin-off with Bravo's "Winter House," so it must be good enough to keep the crowds wanting more.
Worst: The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Of the "Real Housewives" franchise, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" performed rather poorly in the ratings department. Like its counterparts, the show follows the daily lives of some of the most elite housewives, except this one takes place in Atlanta. The women that the show follows all love drama, and some, if not all, have been in the center of a catty conflict at some point in time.
Some of the die-hard fans of the "Real Housewives" franchise glorify this show for all the melodrama, but most of the negative feedback stems from the fact that one of the main stars, Nene, exited the show. The show has allegedly experienced a sharp decline in ratings and fanship since she left the show, so perhaps if the makers of the show brought her back, it would be more watchable. But for now, we're going to give it a skip.
Best: Ladies of London
The reality series "Ladies of London" is very similar to the "Real Housewives," however, as the name hints, it is set in lovely London. The show documents the lives of an elite group of British socialites and American expats who live a high life in the UK. They may move around in similar social circles, but they are worlds apart.
They may lead lives of unbelievable wealth, but fortune has far less of an influence than their bloodlines, and in this high society, respect is not easily earned. They may go on quaint weekend getaways in the English countryside or attend high tea at London's exclusive polo clubs, but both the Americans and the Brits know well enough to stick to the strict unwritten rules of engagement where reputation means everything.
Best: Top Chef: Just Desserts
The competitive cooking show "Top Chef: Just Desserts" is a delightful spin-off from the "Top Chef" franchise that made a good name for itself. Sadly, the series only got to air for two short seasons, but nonetheless, the show was still enjoyed by many fans of the cooking franchise.
As you can imagine, this reality cooking competition has more of a focus on desserts and pastries. Given the immense success of the whole franchise, doing a spin-off that focuses on sweet things was a no-brainer. And besides that, who doesn't love a good dessert, or better yet, watch how it's being carefully crafted?
Worst: Real Housewives of Dubai
The "Real Housewives" franchise started in the States, but thanks to a growing following, Bravo decided to expand to other parts of the world. Currently, there are or have been a total of 10 Real Housewives spin-offs in the States alone and over 20 spin-offs around the globe. "The Real Housewives of Dubai" is the only spin-off outside of America that was created by the Bravo TV network, but sadly, this one was not as hot as its prequels.
The show got slammed for not having any real, local Emirati residents featured; rather, all of the cast members were Western expats. The show could have probably done a lot better had they used native citizens from the United Arab Emirates, where the show is set.
Best: Queer Eye for a Straight Guy
Most people probably would have heard of "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" even if they have never watched an episode. The show has reached iconic levels so high that it's difficult to ignore the impact it has had on reality TV culture and beyond. As the title suggests, the show revolves around a group of gay hosts trying to make straight men more fashionably conscious and sophisticated.
And when you consider that it ended up winning the Primetime Emmy award for 'Outstanding Reality Program,' that in itself should speak volumes of how beloved it has been. And the show was in such high demand that it ended up getting a reboot on Netflix.
Best: Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen
There is no denying that "Top Chef" has had a seemingly never-ending number of spinoff shows over the years. And "Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen" is up there with the very best of them. The show focuses on contestants from previous seasons who had been eliminated, returning to get another chance at reclaiming glory and getting back on the main "Top Chef" competition.
The format of the show is as follows — each episode sees two chefs go head-to-head in a cook-off. Tom Colicchio is the host of the show and has the sole responsibility to the judge who gets to stay and who has to leave for good.
Worst: The Real Housewives of New Jersey
The "Real Housewives" shows just keep on coming and they don't seem like slowing down any time soon. Of course, it makes perfect sense to have a spinoff of the popular Bravo reality show in New Jersey, the home of "The Sopranos." And just like the gangster show, this series started great and was full of drama. But as the seasons progressed, the show got progressively duller.
While it's unclear exactly why ratings started to drop, critics have speculated that it is because the same characters kept bringing up the same storylines over and over again, which just got boring for a lot of viewers. Some critics just think that the show was an absolute trainwreck, so there's that.
Best: Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Overall, the "Below Deck" franchise has pumped out some really good spin-offs, and that includes "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." In this reality series, the lives of Capt. Glenn Shepard and his crew members are documented as they sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
This region, which is located south of the Adriatic Sea, is considered one of the most beautiful settings in the world, so naturally, that creates a stunning backdrop for this show. The work abroad is taxing, and every episode brings a new set of challenges to the young, adventurous, and attractive yachties, but regardless, they are all keen and ready to work hard and play even harder.
Best: Love Without Borders
"Love Without Borders" is a reality series whose premise lies on a bold social experiment. Six singles from America who have given up on love on their home turf are ready to give love another chance. They do so by risking everything to blindly hop on a plane to a completely unknown destination to potentially get paired with a 'perfect' life partner.
It's amazing how the cast members just dropped everything in their lives to take this massive risk in the love department. With that said, plenty of people on the show have regretted that decision in the long term. After the blind experiment has unfolded, they need to make a decision on whether or not they want to leave their old life behind all in the name of love.
Best: Dancing Queens
One of the new editions to Bravo, "Dancing Queens" has been a pretty big deal ever since it graced our TV screens in the summer of 2023. Many critics have loved the premise of the show — a group of amateur dancers who team up with unadulterated pros as they show off their best moves in a series of dance competitions.
The contestants invest a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into their incredible dance routines, but they know that all of that hard work could be the difference between making it in the dance world and not. But the show also sheds some light on the dancer's personal lives and how they struggled to juggle the two worlds.
Worst: 100 Days of Summer
In theory, this reality TV series should have been much more successful than it ended up being. "100 Days of Summer" is basically about a group of yuppies who hail from the Windy City, and are ready to take the world of business by storm. And as the show presented, they would do whatever it takes to make it in the world.
With so many best friends, exes, and blossoming romances happening simultaneously, you can only imagine that this show was laden with drama from start to finish. With that said, it wasn't dramatic enough to justify Bravo renewing the series for a second season. Truth be told, the characters were fairly dull and the premise alone wasn't enough to carry the show.
Best: The Real Housewives of Potomac
There is no denying that it was a great idea to build an edition of "Real Housewives" along the lush river of Potomac. The show has been running for eight seasons already and is still going strong until this very day. And there are still four mainstay cast members who have been there from the very beginning.
These are — Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Robyn Nixon, and Karen Kruger, who all bring their unique flavors to the drama. But there are plenty of other memorable faces who have come and gone during the show's run. We really can't get enough of these "Real Housewives" shows.
Best: Backyard Envy
The reality series "Backyard Envy" first aired in 2019. The series showcases the 'manscapers' from one of NYC's most exclusive landscaping and exterior design firms that specialize in renovating and remodeling outdoor areas for some of the city's most demanding clients. They go from backyards in the burbs to impressive rooftops in Manhattan as the different cast members bring their own craft to the table.
With their nifty skills, they transform bare outdoor areas into beautiful lush havens. Mel Braiser is in charge of the construction operations, Garret Maggee deals with the plant side of things, and James DeSantis deals with the clients. Things get really interesting when the cast members have to juggle their demanding clients, tight deadlines, and each other.
Worst: Southern Hospitality
This series was born thanks to the likes of "Vanderpump Rules," and "Southern Charm." It was well thought out, but sadly, this series did not live up to its predecessors. Not even close. This reality show follows the daily lives of a group of friends residing in Charleston. They all live in "Leva Land," as they are working under the big boss, Leva Bonaparte, who, with her hubby, owns a couple of restaurants/social clubs in the downtown Charleston area.
There's the nightclub Republic Garden & Lounge, the upscale restaurant Bourbon N' Bubbles, and the Mexican eatery Mesu. The show got a lot of negative critique due to the characters being a bit bland, and others have said that it's just a scripted and trashy copycat of "Vanderpump Rules." So far, there is only one season, but we doubt it'll get renewed, considering all the low ratings.
Best: Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake
In this reality series, "Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake," one can be sure to catch a lot of laughs. The city council of Benton Town approaches two housewives to spruce things up in their city. In the spirit of "Schitt's Creek" and "The Simple Life," it follows the adventures of Luann and Sonja, who both hail from "The Real Housewives of New York" (RHONY.)
They pack up their life in NYC and move to the small town that has a meager population of 7000. It's a big change for these city gals who go from catching cabs to catching catfish with their bare hands. If you enjoyed these two ladies from RHONY, then we're pretty sure you will enjoy this series, too.
Best: Around the World in 80 Plates
This reality series combined some features from "Top Chef" and "The Amazing Race," so if you like those two, then perhaps this is the show for you! Twelve contestants from the culinary world get to travel across the globe, competing against one another in race-like challenges. They also get to take control of kitchens from around the world to cook up some of the local cuisines at the places they visit.
Each episode showcases a new international location (such as Tuscany, Barcelona, and Hong Kong,) where the contestants will need to learn some of the local customs and culture and incorporate that into the dishes that they prepare. Like "Survivor," the fellow contestants eliminate the person going home. Ultimately, the winner gets to take home a $150,000 check and a new car. Sadly, this award-winning series only ran for one season.
Worst: Bethenny & Frederik
We're not saying that "Bethenny & Frederik" is a terrible show, but the ratings were pretty mixed, so we're not going to call it good, either. Bethenny Frankel is the founder of her own company 'Skinnygirl Cocktails' and has managed to expand it into a lifestyle brand. Frederick Eklund is one of the most renowned real estate entrepreneurs, with over $5 billion in property sales.
In this reality series, one gets to see how these two pals from the Big Apple take things to the next level when they try to take on the challenging task of flipping properties all by themselves. Some critics claimed that the show was informative, but others called it highly devised for a reality show. We'll let you decide if you like it or not.
Best: Buying It Blind
In the reality series "Buying It Blind," one gets to follow different couples from the Atlanta area who can't seem to agree or decide on which sort of property to purchase. It gets to the point where they throw all the caution to the wind and decide to make a radical move and blindly hand that task over to a team of experts from the industry who make the big decisions for them.
The experts get to take full control of the purchase. They will then renovate the home for the buyers and hopefully turn it into something that they will approve of. Seems like a massive gamble, but will the experts succeed? Or are they going to make a gigantic floperoo out of it?
Best: Celebrity Poker Showdown
In this reality game show, one gets to see Celebrities playing poker with host Phil Gordon. This show is entertaining because most celebrities on here aren't the most clued up on this game that requires a lot of skill.
It's especially nice to watch if you are keen on learning a thing or two about poker since the host explains a lot of things along the way, as the cast members make quite a lot of mistakes as they attempt to play poker. The show has been applauded for showcasing celebrities in a different setting from how we usually see them. If you like watching celebs and are keen on taking your poker skills up a notch, then perhaps this show is for you!
Worst: Courtney Loves Dallas
"Courtney Loves Dallas" is a reality series that follows the breakout star from the series "Most Eligible Dallas." It should have been good, but the ratings told a different story. The show basically follows Courtney Kerr around while she navigates her life in the social scenes of Dallas while trying to build a new career.
She goes through a lot of highs and lows as she juggles the fast-moving pace of the fashion world while searching for the ideal Southern gentleman. The show received a lot of bad press due to the fact that the main character seemed rather self-absorbed, but then again, a lot of critics praised the show for the adorable main girl, Courtney. Either way, the show got a measly 4.8/10 rating on IMDb, so we'll just leave you with that.
Best: Chef Roblé & Co.
In this foodie reality series, one gets to follow the celebrity chef Roblé Ali as he takes massive leaps in the culinary world. After working through the ranks at renowned restaurants and catering firms like Stanton Social and Abigail Kirsch, he decided to start his own thing.
Roblé launched his own Brooklyn-based catering business, dubbed Roblé & Co. Roblé provides exceptional culinary services to some of the biggest names in America, including Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and John Legend, to name a few. As his catering company continues to expand and make a name for itself, the boundaries get all blurry as Roblé pushes himself to the limits in his personal and professional relationships.
Best: Dukes of Melrose
In this docu-series, we get to take a look at the renowned boutique owners Cameroon Silver and Christos Garkinos as they give audiences a peek inside the glamourous world of vintage couture. 'Decades,' their boutique store is located in Hollywood and is considered one of the prime spots for high-end fashion heads seeking carefully curated collections and rare finds for their exclusive parties.
The duo has redefined vintage for the current generation with their unique eye for style, and their beautiful partnership goes a long way. To meet the needs of their ever-growing A-List clientele, they have to raid the closets of some of the best collectors around the world. If you enjoy fashion and like to be fabulous, then this show is for you!
Worst: The Fashion Show
This reality series was created in the late aughts in hopes of making something similar to the successful "Project Runway," but sadly, it came nowhere near there. In this show, 12 supposed men and women fashionistas get split into two groups in which they need to create brand new cohesive collections each week and also present their creations through a fashion show.
The contenders will have to bring their A-game if they want to stand a chance at winning $125,000. The show was ridiculed for being a cheap copycat version of "Project Runway." Also, let's face it, how many spin-offs can one actually attempt to create that even stand a chance at being as good as "Project Runway" was?
Best: Chef Academy
"Chef Academy" is a successful cooking series that follows the renowned chef Jean-Christophe Novelli as he embarks on a new chapter of starting his own culinary school in California. Novelli is a real treat in the way he handles his students, and unlike other cooking shows, he actually takes the time with his students and, therefore, his viewers get to see a lot of the steps required for good cooking.
This show offers a completely new format to cooking shows, and Novelli's European demeanor is a lovely breath of fresh air in the world of reality TV cooking. Sadly, this show only aired for one season, which we can't explain, but it did get a sweet seven-star rating on IMDb.
Best: First Family of Hip Hop
The reality show "First Family of Hip Hop" follows the descendants of Sylvia Robinson, who has been dubbed the "Mother of Hip Hop." A legendary music artist, producer, and record label exec, Robinson founded Sugar Hills Records, and thanks to her work in the industry, rap and hip-hop music were brought into the mainstream.
In this series, we get to take a look at how her kids and grandkids try to forge their own legacy by attempting to take Sugar Hill Records one step further. Can the Robinson family stick together and take their family's record company to the next level, or will they let family drama get in the way of that?
Worst: Gallery Girls
The reality series "Gallery Girls" follows the daily lives of six 20-something ladies who work in some of the most hip art galleries in New York City. During the day, they power through their stressful jobs at the gallery, where they have to deal with difficult bosses and demanding clients. At night, they take charge of the Big Apple's nightlife by visiting the coolest bars and pubs around.
It gets tough when they also have to balance their romantic relationships, personal friendships, and art acquaintances. For the most part, their love for NYC is pretty solid, but their footing in the art world is pretty wobbly. We're not too sure why this show failed so miserably, but usually, when these reality TV shows fail, it's due to a weak group of cast members.
Best: Get a Room With Carson & Thom
In this reality series, you get to see Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia from "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" as they rally against the American home design's ubiquity and uniformity. The interior and product designer Thom takes Carson under his wing to help him channel his flawless sense of fashion in the world of interior design.
The power pair creates the most astonishing and affordable home designs for the lucky clients who get to work with them. Fans fell head over heels in love with this show from the get-go. What could possibly go wrong when you put two charms from "Queer Eye" on their own show?
Best: Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis
Since "Flipping Out" was such a success, it was no surprise when the spin-off of that show stunned audiences. Jeff Lewis has already created a big name for himself in the world of flipping homes. In "Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis," audiences get to see their favorite compulsive house-flipper do what he does best.
He and Jenni Pulos actually physically move into someone's home to see what could be done better with the spaces in the home. They also observe the homeowners, diagnose all the issues, and then take complete control of the property to see how they can redesign and fix the property inside and out. Sounds quite intensive, but according to ratings, it's worth a watch.
Worst: RelationShep
And here, ladies and gents, we have a failed attempt at what could have been a good "Southern Charm" spin-off. In this reality series, Shep Rose tries to play his lucky cards to find the perfect gal for him. He's looking for the perfect counterpart who's got enough to make him leave the single life behind.
Already, his goals in this reality TV plot sound a bit 'high horsey,' but moving on. Shep gets his buddies to set him up with dates at different spots around the country. The reason that the show didn't do so well in the rating department comes from the fact that it feels a bit forced and also due to the fact that it was giving "The Bachelor" vibes but a lot more cringy and awkward. Yikes!
Best: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
When we call this show one of the best that Bravo has to offer, we really mean it. For more than a decade, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" has been the golden standard as far as the "Real Housewives" are concerned. With so many iconic housewives, from Kyle Richards to Lisa Rinna and from Dorit to Erika G, the list just goes on and on.
It seems like every other scene of the show is some kind of party that costs millions of dollars to organize, providing the perfect backdrop for backstabbing, gossiping, and all kinds of other drama. This Bravo classic is still going strong until this very day, and we have no idea if it will ever slow down.
Best: Jersey Belle
The reality TV series "Jersey Belle" follows the daily life of the outspoken New Jersey native Jaime Primack Sullivan as she maneuvers through life in the upmarket suburb of Alabama's Mountain Brook. Her life has pretty much been turned upside down since she married her beau, Michael Sullivan, who is the supposed "most eligible bachelor" of Mountain Brook.
Jaime is surrounded by a glamorous group of girlfriends who try so hard to carve her into a Southern darling, and she tries to fit into this new world, though it's not ready yet for her unapologetic nature. Sometimes, Jaime's direct nature gets her into trouble in her social circles, but that's what makes the show!
Worst: Secrets & Wives
This reality TV series is set in the famed region of Long Island. The group of women that the series revolves around claims that they don't have any secrets between them. They also claim to be a really wholesome, tight-knit group of friends, but ultimately, it turns out that they're all a bunch of rivals. For this tangled group of girls that supposedly live in the upper echelons of society, there is a lot of drama.
They go from having to make life-altering changes to failures in their marriages and also to launching businesses that rival each other. This is all going down under the judgmental eyes of their thought friends, who turn out not to have their backs at all when they most need their friends. It sounds like there is too much drama to go around, which may explain the poor ratings for this series.
Best: Kell on Earth
In this reality series, we get to take a peek behind the scenes in Kelly Cutrone's world of fashion. Cutrone tries to balance out her busy life between juggling her successful fashion PR company dubbed "People's Revolution" and running the Fashion Weeks in London and New York. On top of that, she's also a single mom and is considered one of NYC's most remarkable women.
Even though Cutrone doesn't always dress the part, it's quite evident from the very beginning that she knows a thing or two about fashion. She really comes across as an authentic being in this reality series, and if you like NYC and fashion, then the show may be the right fit for you.
Best: Mexican Dynasties
It's a known fact that Mexico City is the modern cultural heart of Latin America. The city is also home to some of the world's most affluent elite. In this reality series, we get to take a look into the lives of three family dynasties that have made their legacies and fortunes through the food & beverage, entertainment, and luxury car industries.
This series explores the success that the Allende, Madrazo, and Bessudo families have garnered over generations and showcases their hearty relationships with one another. Of course, the show touches on a bunch of stereotypes as well as their sometimes over-the-top lavish lifestyles.
Worst: Online Dating Rituals of the American Male
At first glance at the title of this series, it's pretty clear to see why it failed. For starters, it already seems ultra-male-centric from the get-go. In the reality series "Online Dating Rituals of the American Male," Bravo attempted to unveil the universe of the dating culture from a man's perspective.
Each new episode follows two dudes as they search for the ideal match. Viewers would get to see what it's like in the male mind from the starting stages of landing an online date to the very end (as if that's even possible.) The series featured a diverse group of men ranging from the typical serial dater to a guy who's just in it to get lucky. Yeah, sounds like a failed attempt at making a dating series to us.
Best: Mother Funders
The reality series "Mother Funders" has a comedic twist to it while it takes a look into the trials and tribulations of a Parent-Teacher Organization in Locust Grove, Georgia. The group is led by a super-mom, Carla Stephens, whose goal is to raise as much money as possible for the local elementary school that's based on a strict reading, arithmetic, and writing regime.
The only way she can reach her goals is to keep the ball rolling and get her board members to plan, execute, and implement a massive fundraising event. If successful, the event could rake in a lot of cash.
Best: Tabatha Takes Over
The series "Tabatha Takes Over," also titled "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" for the first three seasons, was a great success. The show follows Australian Native Tabatha Coffey as she visits salons in New York and Los Angeles that are struggling to stay in business.
In the last bunch of seasons, she branches out to a wider range of struggling small businesses, including a doggie parlor and a frozen yogurt bar, to attempt to whip them back into shape before they lose everything and are forced to shut all their doors. Tabatha is brutally honest, which the audiences love, and she really has a knack for improving the livelihoods of all these failing businesses, so ultimately, the show did really well.
Worst: Unanchored
In the reality series "Unanchored," viewers get to follow the lives of a group of friends as they take a journey to an exclusive floating festival in the Bahamas. The cast members will leave their high-ranking careers and lives behind to join 30 yachts and make the most of the brilliance of the Bahamas.
They will have to fully immerse themselves in the new destination's subcultures, traditions, and eccentric rules. The story was about finding a new tribe and embracing all the highs and lows that come with that. We aren't too sure why this show failed so miserably, but it seems like the cast members were mostly out of touch, and as we know, the cast members of any series are the cornerstone of what can make or break a series.