There’s a type of entertainment that everyone secretly enjoys, with a simple premise and loads of fun. We all know it, but few admit it – the guilty pleasure of indulging in some deliciously trashy TV shows. Just like devouring a mouthwatering burger with all the fixings, these shows are absolutely satisfying, even if they’re not exactly highbrow. Trashy TV is at its finest when it’s easy to follow, delightfully low-brow, and undeniably entertaining. Of course, it’s all about finding the right balance, but sometimes a good binge-watch of these guilty pleasures is just what we need.
From following the juicy drama of the Real Housewives (there are so many shows, there’s always drama) to getting caught up in the ongoing phenomenon of catfishing (seriously, how does this still happen?), or trying to guess who’s going to get together on Below Deck, this definitive list of addictive shows will have you absolutely hooked. And it’s not just reality TV – scripted series can be just as sinfully delicious. Take Grey’s Anatomy and Riverdale, for example – they’re so perfectly trashy and wonderfully surreal.
There’s something undeniably addictive and refreshing about losing yourself in a show, especially when you don’t have to pay too much attention to enjoy it after a long, stressful day. So, which of these trashy shows are the crème de la crème? Dive into these guilty pleasures and discover where your beloved shows rank among the most entertaining ones.
1. 90 Day Fiancé
90 Day Fiancé is like a treasure trove of guilty-pleasure goodness. It’s all about couples who go through the ultimate stress test by crossing borders for love. As we watch, we can’t help but get caught up in the drama and culture clashes. It’s a delightful messiness that we just can’t resist when it comes to international romances.
Premiered: January 12, 2014
Actors: Nicole Nafziger, Azan Tefou, Natalie Podiakova
2. Catfish: The TV Show
Catfish” is a show that dishes out a generous portion of deception and mystery, keeping viewers on their toes as people discover the truth about their online relationships. The irresistible mix of lies and phony identities leaves audiences feeling both intrigued and slightly uneasy, always wondering what surprises lie ahead
Premiered: November 12, 2012
Actors: Yaniv Schulman, Max Joseph, Bettina Kenney
3. Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test is an intense competition that pushes elite personnel to their limits both mentally and physically. The show is filled with extreme training scenarios, showcasing the dogged resolve of these individuals. Brace yourself for nail-biting scenes that will leave you with sweaty palms, as this adrenaline-packed series is sure to satisfy your craving for a guilty thrill.
Premiered: January 4, 2023
Actors: Hannah Brown, Gus Kenworthy, Dwight Howard
4. Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a show that serves up a perfect blend of culinary prowess and intense drama, all under the guidance of the one and only Chef Gordon Ramsay. The competition is fierce, and coupled with Ramsay’s infamous meltdowns, it creates a delectable guilty pleasure that leaves fans craving for more.
Premiered: May 30, 2005
Actors: Marino Monferrato, Andi Van Willigan, James Avery
5. Big Brother
Big Brother, as the name implies, is the ultimate guilty pleasure reality show. It’s a show where every move is watched and every secret known. You can’t help but get hooked on the power struggles, alliances, and betrayals that play out, leaving audiences simultaneously appalled and enthralled by the unapologetic scheming.
Premiered: 2000
Actors: Julie Chen, Phil Proctor, Clayton Halsey
6. Love Is Blind
Love Is Blind is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a dating show unlike any other, where singles make connections purely based on personality and not physical appearance. The unique premise of the show and the intense and dramatic relationships it showcases make it a guilty pleasure that you won’t be able to resist. It’s the perfect trashy delight for those who love a bit of drama, and you can enjoy it from the comfort and safety of your own couch.
Premiered: February 13, 2020
Actors: Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey
7. The Circle
The Circle is an absolutely addictive game that combines strategy with cat-and-mouse deception. Contestants go head-to-head, desperately trying to gain popularity in a ruthless battle where sabotage and manipulation are the name of the game. It’s a show that truly satisfies the voyeur in all of us, offering guilty pleasure at its finest.
Premiered: January 1, 2020
Actor: Michelle Buteau
8. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills gives us an unfiltered peek into the lavish lives of its main divas. It’s all about the glitz, glamour, and gossip, which combine to create deliciously trashy television. The constant catfights and over-the-top dramas are what make this series so irresistibly addictive.
Premiered: October 14, 2010
Actors: Yolanda Hadid, Kim Richards, Camille Grammer
9. Below Deck Mediterranean
Below Deck Mediterranean is the ultimate escape for viewers, offering a sun-soaked voyage where they can witness the wild and extravagant antics of a luxury yacht crew. With flaring tempers and jaw-dropping romances, these yachties truly know how to keep us hooked, and we can’t help but indulge in their shameless adventures.
Premiered: March 23, 2016
Actors: Hannah Ferrier, Sandy Yawn, João Franco
10. Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy, although it’s scripted, has become a guilty pleasure legend with its never-ending collection of emotional storylines, juicy love triangles, and intense medical cases. The fans are completely hooked on this hospital drama.
Premiered: March 27, 2005
Actors: Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens
11. Teen Mom
Teen Mom is one of those shows that can be both eye-opening and strangely addicting. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of young mothers as they navigate the challenges of parenthood. The struggles they face, the ups and downs they experience, and the moments of emotional vulnerability they share all captivate viewers, creating a perfect blend of drama and reality TV.
Premiered: March 23, 2015
Actors: Farrah Abraham, Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell
