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TV LAND — Reality TV has become almost synonymous with the concept of a “guilty pleasure” — something akin to being unable to turn away from a wrecked car by the side of the road.
Our society has a fascination with watching people make bad choices, wear questionable ensembles and start fights with one another. Those things are regular features on "The Bachelor," ABC's mega-popular reality mainstay that ended its latest season earlier this month.
But is that really all reality television has to offer? Of course not! Here are some shows that follow the same structure of not-quite-scripted TV, but offer a little something special.
If you're looking for something to fill the void "The Bachelor" left in your TV-watching regimen, these shows might help you out while raising the bar for your reality TV needs. You might even be able to watch these without feeling like they're guilty pleasures.
The Great British Baking Show
This show, available on Netflix, is as sweet as a buttercream frosted cake. There isn’t any unnecessary drama — it’s all about whether or not a loaf of bread will be delicious. With the hosts Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood steering the ship, things stay upbeat and intentional.
Masterchef Junior
Watching children between 8 and 13 enthusiastically prepare culinary delights is fascinating. From an open casting call, kids from all over the country come to compete for the title of master on this show, which is available on Hulu. Their triumphs and pitfalls are relatable and enjoyable.
Victorian Slum Houses
This PBS show puts families in a recreated Victorian slum inspired by the late 1800s to see how well they fare. The show follows the path of history, inserting Irish immigrants and highborn gawkers into the sparse rooms and equally sparse incomes of the time period.
Top Gear
Driving cars across the world —it’s a simple enough concept. But with hilarious guest stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May getting into unexpected mishaps, it’s a very entertaining show.
Queer Eye For the Straight Guy
The challenge is to watch an episode without crying. The hosts of the show, which has been revived on Netflix, take a contestant and turn his life around, helping him find confidence and make connections. It’s uplifting and inspiring, every time.
