The Reality TV Shows We're Most Looking Forward To in 2025

"Humankind cannot bear very much reality," said T.S. Eliot, but the same cannot be said of TV viewers, who can't get enough of unscripted drama. TV programmers love it too, since it's a lot cheaper to make unknown people into stars than it is to pay actor and writer salaries. And the drama is often way better than the scripted shows. Here are the notable shows coming right up this year:

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action (Netflix, Jan. 7)

This documentary is a must-watch, telling the astounding story of Robert F. Kennedy advisor turned TV host Jerry Springer, whose talk show starred real people like KKK members, a man who married his Shetland pony, and folks whose romantic entanglements turned violent on camera (and helped provoke one guest to murder his ex-wife off camera, a case the show covers in detail). Springer appeared on America's Got Talent and hosted Judge Jerry, and he was a founding father of the entire reality genre.

The Traitors (Peacock, Jan. 9)

Not going to lie, our favorite reality show is hosted by Alan Cumming, 59, who’s also the dazzlingly witty song and dance man who hosts AARP The Magazine’s Movies for Grownups Awards (Feb. 23, PBS). But don’t take our word for it: last season’s premiere was America’s No. 1 unscripted series, and both show and host won Emmys. His dramatic murder mystery game set in a Scottish castle stars a murderer’s row of reality TV stars: Survivor's Rob Mariano, The Real Housewives of New York City 's Dorinda Medley, and Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules. Cumming promises “the most treacherous season yet.”

The Voice (NBC, Feb 3)

John Legend, Michael Bublé , Kelsea Ballerini and returning coach Adam Levine try to create the next big singing sensation. (Sorry, viewer fave Reba McEntire, 69, quit for her own sitcom, Happy's Place.) One contestant will get a record deal and big money — but will this be the season they finally launch a star on a par with American Idol’s Kelly Clarkson?

Survivor (CBS, Feb. 26)

Three tribes battle for a million bucks on Fiji’s  Mamanuca Islands, noted for perfect beaches, stunning sunsets and a clear lagoon that's infinitely calmer than the stressed contestants.