The Circle and the best reality TV shows to watch right now

Alert! The Circle season 6 is back! The first four episodes are now streaming on Netflix with more to come on April 24. Taking social media and competition to a new level, The Circle is one of the most captivating reality TV shows to watch.

If you have yet to watch The Circle on Netflix (or this is the first you hear about it), the reality competition series follows contestants who are only able to communicate with each other via The Circle, a social media platform. There is no video, voice calls, or voice messages. Players are only able to chat using text. But the real kicker? It is up to each player who they play as. This means they can share a photo of their authentic self or catfish the others by pretending to be someone else entirely. The ability to portray themselves however they choose can be a game changer.

The Circle is undeniably one of the best reality shows for fans of strategic competition and social dynamics. Stream the first four episodes now on Netflix. And once you finish binging these episodes, here are other fun and drama-packed reality TV shows to watch. There's something for every fan of messy TV on our list.

Love is Blind

Where to watch: Netflix
Number of seasons: 6

Love is Blind on Netflix is anything but lovely. The dating competition series is a rollercoaster of emotions and one that I am sure you have heard of before. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely! Love is Blind sees single men and women get to know each other through "pods" that are only connected by a wall. That's right, participants cannot see each other face-to-face, they can only hear each other's voices. This is all to see if love truly is blind. Is personality and emotional connection enough to fall in love?

Everything is nice and sweet at first. It is not until a couple becomes engaged and goes on vacation together that sh*t hits the fan. Don't get me wrong, what sets Love is Blind apart from other reality shows is the experiment of genuine human connections. However, what we stay for is the drama. If you are searching for a reality TV show to binge-watch, this is the perfect one! All six seasons are streaming on Netflix.

The Traitor

Where to watch: Peacock
Number of seasons: 2

Not all shows on this list are streaming on Netflix. The Traitors is coming to us from Peacock. If you aren't feeling all of the love drama, The Traitors is the reality TV show to watch. Viewers will be hooked immediately by the thrilling challenges, and on the edge of their seats watching the players coming up with all sorts of strategies. And, of course, there is plenty of betrayal, complicated alliances, and twists -- so many twists! I mean, this reality show is titled Traitors, after all.

Something else we love about The Traitors is the diverse cast of contestants, and Alan Cumming is the perfect host for the game show. Currently, there are two seasons available to stream on Peacock. If you binge all 23 episodes and want more, your wish is Peacock's command! The game show was renewed for a third season on Feb. 2024. As soon as we have more details on the release of the upcoming season, we'll update this post!

Too Hot to Handle

Where to watch: Netflix
Number of seasons: 5

Yes, we're back with another Netflix reality show, but hear me out! Too Hot to Handle is just too sizzling hot to not include. The drama, the romance, the madness! Now, unlike all other shows on this list, I recommend Too Hot to Handle to reality TV fans who are searching for a show they don't need to pay super close attention to. This is a dose or reality TV drama you can have on the background or while doing a chore.

The premise is simple. Too Hot to Handle gathers attractive singles who fear commitment, preferring instead to have one-night stands and meaningless flings. The show challenges the singles to form connections. How? By forbidding physical touch. That's right, no kissing, hugging, or anything of the like! If they can make it, they'll win the prize money. But each time they fail, the cash prize decreases. Will they be walking away with money in their pocket or nothing at all?

As of April 2024, there are five seasons of Too Hot to Handle streaming on Netflix. But there will soon be more! According to Screen Rant, the streamer has renewed the show for a sixth season -- more details to come!

Couple to Throuple

Where to watch: Peacock
Number of seasons: 1

To watch Couple to Throuple, you need to be open minded. But to participate in Couple to Throuple, you must be out of your mind! I know the Peacock reality TV show stands out for its exploration of modern relationships, but it is not for everyone! Still, you don't have to want to be in a throuple to enjoy the madness that unfolds.

Couple to Throuple follows couples who want to welcome a third person to their relationship. Some have experienced this kind of relationship before, while others wish to dip their toes in the waters of polyamory! Throughout the show, the couples go on dates with several singles in hopes of finding the perfect match. Will they be able to handle the mixed emotions and jealousy? Tune in to find out!

Only one season is available to stream on Peacock. Unfortunately, the reality dating series has not been renewed for a second season. Let's go, Peacock! We're waiting! As soon as we learn if Couple to Throuple will return with season 2 or not, we'll update this post!