I love reality television. Maybe that’s a hot take for some people. I know there are many people out there who are against it, calling it “trashy” reality and denying that it’s even real at all. Although that could very well be true, it doesn’t take away from how entertaining it is. I think it’s especially nice when we, as an audience, get to have a say. We almost feel like we’re a part of the show.

Take “Dancing with the Stars,” for example. Just as much as the judges have their say, we get to be judges too! “Dancing with the Stars” is a reality competition show where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform routines and compete for judges’ scores and audience votes. Every week, we get the chance to text the name of the person we are voting for to the number 21523, and you can do it up to 10 times. The fans basically get to decide who wins the entire thing.

The same goes for “Love Island,” where we get to vote in real time, with new episodes almost every single day. It’s a show where single contestants live together in a villa, form romantic couples and compete in challenges to win a cash prize. I’ve been a huge fan since the United States version started in 2019. 

Then I discovered the UK version, which is amazing as well. It’s not only about them finding love — how likable they are to the audience plays a big part, too, and America’s votes usually make the drama 10 times better. Did you see that time America voted for Iris to go on the date with Jeremiah when he was coupled up with Huda? That was crazy. America really did its big one, and that made for some great television. 

Some shows where we don’t get a say, like “The Bachelor,” are pre-filmed. “The Bachelor” is a show where one man dates multiple women at the same time, and chooses one at the end who he’s supposed to propose to. But we still get to tune in weekly, all at the same time. 

There’s something kind of cool about knowing that while you’re watching, thousands of other people around the world are reacting to the same moments, too. I have been a fan of “The Bachelor” franchise for a while, but I remember specifically when Joey’s season blew up. Everyone got together with their friends each week to tune in for the new episode. That made for a huge bonding experience with my friends freshman year.

The fascinating part about these shows is that they’re filled with real people who live real lives. As parasocial as it may sound, you really start to feel like you know the people on these shows. You start rooting for your favorites, and you feel for them almost like they’re your personal friends.

I think that’s what makes these shows so addictive. It’s easy to find them on social media and continue to follow their lives if you want to. It’s important not to get overly invested, though, because that could end up being unhealthy. You can get emotionally attached and forget that you don’t actually know these people. 

Sometimes the drama is just so good that fiction can’t even replicate it. Another favorite of mine — and a fan favorite — is “Dance Moms.” It’s a show that follows young dancers and their mothers as they train and compete under the very strict dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. The moms are just so hilarious. 

Even though that show ended a few years back, it never gets old and continues to bring in new fans. The reruns are the best, and it’s so easy to find some of the best clips on YouTube. “Dance Moms Best Moments” are great. It features clips of the show’s funniest and most out-of-pocket moments. 

Some shows have such interesting concepts that it’s impossible not to tune in. “Love Is Blind” is an interesting show where singles form relationships and even get engaged without seeing what their partner looks like. The fact that they get engaged to someone they’ve never seen before? Crazy. I’m obsessed.

Even if reality TV is not your cup of tea, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most entertaining forms of television. Give the first episode of “Love Island USA” season six a chance and get back to me — I swear you’ll be hooked!

Emily Brady is an opinion columnist at The Review. Her opinions are her own and do not represent the majority opinion of The Review staff. She may be reached at emilyhb@udel.edu.