When Netflix began offering movie subscriptions in 1999 -- where customers could order their favorite films through the Internet and get them delivered right to their door -- it seemed that the days of DVD rentals were advancing right along with the digital age. However, nobody could have possibly predicted that the small internet-based company would soon blossom into the titan of the streaming industry, offering thousands of options at the touch of a viewer's fingertips, along with plenty of self-produced offerings.
Among Netflix's impressive roster are countless original films and shows, along with reality competitions galore. In recent years, Netflix has expanded its Reality TV category into more offerings, including less competition-based formats and more reality options akin to the style The Real Housewives series made the Bravo network famous for. Here are some of Netflix's best reality shows.
Selling Sunset Brings the Glamour and the Drama
Firstly, one of Netflix's most popular shows: Selling Sunset. Following a high-profile brokerage in Los Angeles, Selling Sunset chronicles the work of the real estate agents of The Oppenheim Group, who pride themselves on selling magnificent homes to affluent clients. The first season kicks off with a new agent joining the brokerage, causing rifts and drama amongst the other real estate agents. Many viewers watch Selling Sunset for the incredible listings and showings that The Oppenheim Group gets its hands on, but fans stay for the fashion and drama that goes on behind the scenes of these multi-million dollar home sales.
Seasons 1-4 of Selling Sunset are streaming on Netflix.
Dream Home Makeover is Perfect for the Aspiring Designer
A more recent addition to the Netflix queue, Dream Home Makeover is similar to Selling Sunset in the sense that the homes are massive, extravagant and beautiful; however, there's a more down-to-earth quality within its stars, husband and wife design dream team Shea and Syd McGee. Shea started their interior design business from the ground up, after an Instagram picture she posted showcasing her design skills went viral for her innovative, chic work done on a small budget. From there, the McGees thrust themselves headfirst into a fully-fledged design business, helping families design their dream homes from the foundation up. The end result is beautiful homes, shot in a soothing and aesthetically-pleasing film style.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Dream Home Makeover are streaming on Netflix.
Engineering, Fun Competition and Baking Combine in Baking Impossible
Hosted by Great British Bake Off fan favorite, Andrew Smyth, Baking Impossible is a fun, colorful addition to the Netflix Reality genre. Though set up as sort of a competition -- teams of two (a baker and an engineer), are pitted against each other in various challenges to try and test their design capabilities with edible materials -- Baking Impossible is more about the discovery of food through science. Many of the creations are wacky, ranging from an edible dress that makes the wearer look like a giant raspberry to a giant, edible tower built to withstand an earthquake. Baking Impossible is easy viewing for viewers who love food-related content, as well as learning a thing or two along the way.
Season 1 of Baking Impossible is streaming on Netflix.
Queer Eye Hits You in the Feels From All Over the World
Queer Eye: More than a Makeover, is a slight reboot of 2003's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Similar to other makeover shows like What Not to Wear, Queer Eye is comprised of a group of LGBTQ+ individuals -- the Fab Five -- each with their own specialty -- culinary arts, interior design, fashion, etc. -- who find different people all over America in desperate need of a physical and oftentimes emotional/mental reboot. The success of Netflix's Queer Eye has taken the Fab Five all over the world, from Japan to Texas, introducing viewers to heroes from all walks of life with heartwarming and inspiring stories.
Seasons 1-6 of Queer Eye are streaming now on Netflix.
Tiny House Nation is a Modern Minimalist's Dream
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to rethink their life budgets thanks to job losses, financial cuts and the struggles of living comfortably in today's incredibly expensive modern world. Tiny houses grew in popularity over recent years thanks to social media platform TikTok becoming filled with videos of people living the "van life." While some savvy creators renovated school busses, old vans and barns for their own DIY-style home, tiny houses have been around for years. In the growing age of the minimalist lifestyle, more and more people are turning to solutions like tiny homes and/or renovated mobile homes to save costs on rent and mortgages. Tiny House Nation follows the tiny house craze around the nation, exploring the country's most unique alternative homes.
Volumes 1 and 2 of Tiny House Nation are streaming on Netflix.