From the early days of Candid Camera that began airing in the late 1940s, to the current guilty pleasure that we’ve all come to know as Love & Hip Hop, America’s obsession with the idea of “reality television” is one that clearly dates back for decades.
Simon Cowell, the reality competition series guru that rose to fame as an American Idol judge before branching out to create The X Factor and Got Talent franchises, is now ready to bring the former series back to the U.S. once again in 2023.
…let the next Fifth Harmony be born!
RELATED: 7 Legendary Black Reality TV Shows That Will Have You Reminiscing
When considering reality TV shows from the past that are deserving of a reboot, we can definitely think of more than a handful that kept us entertained by simply “keeping it real.” Of course, by keeping it real we mean giving us loosely-scripted scenarios that are only meant to imitate real life — no way you thought the Stevie x Joseline x Mimi love triangle was real! Regardless of the inability to spot real from fake, none of us can deny the sheer entertainment that comes from this specific type of programming.
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Whether you like a show that ends with an elimination round every week, a documentary-style format that reflects our individual views on society or a hit rapper going house-to-house in search of cars to customize, chances are you’ve partaken in one of America’s guiltiest viewing pleasures. On the slight chance that Cowell is looking to bring back more than The X Factor, we put together a list of reality TV shows that many wouldn’t mind seeing on a returning fall lineup.
Keep scrolling to check out 8 late-but-great reality shows from the past that we think could use a revival. Let us know if you agree, or would rather just keep past programming in memory alone:
1. Flavor Of Love (2006 – 2008)
Arguably the king of reality TV! Even if Flav isn’t looking for love himself, maybe he could just pass the mojo down to another hip-hop bachelor.
2. The Simple Life (2003 – 2007)
With all the personal growth these two have each done individually over the past decade-and-a-half, a Simple Life reboot would bring their friendship journey full-circle.
3. My Super Sweet 16 (2005 – 2017)
We honestly just want to see more teen tantrums, extravagant parties most can only dream of affording and a modest attempt to top Teyana Taylor’s unforgettable star-studded 16th soiree.
4. Ego Trip's The (White) Rapper Show (2007)
With the meteoric rise of acts like Jack Harlow, Action Bronson, Post Malone and the late Mac Miller, we think there might be room in the rap game for one or two more.
5. Pimp My Ride (2004 – 2007)
We don’t even know why this ever ended! Who wouldn’t want to watch Xzibit put fish tanks inside of 80-inch rims every week?
6. Baldwin Hills (2007 – 2009)
Seen by many as a Black version of The Hills on MTV, Baldwin Hills showed us that kids of color know how to live the lavish life as well. We’d love to see that for a new generation, especially if a tribute to late cast member Gerren Taylor (1990 – 2021) is possible.
As a tribute to the memory of Gerren Taylor, or just to give us a look into the Black elite
7. Making The Band (2000 – 2009)
If Diddy could somehow work up an all-star season with cast mates from Making The Band 2, Making the Band 3 and Making The Band 4 — heck, we wouldn’t even mind seeing O-Town from the original season! — that would make for television gold.
8. Road Rules (1995 – 2007)
Although often brushed off as the redhead step-sibling of The Real World, MTV’s college-oriented alternative was just as entertaining and definitely kept up with the drama — see above! It definitely might be time for another semester at sea.
