Reality TV is everywhere. From dating shows to survival competitions to housewife drama, it dominates streaming platforms and late-night schedules. But here’s the real question: can watching reality TV actually help people unwind and reset after a long day?
Let’s look at what the research says, what real viewers experience, and how to watch without burning out.
Why People Watch Reality TV
The Escape Is Easy
Reality shows let you step out of your own life. For 30 to 60 minutes, you’re not worrying about bills, work, or that never-ending to-do list. You’re watching someone cook in a high-stress kitchen or argue over who didn’t clean the hot tub.
According to a 2023 survey from YouGov, 42% of regular reality TV watchers said they watch to escape daily stress. The next most common reason was “to relax before bed.”
Josh, a 33-year-old truck mechanic from Sydney, said, “After working a 12-hour shift, I don’t want a serious plot. I want Love Island and a beer. It switches my brain off.”
It’s Comfort Food for the Brain
Reality TV is predictable. That’s part of the charm. You know someone will cry. Someone will lie. Someone will storm off in slow motion. That makes it low effort to follow, even when you’re half-asleep.
A 2022 study by the University of Queensland found that shows with simple emotional patterns helped viewers feel less anxious before bed compared to complex drama series.
What Shows Work Best for Stress Relief?
Competition Shows
Think The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef, or Lego Masters. These shows are upbeat, creative, and full of light tension without much conflict. They stimulate your brain just enough without raising your heart rate.
Emily, a 29-year-old school teacher, said, “I put on Bake Off while folding laundry. It’s relaxing. And somehow watching cake makes me feel like I’m doing something productive.”
Comfort Reality
These are shows about people helping others or working on personal goals. Queer Eye, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and The Home Edit fall in this camp. They give viewers a little boost and often end on a happy note.
Low-Stakes Drama
Trashy TV has its place too. Shows like Too Hot to Handle, Selling Sunset, or The Kardashians let viewers enjoy drama without emotional investment.
You can zone out, laugh at the absurdity, and forget your own problems for a bit. That’s real stress relief—at least short-term.
When It Starts Doing the Opposite
Doom Watching
This is when you keep watching even though the show makes you feel worse. Some reality shows are built on conflict and chaos. That gets exhausting fast.
If you’re feeling more irritated or anxious after watching, it’s time to switch.
Binge Fatigue
Watching four episodes in a row every night can wreck your sleep. You stay up too late and feel groggy the next day.
A study from the Journal of Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that binge watching more than 3 hours at night is linked to poorer sleep quality and next-day fatigue.
Social Comparison
If you watch influencers or luxury reality shows, you may start to feel like your life isn’t good enough. That affects mood and confidence.
If you’re comparing your one-bedroom apartment to a $40 million mansion on Selling Sunset, remind yourself it’s all staged. Or take a break.
How to Watch in a Healthy Way
Set a Limit
Pick a number of episodes or a time cap. One or two episodes per night is usually enough. If you’re watching on a streaming app, set the sleep timer or alarm.
Pick Shows That Lift You Up
Go for joy, not drama. Bake-offs. House flips. Puppy rescues. These make you feel better, not worse.
Don’t Mix with Social Media
Watching reality shows while scrolling Instagram adds a layer of comparison that kills the fun. Keep it separate.
Use It as Background
Doing laundry? Meal prep? Watch while you work. It makes chores less boring and keeps your screen time in check.
What About Kids Watching Reality TV?
Not all shows are kid-friendly. Shows with yelling, swearing, or heavy drama aren’t great for younger viewers.
Stick to family competition shows like Junior Bake Off or The Voice Kids. These build creativity and confidence.
Also, limit screen time overall. The Australian Government recommends no more than 2 hours of screen time per day for kids aged 5 to 17 (outside schoolwork).
Watching With Friends Helps Too
Group viewing is making a comeback. Reality shows are perfect for this. You can gossip, debate, and laugh together.
Kate, 26, hosts Bachelor nights every Wednesday. “We watch, we roast the cast, and we eat takeaway. It’s our weekly therapy.”
Even watching apart but texting during the show can make it more fun. Shared experiences beat solo scrolling.
Final Thought: Watch, Enjoy, Then Move On
Reality TV can absolutely help people unwind. The trick is to treat it like dessert—not the main course. Use it to relax, not escape forever.
Choose shows that make you smile. Avoid ones that drain your mood. And give your brain a break between binge sessions.
If reality TV gives you joy, lean into it. But also go outside. Talk to real people. Cook a meal without a camera crew watching.
And if you’re a public figure dealing with bad press from an old court case, don’t stress-scroll Google. Services like Top Shelf Reputation exist to help remove court records that show up in searches and affect your personal brand. Clean screen, clean slate.
Now go press play on something fun. Just maybe stop after episode two.
