TV The 11 best reality shows streaming on Amazon Prime The streamer's reality content runs the gamut from competition programs to legal series. By Sophie van Bastelaer, Ilana Gordon, Ilana Gordon Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles. EW's editorial guidelines and James Mercadante Updated on June 20, 2024 10:23AM EDT Gordon Ramsay on 'Hell's Kitchen'; Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum on 'Project Runway'; Ronald Gladden on 'Jury Duty'. Photo: FOX Image Collection via Getty; Everett (2) Reality television gets a bad rap, what with all the drunken fighting and threats of "I didn't come here to make friends!" But the genre was originally intended as a way to expose and educate audiences about real people they might not encounter in their own lives. (And let's be honest: to save the money production would have spent on writers and actors.) Regardless of all the issues inherent within the genre, EW has done the legwork and rounded up the shows that remind us of the best reality TV has to offer. Here are Entertainment Weekly’s picks for the 11 best reality shows on Amazon Prime Video right now. 01 of 11 Clarkson's Farm (2021–present) Jeremy Clarkson on 'Clarkson's Farm'. Everett In 2008, British TV host Jeremy Clarkson purchased a thousand acres and a farm in the Cotswolds. After the local villager who ran it died in 2019, Clarkson decided to try farming the land himself with little to no experience. The show features a fun ensemble of supporting characters, comprising the hardworking farm hands and contractors responsible for the day-to-day operations. Each episode is focused on a different element of farming, from tractors to harvesting and so on. Whether or not you’re interested in Clarkson or agriculture, Clarkson's Farm is goofy, sweet, and well worth a watch. —Sophie van Bastelaer Where to watch Clarkson's Farm: Amazon Prime Video Director: Gavin Whitehead Cast: Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, Lisa Hogan, Charlie Ireland, Gerald Cooper, Kevin Harrison, Ellen Helliwell, Alan Townsend, Dilwyn Evans 02 of 11 Deal or No Deal (2005–2009; 2018–2019) Contestant Sherman Mitchell and host Howie Mandel on 'Deal or No Deal'. Everett Hosted by Howie Mandel, Deal or No Deal features a contestant who randomly selects one of 26 briefcases, each containing a cash value ranging from one cent to $1,000,000. The player then blindly chooses the remaining briefcases to narrow down their case's value — the lower the prices within, the higher the deal they receive from the Banker (a silhouette who proposes several cashout offers throughout the game). If the contender refuses every deal, they must decide whether they want to keep the first case they picked or swap it out for the last one standing. An NBC hit with millions of viewers per episode during its original 2005–2009 run, Deal or No Deal is the kind of nail-biting game show that will turn you into a full-on couch commentator. —S.V.B. Where to watch Deal or No Deal: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Howie Mandel Related content: Deal or No Deal model disputes Meghan Markle's claim that the show 'objectified' women 03 of 11 Fear Factor (2001–2012) Joe Rogan and contestants on 'Fear Factor'. Everett The six original seasons of everyone’s favorite (or least favorite) how-far-are-you-willing-to-go reality program are available on Amazon Prime. Developed from a Dutch show with the same premise, each episode of Fear Factor challenges contestants to perform three (often extremely dangerous or extremely gross) professional stunts to win $50,000. Generally, if a player refuses to participate, can’t complete one of the stunts, or doesn’t perform well, they are out of the running. It’s fascinating, disgusting, exhilarating, horrifying, and sometimes inspiring; like all great reality television, you absolutely can’t look away. —S.V.B. Where to watch Fear Factor: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Joe Rogan 04 of 11 Hell's Kitchen (2005–present) Gordon Ramsay on 'Hell's Kitchen'. FOX Image Collection via Getty Boasting more than 300 episodes and five Emmy nominations, Hell’s Kitchen has been a reality television staple since 2005 thanks to the loud, aggressive, and oft-memed feedback from the show's host, Gordon Ramsay. Two teams of chefs compete in solo challenges and collaborative dinner services over several weeks. Their numbers dwindle through eliminations, the last two left standing face off in a head-to-head showdown. Hell’s Kitchen has remained relevant in pop culture not just because of Ramsay’s strong personality, but also because it’s a consistently well-designed and entertaining show, with a rotating cast of talented cooks and plenty of mouthwatering food. —S.V.B. Where to watch Hell's Kitchen: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Gordon Ramsay Related content: EW takes a trip to Hell's Kitchen for a special challenge 05 of 11 Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis (2022–present) Jeff Lewis and Wilmer Valderrama on 'Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis'. Everett If you're used to Jeff Lewis' unfiltered, ferocious side that you got on Bravo's Flipping Out, be prepared to see a softer side of him on Hollywood Houselift. Dialing down the drama and amping up the fun, this Amazon Freevee series follows the interior designer as he takes on celebrity clients like Wilmer Valderrama, Melissa Rivers, and more, employing his trademark perfectionism and impeccable style to elevate their properties. While eagerly awaiting the stunning transformations, viewers also get a peek into Lewis' personal life and enjoy his snarky humor. —James Mercadante Where to watch Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Jeff Lewis Related content: 10 times Jeff Lewis had you Flipping Out 06 of 11 Judy Justice (2021–present) Judge Judy Sheindlin on 'Judy Justice'. Michael Becker/Amazon When Judge Judy Sheindlin retired from her eponymous CBS program after 25 years, TV's highest-paid host didn't hang up her gavel for good. Instead, she traded it for a whole new look — including a modern burgundy robe — and a first-time venture on streaming. Assisted by law clerk and legal analyst Sarah Rose (who's also Sheindlin's granddaughter), certified stenographer Whitney Kumar, and former probation officer-turned-bailiff Kevin Rasco (replacing her longtime sidekick Petri Hawkins Byrd), Judy Justice maintains the same format as its forerunner. Here, Judge Judy continues to mediate small claims cases that tackle issues such as child custody disputes and employment contracts, all while delivering her signature no-nonsense mien. —J.M. Where to watch Judy Justice: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Judy Sheindlin, Sarah Rose, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco Related content: Judge Judy aims to remain TV's highest-paid host with new show: 'My compensation has not been a secret' 07 of 11 Jury Duty (2023–present) Ronald Gladden on 'Jury Duty'. Freevee/Everett Earning Amazon Freevee some real industry cred as a streaming service, this Nathan for You-like mockumentary series pulls off the ultimate Truman Show hoax on its unwitting "hero," Ronald Gladden. Unbeknownst to juror Gladden, his oddball cohorts and other courtroom figures for the (fake) trial are all paid performers — including James Marsden, who plays a self-absorbed, caricatured version of himself. Remaining extremely dedicated to the bit, the crew orchestrates various WTF scenarios to keep Gladden on his toes without dissolving their elaborate facade. While Jury Duty was already an innovative concept (nominated for three Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series), much of its charm comes from Gladden maintaining a heart of gold no matter how absurd the antics get. —J.M. Where to watch Jury Duty: Amazon Prime Video Director: Jake Szymanski Cast: James Marsden, Alan Barinholtz, Susan Berger, Cassandra Blair, David Brown, Kirk Fox, Ross Kimball, Pramode Kumar, Trisha LaFache, Mekki Leeper Related content: Jury Duty star James Marsden panicked about poop-scented spray giving away the show's secret 08 of 11 Making the Cut (2020–present) Tim Gunn on 'Making the Cut'. Amazon Studios Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn left Project Runway to create and host Making the Cut, which follows 12 talented designers through a series of tasks with the ultimate goal of earning a mentorship, an exclusive fashion line, and $1,000,000 for their brand. Klum and Gunn are joined by judges Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, and Joseph Altuzarra to mentor and challenge already-established designers looking to make the next step in their careers. Extravagance is front and center, and it’s clear no expense was spared (the first episode features a catwalk in front of the Eiffel Tower). It’s a little more cutthroat than other similarly-designed competition shows and incorporates new elements as well — one of which is the designer who wins that week’s competition will have their design available for purchase on Amazon. —S.V.B. Where to watch Making the Cut: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Joseph Altuzarra, Chiara Ferragni, Carine Roitfeld, Jeremy Scott, Winnie Harlow Related content: Tim Gunn on how Making the Cut can launch a global fashion brand in a changing industry 09 of 11 Mythbusters: There's Your Problem (2021–2024) The cast of 'Mythbusters: There's Your Problem'. courtesy amazon prime Love MythBusters but hate having to wade through two decades worth of episodes? No problem! MythBusters: There’s Your Problem is here to make sorting through the archives easier. A spinoff of the original Discovery Channel show, There’s Your Problem offers episodes curated around a particular subject matter — like pressure or stunts — and fills them with myths from years past that fit within that episode’s theme. It’s a great reminder of how many myths the team has busted over the years, and given that the show's two stars have stated they’re unlikely to work with each other again, repackaging old MythBusting content is the only way to get new MythBusters episodes. —Ilana Gordon Where to watch Mythbusters: There's Your Problem: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage Related content: Mythbusters star Adam Savage was 'gut-punched' over cohost Grant Imahara's sudden death 10 of 11 Portrait Artist of the Year (2022–present) David Tennant on 'Portrait Artist of the Year'. Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year is a British reality show about professional and amateur artists across Britain and Ireland. In each episode, contestants produce a painted portrait of one of three models (or, as they’re known on the show, “sitters”), and at the end of the season, the winner receives a generous commission to paint a famous person for part of a national collection. Contestants range in age, background, and artistic style. In the tradition of many wholesome British reality shows, it’s perfect comfort viewing with a cup of tea. —S.V.B. Where to watch Portrait Artist of the Year: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Joan Bakewell, Frank Skinner, Stephen Mangan, Kate Bryan, Kathleen Soriano, Tai-Shan Schierenberg Related content: Drew Barrymore hosts painting class with half-naked Summer House stars Carl Radke and Kyle Cooke 11 of 11 Project Runway (2004–present) Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum on 'Project Runway'. Everett Ever since debuting in 2004, the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning reality competition series has been a platform for gifted designers to let viewers in on their creative process. Upon receiving limited material and being told to "make it work," contestants compete in diverse challenges and present their designs to a panel of judges, with one or more facing elimination each episode. With 20-plus seasons (Amazon Prime carries the first 16!) and a rotating cast including Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, and Nina Garcia, Project Runway stitches together an endless display of creativity. —J.M. Where to watch Project Runway: Amazon Prime Video Cast: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, Karlie Kloss Related content: Project Runway cast: Where are they now? Related content: 20 worst reality TV shows of all time (so far) The best reality shows on Hulu The best reality shows on Netflix