The Mythbusters team takes reality TV to explosive new heights. Each episode tackles fascinating questions about the world around us, from attempting to replicate stunts from viral videos to putting old adages to the test. It usually ends with something getting blown up in spectacular fashion. With hosts who are equal parts brilliant and batty, the show is a delight for any curious minds.
One of the most charming makeover shows in recent history, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy made pop culture stars of its five hosts. Each episode focuses on a slovenly straight man who wants to clean up his act and needs a little guidance -- or, sometimes, a lot of guidance. It'd be worth watching just for the delightful antics of Carson, Kyan, Ted, Thom and Jai, but the show has lots of heart and sincerity about its subjects.
Nothing could be more appealing during a long winter than the sunny, carefree streets of Los Angeles. This show follows Kat Von D and the day-to-day life at her tattoo parlor. Especially in the early seasons, L.A. Ink gives an insightful look at the creative and personal side of the artists, all of them multi-talented individuals. And if you just can't get enough tattoo voyeurism, Netflix also has Miami Ink and NY Ink to sate your needs.
If you like fast cars and fast British wits, then you'll definitely enjoy this series, which has a sizable cult following worldwide. Top Gear shows off vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and its hosts talk about all the nitty gritty details of engine and build for serious motorheads. Expect to see races, celebrity interviews and, of course, that anonymous driver of mystery, The Stig.
Celebrity antics are the bread and butter of the reality world, and nobody can deliver quite like the Kardashian clan. Netflix only has four seasons of the show, but those seasons are jam-packed with photo shoots, dating escapades, business deals, a wedding and more drama than a soap opera actor's convention. Sometimes, the most entertaining reality is the one most unlike your own.
For the times when your 9-to-5 job is getting you down, take a gander at Dirty Jobs. Affable host Mike Rowe and the production crew get their hands into some highly unusual and often highly disgusting jobs. It's a fascinating look at some vital but unsung professions.
Netflix has a variety of options in the subgenre of wedding reality TV. Say Yes To The Dress offers the best combination of sweet stories and ridiculous drama. Whether or not you believe in spending many thousands of dollars on a fluffy white gown, the show offers an interesting look at how women approach their big day. As an added bonus, it's amazing raw material for a drinking game.
Winter is still refusing to release its grip, so it seems like as good a time as any to enjoy some television marathons and wait for spring to appear. If you're already caught up on the serious fare for the season, it might be time to delve into some guiltier pleasures.
Netflix has a collection of reality television shows that might just help you enjoy these last winter storms a little bit more. Whether you favor makeovers, people acting out or even a little education, there's a bit of reality for your streaming needs.
See also: 9 Netflix Original Series to Stream in 2014
One thing to note is that, despite Netflix's impressive number of titles, they don't always have access to entire seasons or series. If the show's description refers to collections instead of seasons, it's not the full set of episodes.
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