5 best reality shows set on the beach

There’s no denying how entertaining reality TV shows are. Even if you tune in because you love to hate on them, it’s such a fun experience watching a competition or dating series with friends or your Twitter followers online. Reality fandoms are just as big as any other, and it’s for good reason. Sometimes, there’s really nothing better than following along as real people you don’t know make life-changing decisions, embarrass themselves, and hopefully come out of the show with more knowledge about themselves.

And what makes a reality show better almost every time? When the contestants have to jet off to a tropical location and hang out at the beach every day. Between activities, the main hobby of the cast members is understandably drinking alcohol, and that leads to some questionable actions. All in all, it’s pure entertainment for viewers.

Here are the five best reality shows that are set on the beach.

1. Love Island

Love Island – Pictured: Arielle Vandenberg (Host). The thirty-fourth and Finale episode of Love Island airs tonight, Wednesday, September 30th (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

Arguably the most popular dating show on TV right now is Love Island UK. This list would not be complete without the British reality series in which a group of single men and women live together on the beach, hoping to find love. This iconic show has even spawned an American version, which while isn’t as beloved as the original, still has a sizable audience.

Where to watch Love Island

Love Island UK is currently streaming on Hulu. The American version can be found on Paramount+, or on Amazon Prime Video with a Paramount+ add-on.

2. Bachelor in Paradise

BACHELOR IN PARADISE – “607” – In a moving and stunning three-hour season finale, Chris Harrison and a studio audience watch as the four remaining couples – Demi and Kristian, Chris and Katie, Dylan and Hannah, and Clay and Nicole – spend one last night in the fantasy suites deciding if they are ready to take their relationships to the next level outside of Paradise. No one knows what the night will bring to these love-struck couples. Engagements, breakups and plenty of tears springing from both joy and heartbreak make for a compelling season finale to “Bachelor in Paradise,” TUESDAY, SEPT. 17 (8:00-11:00 p.m., EDT), on ABC. (ABC/John Fleenor)CHRIS BUKOWSKI, KATIE MORTON, KRISTIAN HAGGERTY, DEMI BURNETT, DYLAN BARBOUR, HANNAH GODWIN /

I think I speak for most fans when I say Bachelor in Paradise is the best Bachelor TV show. While there’s nothing quite like seeing the competition and drama that inevitably arises on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, BiP is far more fun and low-pressure. Male and female former contestants from the franchise return to mingle together on the beach, and there are basically no rules beyond the traditional rose ceremonies.

Where to watch Bachelor in Paradise

Seasons 1 through 3 of Bachelor in Paradise are streaming on Hulu, and you can find seasons 4 through 6 on HBO Max. If we’re lucky, season 7 will premiere on ABC this summer.

3. Too Hot to Handle

Credit: Too Hot to Handle – Ana Cristina Blumenkron/Netflix /

Netflix newcomer Too Hot to Handle only has one season under its belt, but that first season really made an impression. The dating show follows a group of singles looking to find romance, but there’s a major twist with this one. As you’d expect, the contestants are fully expecting to have fun and hook up with one another, but the rule is that they can only win the big cash prize at the end if they don’t have any sexual contact. Even kissing will eliminate points from the group’s winnings.

Too Hot to Handle is returning for a second season in June!

Where to watch Too Hot to Handle

The reality show is a Netflix Original and streams exclusively on the platform.

4. Are You The One?

Are You The One? season 6 – MTVPress /

Are You The One? is an MTV dating series that recently made its way to Netflix, and fans have been eating every episode up. The show takes a group of singles and with a dating algorithm, determines who is meant for one another, using the term “perfect matches.” The competition begins when the contestants then have to figure out who their perfect match is. There’s a huge cash prize at the end if everyone can correctly guess their other half.

Where to watch Are You The One?

Are You The One? seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Netflix. If you want to finish the rest of the series, you can do so with a subscription to Paramount+. The most current season is also available to watch on the MTV website.

5. Laguna Beach

MIAMI – AUGUST 28: The Cast of Laguna Beach arrives at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards at the American Airlines Arena on August 28, 2005 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alberto Tamargo/Getty Images) /

I’m showing my age here, but Laguna Beach was my all-time favorite show growing up! This MTV series is the OG of early 2000s reality TV, following the lives of high school students growing up in Laguna Beach, California. Between beach parties and love triangles, this show gets messy and it’s entertaining through and through.

Laguna Beach catapulted the likes of Kristin Cavallari, Lauren Conrad, and Heidi Montag to fame.

Where to watch Laguna Beach

You can currently stream the three-season show on Paramount+ or on Amazon Prime Video with a Paramount+ add-on.

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Did we miss any of your favorite beach reality shows?

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