Most reality TV shows involve manufactured drama, unrealistic situations, and a long list of annoying characters who are great to watch, sure, but who you very much wouldn’t want to know in real life. Yet not all reality TV shows follow the lines of The Bachelor and Real Housewives. Sports reality TV shows offer real value to sports fans, who get to see the inner workings of the intense, hyper-competitive, and often emotional world of top-level sports.
If you’re looking for a new TV show to binge-watch, try one of the following sports-based reality TV shows.
The Ultimate Fighter
Fans of UFC will know that it takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it as a professional. The Ultimate Fighters takes fans behind the scenes to see just how competitive it can be to secure a contract with the world’s premier MMA company. There have been thirty series of the show, so it’s clearly been a hit, and the 2023 installment might just be the best yet since it features the Notorious Conor McGregor as one of two head coaches that train the hopeful contenders. Any Conor McGregor series is worth watching, but one that sees him back in his home environment, guiding the next potential UFC superstar, is a must-see.
Hard Knocks
All sports teams can be interesting, but there’s something especially captivating about NFL teams. They always seem to have the best characters in professional sports. Hard Knocks has been running since 2001 and is as popular as ever, thanks to its portrayal of the behind-the-scenes goings-on during pre-season. Each season follows a new team, but it’s enjoyable to watch even if it’s not your team’s turn. More than anything, you’ll learn just how much hard work is required from young players looking to get time on the field.
Pros v Joes
Sports fans love to say how they could do better than an underperforming professional athlete. Pros v Joes, which ran from 2006 – 2010, puts average Joes to the test, lining them up to compete in a series of athletic challenges against world-famous sports stars. If you’ve ever wanted to see stars such as Dennis Rodman and Bo Jackson show average Joes just how difficult it is to compete at the highest level, then this is the show for you.
