Industry

Reality TV continues to dominate streaming services worldwide, crossing cultural boundaries and captivating audiences across various regions. As of 2Q 2024, BB Media's analysis highlights the prominence of Reality TV in specific regions, with APAC (Asia-Pacific) and UCAN (U.S. and Canada) leading the charge, capturing 29% and 28% of audience preferences, respectively. LATAM (Latin America) follows with 20%, while EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) sits at 19%. Among individual countries, South Africa leads with a remarkable 51% of viewers favoring Reality TV, followed by India (35%), China (29%), and the United States (28%).

Regional Offerings and Production Growth
While UCAN ranks second in audience preference, it dominates the Reality TV landscape in terms of available titles. Platforms in the UCAN region account for 80% of the top 20 Reality TV platforms globally, with Canada holding a 10% share, and Brazil and the United Kingdom each contributing 5%.

Reality TV production has surged globally, with content availability increasing by 40.4% since 2021. In 2023 alone, 146 new Reality TV titles were released, comprising both new seasons of existing series and fresh productions. Noteworthy releases this year include FGirl Island and LOL: Last One Laughing South Africa. The United States led the charge, producing 74 of these titles, which accounts for 51% of the global output, while the United Kingdom followed with 11%.

Top Global Reality TV Titles and Streaming Preferences
When it comes to the most-streamed Reality TV titles, local productions often reign supreme in countries such as Germany, Spain, Poland, Italy, France, Mexico, and the United States. Italy and France, in particular, exhibit a strong preference for local content, with three out of their top five Reality TV titles being domestic productions. Shows like LOL: Last One Laughing are adapted to reflect the cultures of individual countries, while global hits like Love is Blind and Physical: 100 continue to find success worldwide.

Additionally, popular shows like Drag Race and FBOY Island have been adapted and released in numerous countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, Australia, and Denmark, further demonstrating the universal appeal of Reality TV.

A Global Phenomenon
Reality TV has cemented its place as a global entertainment powerhouse, driven by diverse audience preferences and rapidly growing production. From localized adaptations to internationally beloved formats, Reality TV engages viewers around the world. Understanding these evolving global trends is crucial for content creators and streaming platforms aiming to captivate audiences across borders.