As reality TV fans know, shows get canceled and rebooted all the time. While many shows come and go, there are a few reality TV shows that have been airing for decades and aren't showing any signs of slowing down. In a world where so many shows seem to only last a few seasons before the network decides to scrap them, these shows have truly managed to stand the test of time and show they've got what it takes to stay on the air and keep fans engaged.
Keep reading to see seven of the longest running reality TV shows that are still on the air today.
1. The Challenge (1998 - Present)
When MTV's The Challenge started airing, it was known as Road Rules/Real World Challenge and pitted stars of two of their reality shows against each other in physical competitions. It's been airing since 1998 and even though both the original shows that it drew its casts from have been canceled, The Challenge is going strong and has started taking its contestants from a variety of other popular reality TV shows to keep things interesting for viewers.
2. Survivor (2000 - Present)
Survivor started airing in the US in 2000, but is based on a Swedish reality show that began airing in 1997. This survival competition show takes contestants from all walks of life and forces them to find food and shelter on a deserted island while also taking part in physically and mentally challenging competitions in order to outlast their fellow competitors and keep from being voted off the island.
3. Big Brother (2000 - Present)
Similarly to Survivor, Big Brother has been airing in the US since 2000 but is based on a Dutch series that began airing in 1997. This show puts a group of strangers in a house together where their every move is recorded for viewers to see. The houseguests take part in challenges and take turns voting each other out of the house.
4. The Amazing Race (2001 - Present)
The Amazing Race has been taking the concept of a survival reality show international since 2001. In this reality show, teams of competitors travel around the world to solve puzzles, figure out clues, and take part in challenges with the holes of making it to the final "leg" of the season before the other teams.
5. American Idol (2002 - 2016, 2018 - Present)
Even though American Idol took a two-year hiatus between 2016 and 2018, this singing competition show is still one of the longest running reality TV shows. American Idol started airing in 2002 and has spawned the careers of singers like Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, and Lauren Alaina and has had a varying panel of celebrity judges throughout the seasons, including Paula Abdul, Keith Urban, and Lionel Richie.
6. Dancing with the Stars (2005 - Present)
Dancing with the Stars is the American version of the British reality series Strictly Come Dancing and has been on the air since 2005. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers as they attempt to learn and perform a dance each week. Celebrities that have been featured on the competition series throughout its 20 years of airing include Ariana Madix, Joey Graziadei, Bindi Irwin, Rob Kardashian, and Zendaya.
7. Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007 - 2021)/The Kardashians (2002 - Present)
Keeping Up with the Kardashians began airing on E! in 2007 and was rebranded in 2022 as The Kardashians when they moved to Hulu. The show gave rise to the Kardashian-Jenner family and spawned several spin-off series during its time on the air. Kim Kardashian originally became famous as a friend of Paris Hilton, but she and her whole family have become household names in the world of reality TV since their own show began airing.