If you're tired of scrolling through endless reality TV options, you're not alone. Two streaming services-Paramount+ and Peacock-are fighting hard to become your go-to for trashy, thrilling, and oddly addictive reality shows. But which one actually delivers more of what you want? It’s not just about quantity. It’s about quality, exclusives, and how often you’ll actually want to watch.
Paramount+ has the biggest reality TV library
Paramount+ doesn’t just offer reality TV-it owns some of the most iconic names in the genre. Survivor is still going strong, with Season 47 airing in 2025. The Challenge, which started as a spinoff of Real World and Road Rules, now has over 40 seasons under its belt. That’s more than a decade of contestants lying, cheating, and physically destroying each other in exotic locations. If you’re into long-running, high-stakes competition, Paramount+ is your home.
Then there’s Big Brother. The U.S. version, which moved to Paramount+ in 2018, has become a cult favorite. The live feeds, the backstabbing, the jury votes-it’s all there, and it’s updated daily. Peacock doesn’t have anything close. Even Love Island (U.S. version) is exclusive to Paramount+, and it’s one of the most bingeable reality shows of the last five years. The 2025 season had over 2.1 million viewers per episode, according to Nielsen.
Paramount+ also carries Below Deck, Below Deck Mediterranean, and Below Deck Sailing Yacht. These shows follow luxury yacht crews dealing with demanding guests, crew drama, and chaotic kitchens. If you like watching people scream at each other while wearing linen, this is your jam.
Peacock’s reality TV is more niche, but surprisingly strong
Peacock doesn’t try to match Paramount+’s volume. Instead, it doubles down on unique, often underrated gems. Its crown jewel? Real Housewives. That’s right-Peacock has the entire library of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Atlanta, Potomac, New York, and more. If you’ve ever been obsessed with a woman yelling into a mirror while holding a glass of wine, Peacock is where you go.
Peacock also owns Bravo’s original reality catalog, which includes Top Chef, Project Runway, and Million Dollar Listing. These aren’t just reality shows-they’re cultural touchstones. Top Chef alone has won 13 Emmys and launched dozens of celebrity chefs. Peacock’s library gives you access to every season, back to 2006.
Another hidden gem: Are You the One?. This dating show uses a “perfect match” algorithm to pair contestants. It’s equal parts romantic and absurd, and it’s only available on Peacock. If you like watching people try to figure out who’s lying about their feelings while wearing matching outfits, this is your show.
Exclusive originals: Who’s really innovating?
Paramount+ has doubled down on new reality formats. In 2024, they launched Survivor: All-Stars with a $1 million prize-the biggest in the show’s history. They also introduced Paradise, a tropical dating competition that mixes Love Island with Survivor. It’s not a smash hit, but it’s exactly the kind of weird, high-energy show you won’t find anywhere else.
Peacock’s original reality offerings are fewer but more polished. Real Housewives: The Reunion specials are longer, more emotional, and better produced than ever. In 2025, they released Bravo’s Best Reality Moments, a curated anthology of the most iconic scenes from the last 20 years. It’s not a new show-it’s a love letter to fans.
Neither service has cracked the code on truly groundbreaking reality TV yet. But Paramount+ leans into competition and chaos. Peacock leans into personality and drama. If you want to see people get voted off an island, go with Paramount+. If you want to see someone cry because her best friend stole her husband, Peacock wins.
Price and value: What are you actually paying for?
As of December 2025, Paramount+ costs $9.99/month with ads or $14.99/month ad-free. Peacock’s Premium plan is $10.99/month with ads or $15.99/month ad-free. At first glance, they’re nearly identical. But here’s the catch: Paramount+ includes live sports, CBS shows, and Paramount Pictures movies. Peacock includes NBC shows, Universal movies, and WWE content.
If you only care about reality TV, Paramount+ gives you more variety and more seasons. Peacock gives you deeper cuts-especially if you love Bravo. But if you’re already paying for Peacock for Law & Order reruns or WWE, then adding reality TV is a bonus. If you’re paying for Paramount+ for Star Trek and NFL games, then the reality TV is just icing.
Who should pick Paramount+?
- You love Survivor, The Challenge, or Big Brother and want the latest seasons as soon as they drop.
- You’re hooked on Love Island and want every season, including the UK version (available on Paramount+ in the U.S.).
- You enjoy competition-based shows with physical challenges and strategic gameplay.
- You don’t mind paying a little extra for more reality TV options.
Who should pick Peacock?
- You’re a Real Housewives superfan and want access to every season, including the obscure ones like Housewives of Salt Lake City.
- You care about Top Chef, Project Runway, or Million Dollar Listing and want the full archives.
- You prefer personality-driven drama over physical competition.
- You already subscribe for NBC shows or WWE and want to get more value out of your existing plan.
What’s missing? Both services leave gaps
Neither service has Love Island UK in its full archive-only the U.S. version. If you want the original British format, you’ll need to find it elsewhere. Neither has The Bachelor or The Bachelorette-those are on Hulu. Neither has 90 Day Fiancé-that’s on Discovery+.
Also, neither service offers live streaming of reality TV premieres in real time. You have to wait 24 hours after airing. That’s frustrating for fans who want to jump into online discussions the same day.
Final verdict: It depends on your drama style
Paramount+ is the clear winner if you want the broadest selection of reality TV. It’s the Amazon Prime of reality-everything you could want, from survival games to yacht drama. But if your heart belongs to the Real Housewives, Peacock is your tribe. It’s not about quantity. It’s about the kind of chaos you crave.
Most people who switch from one to the other do it because they got hooked on one show. If you love The Challenge, you’ll stay on Paramount+. If you can’t stop watching Housewives of New Jersey, Peacock is your only choice.
Try both with free trials. Paramount+ offers 7 days. Peacock offers 30 days. Watch one season of your favorite show on each. Then decide: Do you want to see someone get eliminated on an island-or see someone cry because her ex is dating her best friend?
Is Paramount+ worth it just for reality TV?
Yes-if you love Survivor, The Challenge, Big Brother, or Love Island. Paramount+ has the largest and most consistent library of reality TV shows. If those are your top picks, the price is justified. But if you only want one or two shows, Peacock might be cheaper.
Does Peacock have all seasons of Real Housewives?
Yes. Peacock has every season of every Real Housewives franchise, from the original Orange County to the latest Salt Lake City. It’s the only place to stream them all legally in the U.S. Even the older seasons from the 2000s are available.
Can I watch Love Island on Peacock?
No. Love Island (U.S.) is exclusive to Paramount+. Peacock has no access to any version of Love Island. If you want the U.S. or UK version, you need Paramount+.
Which service has better original reality shows?
Paramount+ has more new originals like Paradise and Survivor: All-Stars. Peacock focuses on curated retrospectives like Bravo’s Best Reality Moments. If you want fresh, experimental formats, Paramount+ wins. If you want nostalgic, high-quality compilations, Peacock does it better.
Is there a way to get both services for less?
Not directly. But if you have a Verizon plan, you get Paramount+ free. If you have an Xfinity subscription, you can get Peacock Premium free. Check your existing providers-many offer free streaming as a perk.