5 Binge-Worthy Reality Show Spinoffs to Get You Through Finals
If anyone asks, you watch them “ironically.”
by AVA LABORDE ★ DECEMBER 3, 2021
The Merriam-Webster thesaurus defines “bad” and “good” as antonyms for each other. Clearly, Merriam Webster isn’t a fan of reality TV. Any true reality TV show fan knows that shows described as “bad” or “trashy” are actually the best to watch. So, I strived to find something even better: trashy reality shows that have produced even trashier spinoffs. However, this isn’t your typical Bachelorette or The Hills; it’s the shows that are so beautifully bad that even the network couldn’t keep going! So, in perfect time to combat finals stress and stay-in-bed weather, here are five of the greatest so-bad-they’re-good shows (all under three seasons!) to binge right now.
Kourtney and Khloe Take the Hamptons
Credit: Pinterest
While some may argue that Kim is the one who put the Kardashian sisters on the map, we ALL know it was Kourtney and Khloe that kept us coming back for more. This KUWTK spin-off follows the two funniest members of reality tv’s royal family as they open a new DASH location in the most luxurious part of Long Island. The single-season spinoff brings out the best (and the snarkiest) of our most problematic faves. From Scott’s short-lived trip to rehab to a Coachella-themed party for a baby, this show is the epitome of what reality TV should be: so bad, you can’t stop watching.
Bethenny Ever After
Credit: Amazon
As much as we love the Real Housewives of New York City, this show would be nothing without Bethenny Frankel. Bethany made it so clear that she was the “main character” that Bravo granted her with her own spinoff series: the masterpiece Bethenny Ever After. Following her crazy wedding to Jason Hoppy, the audience gets to follow Bethenny as she navigates motherhood, growing her business, and her rollercoaster of a marriage. This show is the perfect feel-good (yet drama-filled) quick binge to ease your stressed-out mind. So, grab your SkinnyGirl cocktail and get ready to fall in love with your favorite RHONY all over again.
The Pauly D Project
Credit: Amazon
I’m not one for confrontation, but I would really like to have a word with whoever decided to cancel The Jersey Shore. As MTV’s highest-rated series of all time, this hair-gelled and spray-tanned sensation deserved SO much more than the six seasons it got. So, if you’re like me and absolutely need to get your Jersey Shore fix, look no further than The Pauly D Project. Running for one season and one season only, this series follows Pauly D as he pursues his DJing career. While I must admit that this show is far from quality television, something about watching Pauly D chase his dreams with the company of his “entourage” is both crazy entertaining and strangely heartwarming.
The Bachelor Pad
Credit: People
While The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise are wildly successful shows that have amassed a cult following, you are truly missing out if you haven't seen the ugly duckling of the franchise: The Bachelor Pad. On The Bachelor Pad, former members of Bachelor nation compete in challenges for a cash prize while also navigating relationships and voting on weekly eliminations. So basically, if Bachelor in Paradise and Big Brother had a baby, this would be it. The show is filled with twists and turns, and of course, a healthy dose of Chris Harrison. Although it's pretty evident that it was short-lived for a reason, this unusual fusion of reality television premises is certainly worth the watch.
I Love New York
Credit: Yahoo
Finally, the ultimate so-bad-it's-good binge watch is VH1's I Love New York. This spinoff of a spinoff all started with the 2005 series Strange Love about the relationship between actress Brigitte Nielsen and Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav. When their relationship went sour, Flavor Flav began his own Bachelor-style show called Flavor of Love. The season one runner-up Tiffany Pollard, nicknamed "New York" by Flav, was given her own spinoff series in 2007: I Love New York. Basically, imagine if your favorite reality villain starred in the world's most vulgar version of The Bachelorette. Pollard is easily one of the most iconic faces in reality TV, being the force behind many hilarious memes (like the one above!) and quotes. Best of all, she got her nickname due to her upstate New York roots, growing up less than an hour away from 'Cuse. After binge-watching these two seasons, it makes a whole lot of sense that Tiffany Pollard coined the term HBIC because trust me, she lives up to that title.
Overall, as someone who appreciates TV as an art form (it's actually my major despite my ~questionable~ taste), I have to admit that sometimes HBO smash-hits and Emmy winners don't provide the same comfort that trashy reality does. So, as it gets colder and school becomes harder, allow yourself to indulge in the type of TV that is so "bad" it makes you feel good.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest