Hosts are an essential part of a good reality TV show. Whether they are present
Hosts are an essential part of a good reality TV show. Whether they are there to keep the peace or contribute to the drama, the show would be lost without them. While there are many great hosts in the world of reality TV, there are a few who stand out from the crowd.
Here are the best reality show hosts of all time…
RuPaul Charles – RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul Charles has been crowning drag queens since 2009. Unlike some TV hosts who just read the script, Ru is an integral part of the show. He is involved in everything from hosting to producing. His dedication and devotion to the show is what makes it feel authentic. The hard work he has put into the show has definitely paid off. Over the past decade, RuPaul’s Drag Race has taken the show to the mainstream. The show celebrated its 16th season this year and has spawned countless spinoffs in the past 15 years. Ru spoke about his legacy and bringing drag to the mainstream in a 2016 interview with ABC News.
“I don’t think the show could ever become mainstream because drag is the opposite of the Matrix. You know, the Matrix says, ‘Pick an identity and stick to it. Because I want to sell you some beer and shampoo and I need you to stick to who you are so I can figure out how to market it to you.’ Drag is the opposite. Drag says, ‘Identity is a joke.’”
Gordon Ramsay – Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen host Gordon Ramsay is known for his intense emotions. He may not be easy to work with, but he knows how to make good TV. The chef has been entertaining viewers since he started his TV career more than two decades ago. Over the past 25 years, he has appeared on a number of TV shows and has always captivated fans with his out-of-this-world personality.
Jeff Probst – Survivor
Jeff Probst is synonymous with Survivor. The 62-year-old has hosted the show since the first season, which premiered 24 years ago. It’s Jeff’s optimism and love for the game that makes Survivor fresh. After 46 seasons, his enthusiasm for his work has not wavered. He remains passionate about improving and evolving the game. Jeff spoke about Survivor’s ability to outshine its competitors in a February 2024 interview with Paramount Newsroom.
“The idea of Survivor is universal. There’s something inside of us that says, ‘Can I do this? Can I make a fire? Can I live in the woods?’” he told the newspaper.
He also spoke about what motivates him to continue the show, telling the newspaper that he is inspired by the younger generation of viewers who are now applying for the show.
“When I meet someone in the cast now and they say, ‘I wasn’t born when the show started, I can’t believe I applied to be on it.’ Of course, I feel old, but I’m used to it,” he said. “Mostly, what I feel is their enthusiasm. There’s this palpable desperation, this need and desire to act, not to get on TV, but to see if they can do it. That’s what inspires me. That’s what inspires our entire cast.”
Alan Cumming – The Traitors
Unlike some of the hosts on this list, The Traitor host Alan Cumming doesn’t have decades of hosting experience, but that hasn’t stopped him from succeeding in the genre. Alan is such a perfect fit for Peacock that we can’t imagine anyone else taking on the role.
Nev Schulman – Catfish
MTV’s Catfish would be nothing without host Nev Schulman. His personal experience with the subject has allowed him to be a compassionate and understanding host. Schulman never insults or ridicules his subjects. Instead, he approaches the subject with understanding and kindness.
Andy Cohen – The Real Housewives
Andy Cohen isn’t a host in the traditional sense. He doesn’t do most of the Real Housewives shows, but his interview work can’t be underestimated. No one knows how to get housewives to cook like Andy.
Tell us – do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite TV presenter of all time?
