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 genre would be lost without them. While there are many fantastic hosts in the realm of reality television, a few stand out from the pack.
Here are the Best Reality TV hosts of all time…
RuPaul Charles – RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul Charles has been crowning drag superstars since 2009. Unlike some television hosts who merely read the script, Ru is an integral part of the show. He has his hand in everything, from hosting to producing. His dedication and devotion to the series is what makes it feel authentic. The hard work he’s poured into the series has certainly paid off. Over the last decade, RuPaul’s Drag Race has entered the mainstream. The series celebrated its 16th season this year and has spawned countless spinoffs in the last 15 years. Ru spoke about his legacy and bringing drag into the mainstream in an interview with ABC News in 2016.
“I don’t think the show could ever go mainstream because drag is the antithesis of the matrix. You know, the matrix says, ‘Pick an identity and stick with it. Because I want to sell you some beer and shampoo and I need you to stick with what you are so I’ll know how to market it to you.’ Drag is the opposite. Drag says, ‘Identity is a joke,'” he told the outlet.
Gordon Ramsay – Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen host Gordon Ramsay is known for his short temper. He may not be the easiest person to work for, but he knows how to make good TV. The Chef has been entertaining viewers since his TV career began over two decades ago. In the last 25 years, he has appeared in a number of TV shows and has always kept fans engaged with his larger-than-life personality.
Jeff Probst – Survivor
Jeff Probst is synonymous with Survivor. The 62-year-old has hosted the show since Season 1, which premiered 24 years ago. Jeff’s optimism and love for the game is what keeps Survivor fresh. After 46 seasons, his enthusiasm for his job hasn’t wavered. He remains interested in improving and advancing the game. Jeff spoke about Survivor’s ability to outlast its competitors in a February 2024 interview with the Paramount Newsroom.
“This idea of Survivor is universal. There’s something inside us that asks “Could I do this? Could I build a fire? Could I live in the jungle?” he told the publication.
He also spoke about what motivates him to keep the show going, telling the outlet he is inspired by the younger generation of viewers who are now applying for the show.
“When I meet somebody in casting now who says, “I wasn’t born when the show started, I can’t believe I’m applying to be on it.” Of course, I feel old, but I’m getting used to that,” he said. “Mostly, what I feel is their excitement. There’s this tangible desperation, this need and want to play, not about being on TV, but to see if they can do that. That’s what inspires me. That’s what inspires our whole team.”
Alan Cumming – The Traitors
Unlike some of the hosts on this list, The Traitor’s Alan Cumming doesn’t have decades of hosting experience under his belt but that hasn’t stopped him from succeeding at the art form. Alan is such a perfect fit for the Peacock show that we cannot imagine another person taking on the role.
Nev Schulman – Catfish
MTV’s Catfish would be nothing without host Nev Schulman. His personal experience with the topic allowed him to be a compassionate and understanding host. He didn’t patronize or make fun of the participants on the show. Instead, he approached the topic with understanding and kindness.
Andy Cohen – Real Housewives
Andy Cohen isn’t a host in a traditional sense. He isn’t present for most Real Housewives episodes but his work at the reunions cannot be underestimated. There is no one who knows how to get the housewives to dish like Andy.
TELL US – DO YOU AGREE WITH OUR LIST? WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TV HOST OF ALL TIME?
