1. Candid Camera
Smile, you’re on Candid Camera! Starting in 1948, Candid Camera laid the groundwork for prank shows and hidden-camera formats. Hosted by Allen Funt, it featured unsuspecting people caught in funny, confusing, or downright bizarre situations. It taught audiences that reality could be funny, endearing, and a little silly—all without a script. Today’s prank shows like Punk’d or Impractical Jokers owe a lot to Funt’s classic formula.
2. The American Sportsman
Long before shows like Survivor brought the wilderness to our screens, The American Sportsman on ABC was taking audiences on outdoor adventures. This show, airing from the 1960s into the ‘80s, followed celebrities and famous athletes as they went on hunting, fishing, and wilderness trips. It inspired a generation to appreciate the thrill of nature and paved the way for today’s survival and outdoor shows, like Man vs. Wild and Alone.
3. An American Family
In 1973, PBS aired An American Family, one of the first shows to document real people living their lives. Following the Loud family, this series gave viewers an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, look at family dynamics, divorce, and teenage rebellion. The show was a raw, unfiltered look at life, influencing everything from The Osbournes to Keeping Up with the Kardashians. It was a cultural phenomenon that let audiences peek behind closed doors.
4. That’s Incredible!
For fans of the unusual, That’s Incredible! showcased jaw-dropping stunts, unbelievable talents, and fascinating stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Running from 1980 to 1984, it was like watching a live-action version of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Hosts John Davidson, Cathy Lee Crosby, and Fran Tarkenton brought wild feats into homes across America. You can see That’s Incredible!’s DNA in shows like America’s Got Talent and Jackass.
5. Real People
Another pioneer in celebrating everyday Americans, Real People aired in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. It featured segments on quirky personalities, impressive talents, and unique lifestyles across the U.S. With hosts like Sarah Purcell and Skip Stephenson, it mixed humor with a real celebration of human interest stories. It was an early forerunner of today’s docu-style reality shows, proving that regular folks could be fascinating too.
6. Star Search
Airing from 1983 to 1995, Star Search was the launching pad for future stars like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé. Hosted by Ed McMahon, the talent competition let singers, comedians, dancers, and even spokesmodels compete for fame. It directly influenced American Idol, The Voice, and all the competition-based reality TV we see today. Star Search showed that reality TV could be a gateway to stardom.
7. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Before Instagram gave us peeks into the lives of the wealthy, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous took viewers into the homes, yachts, and private jets of the world’s elite. Robin Leach’s voice (and signature “champagne wishes and caviar dreams”) made it a pop-culture touchstone in the ‘80s. It set the stage for modern luxury reality shows like The Real Housewives and Million Dollar Listing.
8. Unsolved Mysteries
Long before true crime was a streaming phenomenon, Unsolved Mysteries captivated audiences with real stories of disappearances, crimes, and the paranormal. Hosted by the unforgettable Robert Stack, the show mixed drama with real-life investigations. Its eerie atmosphere and unsolved cases paved the way for today’s true-crime obsession, inspiring everything from Forensic Files to Making a Murderer.
9. Rescue 911
Hosted by William Shatner, Rescue 911 (1989-1996) focused on real-life emergencies and the everyday heroes who responded to them. Through dramatic reenactments and actual footage, the show highlighted the courage of first responders. It was an early influence on shows like Cops, Emergency Call, and even medical dramas inspired by true stories. Rescue 911 taught us that real heroics happen every day, close to home.
10. MTV’s The Real World
Though it premiered in 1992, The Real World needs a mention because it was a game-changer. Following seven strangers living together in a New York City loft, this show gave viewers a front-row seat to drama, conflict, and friendship. The Real World popularized the concept of putting strangers in extreme social settings—something that reality giants like Big Brother and Survivor would later perfect.
These pioneering reality shows paved the way for everything from survival competitions to docu-series and talent shows. They entertained, but they also redefined what television could be, showing that real life—whether funny, inspiring, or dramatic—was compelling on its own. It’s amazing how the unscripted, unpredictable side of life became a staple in American entertainment, thanks to these classic trailblazers.
