From “Love Island” to “Too Hot to Handle,” reality television shows have gained popularity with new releases on Netflix. On the weekends, freshman Mary Noblitt can be found in her sisters’ room binge-watching dating shows together.

For Noblitt, this isn’t her first year watching reality television shows. Noblitt began watching three years ago for entertainment.

“Reality TV is good to watch when you’re not doing anything or doing some chores and stuff like that,” Noblitt said. 

While Noblitt hasn’t watched many reality television shows, she recommends “Too Hot To Handle” on Netflix as a good first watch.

“Every season is different, so it’s interesting to watch and see what drama goes down,” Noblitt said.

Noblitt isn’t the only one with an interest in reality television. Senior Robert Allmon has an affiliation with “Love Island (UK)” on Netflix. 

“My sister recommended that I start watching it,” Allmon said. “I started watching it with her and it kind of became addictive watching these people get into arguments over nothing.”

In Netflix’s “Love Island (UK),” members of the show get booted off if they do not find a match for that week. Allmon was grateful that his favorite cast member, Amber, lasted the whole show.

“I just supported Amber on the show, but Amber didn’t end up with anyone,” Allmon said. 

However, Allmon did wish for the cast member Coel Jurry to be booted out of the show.

“He had a neck tattoo and he was 5’6″, but he was a real fool of himself,” Allmon said. “He was a DJ, and I wanted him off.” 

Others like Amber Davies are described by Allmon as “funny” and “attractive.”

 “It’s not good television, but it draws you in,” Allmon said. “If I had to rate it, I’d give it a five out of ten. In terms of entertainment value, it’s easily a ten.”

A 2017 study from BBC found that a fifth of all primetime TV programs in the U.S. were reality TV shows – second to drama.

However, students like freshman Mateo Gajewski think that reality television shows are a waste of time. Gajewski said he only watches them with his sister.

“Reality TV isn’t even real; it has to be staged,” Gajewski said. “Everything has to be pre-planned.”

Gajewski said that he does not find reality television to be entertaining but encourages others to watch reality television if they’re interested.

“It’s kind of dumb honestly,” Gajewski said. “I don’t know how people mess up that bad, personally that would not be me.”

According to Allmon, he is captivated by the drama that reality TV provides for its audience.

“It’s like a double-edged sword because everything good about it is everything that’s toxic and bad about it,” Allmon said. “Everything that’s negative about the show is kind of what draws you in.”