We love reality TV not because it's full of sunshine and rainbows but because it's messy and complete chaos. And if it weren't for the list of 19 reality stars below, we'd have nobody to thank for some of this genre's best moments.
Anyone who has watched this Grammy-nominated singer on The Braxton Family Values or Celebrity Big Brother knows exactly why she's earned a spot on this list. Her humor and ability to give viewers exactly what they want makes her one of a kind.
Dr. Will is one of the only Big Brother players in the show's history who willingly put a target on their back so his fellow housemates wouldn't think to send him home. His philosophy? Always make them think keeping him was best for their game.
If you’ve followed our advice and binged the three full seasons of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, then you’ve already met the most peculiar reality TV star on this list. Mary M. Cosby is unlike anything this genre has ever seen. She’s genuine and unapologetically herself.
Grace Lily is a new reality star with only one season of Bravo’s Southern Hospitality under her belt. Despite that, her storyline was one of the most unique we’ve ever seen. Grace is unique and genuinely her own biggest cheerleader. If you’re looking for a reality star who will have your belly aching from laughter, give her first scene a stream on Peacock.
The Vanderpump Rules cast had no clue what they were getting into when DJ James Kennedy joined the fold. But since his appearance in season 2, he’s become a mainstay on the series and the driving factor behind many of the show’s most dramatic moments. Not only is he absolutely wild and slightly arrogant, but he says exactly what he’s thinking whenever, wherever.
Kathy Hilton, mother to the heiress and pop culture icon Paris Hilton, appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for two seasons before departing. Although her second season on the show was tough (thanks to the villainous Lisa Rinna), her rookie year was full of ridiculously silly moments most fans begged for more of.
Also, from The Real Housewives, Sutton Stracke is one interesting character. She’s a Southern Belle who spends her time strutting down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and slamming her co-stars for their poor (her words) fashion choices and lack of couth. However, she’s been praised by audience members for her honesty and ability to carry some of the season’s biggest storylines.
Before Cardi B started snatching No. 1 spots on the Billboard charts, she was known for her hilarious personality on VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop. But despite her A-list status today, her quirky personality has remained the same.
If you watched Jonny Fairplay on Survivor, his position on this list makes sense. He’s unapologetic and straight-up savage when making power moves on reality TV. If you want to watch more of him, you can catch him on E!’s newest reality show, House of Villains.
Farrah Abraham started on MTV’s 16 & Pregnant before starring in Teen Mom and other shows like Ex on the Beach and Big Brother. She’s always been known (and sometimes praised) for her explosive temperament and say-it-like-it-is demeanor. You never know what she will say or how she’ll react. That alone makes her reality TV gold.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice has her own way of saying and doing things. If you’ve watched her on Bravo, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Her quips, Jersey accent, and Teresa-isms are a few of the many things that make her such an enjoyable watch.
You either love or hate this one. LeeAnne is The Real Housewives of Dallas' most problematic character; however, she definitely understood the assignment. If it weren't for her, this show wouldn't have gotten a second season, and we see why it didn't get a fifth.
Chanel Ayan has only been on The Real Housewives of Dubai for one season. Still, throughout those 14 episodes, she’s become one of the most exciting characters this series has seen. She’s confident, daring, and everything you want in a reality TV star. If you want to watch Ayan and her co-stars share more about their glamorous lives in the City of Gold, you can stream Season 1 on Peacock.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is still relatively new to the reality television landscape, but even then, Lisa Barlow is an undeniable force. Her quotes, storylines, and self-assurance are enough to land her on this list alone.
Like LeeAnne, Brandi is to thank for a lot of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' most iconic moments. She says what everyone else thinks and doesn't think twice about it. It's why some of her co-stars love her, and some loathe her.
Love or hate them, the Kardashians are reality TV royalty and some of today’s biggest icons. There’s a reason they’ve been the face of the genre for more than 20 seasons, and it’s not just their fashions and fancy trips. Each cast member (friends, spouses, and exes included) adds their flare, making the content more amusing.
Basketball Wives' Jackie Christie is who she is, and there’s no apologizing. She’s been the series’ biggest villain and pot-stirrer since its premiere in 2011. Despite the drama she’s caused, she always seems to find her way back into the hearts of her cast mates, likely because to know her is to love her.
Jacquez is a freelance entertainment writer. He is passionate about pop culture, reality tv, and Beyoncé. You can follow him on Twitter @jprintup1.
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