I do a lot of things that I shouldn’t: I eat an entire sleeve of Ritz crackers (or two) within an hour, I skip washing my face before bed some nights, I put way too much on my credit cards, and I watch an extremely unhealthy amount of reality television.
My obsession with the much-hated TV genre started back in the sixth grade. I was stuck on my living room couch home sick with a sinus infection, and my mom was stuck home with me. On the third or fourth day of our shut-in, she asked me if I wouldn’t mind watching one of her shows instead of the stuff I had been choosing.
“Sure, why not?” I responded. I was only half awake and using the only energy I did have to move the scroll ball on my dark red BlackBerry Curve, so I didn't really care what was on the TV.
Suddenly, some rather peculiar sounds coming from the speakers urged me to look up, and I saw The Real Housewives of New York City on the screen of our 55 inch television.
Seven hours and six episodes later, I was totally and completely hooked. Bethenny and Ramona mattered more to me than the people in my own life, and all I really cared about was if the ladies would make the trek to Brooklyn for Alex’s housewarming party. Nothing else mattered.
Reality shows supply the ultimate escape; a chance to live the life of someone else for an hour (or six) regardless of how unhealthy it may be.
With all of these wonderful benefits in mind (and shame to hide,) here’s a list of five reality shows that are the ultimate guilty pleasures.
"The Real Housewives"
Just watch "The Real Housewives of," well, anywhere. They’re all life-changing in the best way possible, trust me (OK, that may be a total lie, but still). The ones that have been around the longest are definitely the best and not to be missed. If you’re a Housewives newbie, New Jersey, Beverly Hills and New York are all must-sees (How could one ever forget Teresa's infamous table flip?).
"Total Divas"
One of E!’s less-known but totally noteworthy shows is "Total Divas." The series follows the lives of a group of WWE Divas as they tour the country to perform in televised wrestling events, but obviously chronicles the drama of the ladies lives way more than the wrestling. With a diverse cast of lovable characters, every viewer is bound to find a ‘diva’ that they connect with.
"Vanderpump Rules"
Oh boy, where to start with this one? The cast is, well, super dumb, and the fact that most of them are in their 30’s and pursuing careers in bar tending and waiting tables is purely amusing. The show follows the woes of Lisa Vanderpump’s young and attractive restaurant staff, and how many times they can sleep with one another and proceed to fight about it. "Vanderpump Rules" is totally amazing for so manty reasons, bur the intelligence that all the cast members seem to be lacking is definitely number one.
"Southern Charm"
This gem is probably Bravo’s least popular show, and my god I have no idea why. "Southern Charm" is pure gold in every way, shape and form -- I promise you. The third season just premiered last Monday, so you only have two seasons of amazing, can’t-stop-watching drama to catch up on; and you won’t regret it.
"Keeping Up With The Kardashians"
Of course, you all knew it would be on the list. The family that has seemingly lived in my home with me for over ten years now holds a special place in my heart, mainly because I can hardly remember a time without them (Is that like, really sad?). I feel like I know them all personally, and even more pathetic, I feel like they all know me.
A big glass of wine, your favorite sweatpants and the TV tuned to E! or Bravo is all I need to have a perfect night, and by checking out some of these shows, you could find that the combination works just right for you as well.
