Drama, Gossip And Fights Galore Are Why These 8 Reality TV Shows Are So Iconic

absolutely love reality television. I have loved it since I was a kid, actually. It all started when I would wake up, go sit on the couch with my dad and we would watch none other than "Jerry Springer."

You may think it is kind of weird that my dad would let me watch such a thing when I was so young, but it ultimately changed my life for the better. I have loved all television and movies since then, so much that I even decided to become a Media Production major because of it, but nothing beats the anticipation, the drama or the intensity of my beloved reality tv.

You know how it works, shows like "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" all the way to my favorite, "The Real World."

Some people's trash is another's treasure. So, here is my list of reality tv shows that changed the game.

1. "The Real World" (MTV)

"The Real World" is one of my all-time favorites when it comes to reality television. Each season a diverse group of seven to eight people in their late teens to mid-20s live together in a major city. The series presents their interactions with one another and the world around them, focusing on a different group, city and theme every season. A bunch of strangers stuck in a house for weeks at a time with endless booze and partying? Sounds like a blast. With countless fights, love interests and sex galore the 33 seasons of "The Real World" is a reality TV staple.

2. "The Challenge" (MTV)

"The Challenge" I like to think is a spin-off of "The Real World." Contestants once featured on "The Real World" as well as other reality television shows like "Are You The One" and "Road Rules" compete in rigorous mental and physical challenges for a cash prize. Every season comes with a new theme since season 4, such as "The Challenge: Rivals, Exes or Vendettas." If you like drama and adrenaline, this is the show for you.

3. Are You The One? (MTV)

"Are You The One" is a unique twist on the average dating show. It begins with 11 girls and 11 guys who each have predetermined matches within the house. It is up to them to live it up, make connections, and find their "perfect matches" within a 10 week period. If you are a hopeless romantic, terrible at love or are the player of the century this show has got you covered. Making up and breaking up (and don't forget hooking up) in 10 weeks or less!

4. "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" (CBS)

A single bachelor or bachelorette dates multiple women or men over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find their true love. When you think of reality TV, you think The Bachelor franchise. It has the most beautiful people you have ever seen with professions you did not know existed. You want to hate it so much, but there is always the allure that maybe, just maybe, they could find the one on the show.

5. "Vanderpump Rules" (BRAVO)

The best part about "Vanderpump Rules" is that it is supposed to be about the staff working together at The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump's, exclusive restaurant and lounge, SUR. However, it is more than just a couple kids working in a restaurant. No, it is a bunch of 30-somethings working in the sexiest, most dramatic establishment of all time. We have multiple drinks thrown throughout the seasons, countless cheating scandals, and more than enough of Stassi's birthday parties ruined. We have pretty, mean girls and devilish, handsome guys passing out drinks (and on the floor) every episode.

6. "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" (E!)

The women, the myth, the legend — KUWTK. Revolutionary in the world of reality television. A peek inside the exploits, scandals and private lives of the blended Kardashian-Jenner family, including sisters Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie, mothers Kris and Caitlyn. You want to hate them, but they are reigning supreme in more than just the reality tv world to this day.

7. "Americas Next Top Model" (VH1)

Nothing quite like the odd challenges and runway walks on ANTM. ANTM embodies beauty, creativity and fierce competition. You see competitors of all shapes, sizes and genders in the latest seasons and needless to say it's getting hotter and hotter. If you want to see tarantulas crawl on bald heads or bubble

8. "Jersey Shore" (MTV)

Last but not least... the icons themselves. "Jersey Shore." Thanks to "Jersey Shore," you can never look at Italians or New Jersey the same. With hilarious one-liners, fights and romances, "Jersey Shore" changed the reality tv game. You have to think, a life without the "Jersey Shore" cast is a life without The Situation, "Cabs are here," T-shirt time, GTL or meatballs.

Reality television is a guilty pleasure. Treat yo' self, sit back, relax and laugh your ass off with all these absurd characters.