Image via Netflix
Between anticipated live events and new, playful concepts of competitions, game shows, and everything in between, here’s a non-exhaustive roundup of everything Netflix has highlighted on the reality TV front for this upcoming year.
Plus, don’t forget that Netflix is fully expanding into video podcasts, which count as unscripted titles, starting in January 2026 in the US, with further rollouts planned throughout the year. You can check out our full recap for Next on Netflix 2026 here.
star search
Let’s start with one of the biggest bets of the year: a reboot of one of American television’s most beloved prime-time shows for the global stage. This week, the judges of star search was revealed to be sarah michelle gellarBreakout Country/Rap Star jelly Roll, And chrissy teigen. Anthony Anderson Was confirmed as the first host; Episodes will air live every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9pm ET/6pm PT. The format, spanning ten episodes and airing over five weeks, will also see weekly evictions, but will this drive enough engagement from the global audience, who will be invited to vote live? And will a family-oriented program attract the majority of Netflix viewers? All questions will be resolved over the next few months, and in the future the platform may help determine the future of global competition betting.
temptation island (season 2)
The tried-and-true dating format, which was relaunched as a Netflix Original in March 2025 after airing five seasons on the USA Network, is set to return this year with a new set of couples as hosts. Mark L. walburg. The show, which filmed once again in Hawaii, may relaunch next spring, though a release window is still unconfirmed.
strange eye (season 10)
The final season of the long-running show is starting 21 January, One last series of makeovers will be seen by the quintet of Antoni Porowski, Jeremiah Brent, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo and Tan France, as well as a reflection on the show’s impact and legacy.
Ultimatum: Get married or move on (season 4)
even though strange love The spin-off has passed, ultimatum Hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey are still planning to return for a fourth season of the spicy dating format. Once expected to take place in late 2025, as Season 3 had already premiered more than a year earlier in December 2024, the release date was expected to be imminent.
Unlocked: A Prison Experiment (season 2)
Unlocked: A Prison Experiment. Prisoner Jai in episode 202 of Unlocked: A Prison Experiment. Credit: Courtesy/Netflix
It’s now streaming globally, and we have a preview of what to expect from the 6-episode series set in a facility in Arizona where inmates will be given unprecedented agency.
Is this cake? valentines
Hosted by comedian mickey dayThis new special edition of the long-running cooking format, which has already celebrated the holidays and Halloween, will see three pairs of master baking artists compete in a brand-new Valentine’s Day themed game. its arrival is certain 4 February.
According to the official description, “For the first time Is this cake? History, games are just for spectators! With hearts racing and money at stake, this couple is ready for the best date night of their lives!” The judges of this edition will be casey wilson And David CaspeTogether ashlee simpson And evan ross.
love is blind (Season 10) and Love Is Blind: UK (Season 3)
Ongoing 11 FebruaryThe format’s 10th season, which will release just 4 months after the previous cycle, will make the show the longest-running unscripted series in Netflix history. Hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey returned. The UK spin-off will also return in August 2026 with hosts Emma and Matt Willis.
million dollar mystery (season 2)
Renewed in May 2025, the show was one of the biggest reality debuts of the year. Peter Serafinowicz returned as host with a brand new group of contestants.
Logline:
It is a game of intelligence, cunning and deception. Twelve strangers enter a luxurious lakeside estate and find in each of their rooms a mysterious welcome gift – a box. Eleven of them are empty and one contains $1,000,000, and it is that guest’s to keep – as long as they keep their identity hidden. The devilish games will reveal clues about the millionaire’s identity, and they will have to do whatever it takes to keep their million dollars a secret.
perfect match (season 4)
Renewed last summer, the brand new season will feature contestants and fan favorites from other Netflix reality shows alongside host Nick Lachey.
age of attraction
A new dating format, billed as a social experiment, will focus on age differences and their impact on dating, with a group of candidates aged 22 to 59. According to the official logline, “Age goes out the window as the singles search for their soulmate, but will the years come between them?” nick viall And Natalie Joy host, with listener Sam Dean (love is blind) At the top.
calabasas confidential
This new format will focus on the frenzy surrounding the famous Californian residential area, focusing on the reunion of a group of college graduates returning to the hills after a four-year hiatus. According to the description, “As old flames rekindle and buried tensions resurface, they are forced to confront unfinished business and uncertain futures in the city that raised them.” Spoke Studios is the production company.
Golden ticket
One of several Roald Dahl projects developed for the platform, which acquired the company acquiring the rights to the renowned author’s works in 2021, the competition will be the first unscripted project inspired by the famous Willy Wonka lore to make its way to customers globally.
Official logline:
Lucky contestants will get a chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch – only players who receive the coveted Golden Ticket will be granted entry into the factory. But the golden ticket doesn’t guarantee a pleasant ride once the gates open; Only those who can adapt, strategize and face the unknown will succeed. Set inside a retro-futuristic dreamscape, this high-stakes social experiment will challenge players not only physically, but mentally as they navigate the game, trials and temptations designed to test their instincts, resilience and ability to thrive in chaos.
let’s marry harry
Coming from Podcaster Alex CooperProduction company Unveil, the project was announced during a summer break event in Los Angeles last summer, and focuses on the former very difficult And perfect match competitor harry jossey one in unmarried-style dating competition. Jowsi currently hosts the podcast boyfriend materialAlso produced by Cooper and Unwell Productions.
Untitled Kevin Hart Contest Series
with upcoming movie 72 hoursKevin Hart is busy and in business with Netflix as the executive producer and proposed host (along with a crew of “comedy titans”) of this competition series to find the next big talent in stand-up comedy. According to the official logline, “This unfiltered, uncensored and unapologetic competition will pull back the curtain on the gritty, hilarious and often unexpected path of a stand-up career.”
win the mall
Announced last November and produced by Fremantle, this 8-episode series will pit ten “expert shoppers” facing off against each other in a classic American shopping mall. Manufactured by leading production company Fremantle (let’s Make a Deal), EP Jimmy Fox summarized the program’s ambition thus: “You go to a mall for two reasons: to shop and to socialize. You have to excel at both. win the mall” Series will be launched this fall.
L’Eren
As well as the upcoming season of Nouvelle EcoleFrench translation of rhythm + flowNetflix France announces upcoming MMA competition format L’Eren (arena). A series of challengers will face mental and physical challenges for the chance to win €100,000 and a place in a professional league. The program will be judged by three leading stars of the field: Cyril Gane (Who presented the Netflix action movie KO in 2025), cedric doumbay And benoit saint denis.
blue therapy
Blue Therapy has been confirmed in the UK on Netflix slated for a March 2026 premiere. Directed by Gary Brooks and produced by Anna Edvinsson, Luti Fagbenle, Andy Amadi and Vanessa Wan Yeboah, the series follows couples who have faced challenges in their relationships who are now attempting to rebuild their lives, guided by experts.
At Home with the Furies (Season 2)
Also on the UK slate this year is the long-awaited return of the sports docu-soap reality series Tyson Fury following his retirement from the ring. The first season premiered in August 2023. According to Netflix, “At Home with the Furies S2 will show how the world’s heavyweight champion is determined to give retirement another try and embrace a future without boxing in Morecambe Bay with his wife Paris, their seven children and father John.” Netflix is also releasing a documentary film on Tyson Fury in 2026.
Elsewhere on Netflix’s reality slate, they’re developing a competition series with YouTuber Mark Roberts as well as bringing Monopoly and Clue to our screens.
Are you excited to see some of these highlights? Let us know in the comments below!