The Best of 2014: Reality Shows

Vanderpump Rules is the reality television show you never knew you needed in your life. Following the lives of the staff at posh Beverly Hills eatery Sur, each week we get to see what shenanigans the crazy staff will get themselves involved in. What lies will Jax tell now? What snarky comment will Stassi throw some poor person's way? And just how will Tom Sandoval do his hair this week? Oh, you'll get all the answers, plus a lovely appearance by Lisa Vanderpump, who's just about the loveliest and most intimidating Bravo housewife around. -- Whitney Evans

Whose Line is it Anyway is the most consistently hilarious show on TV. Performers Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles, and Colin Mochrie are fantastic at coming up with witty songs, creative ways to use props, and a slew of other improvisational games that are thrown at them. The guest stars are a fun addition to the new revival and Aisha Tyler is surprisingly great in Drew Carey's former role as host. No other show makes me laugh out loud as much as this one on a weekly basis. -- Stacy Glanzman

The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 6 Teresa and Joe Giudice must deal with the fallout of their legal difficulties. Dina Manzo returns to the fold, whole Caroline is out, along with Kathy Wakile and Jaqueline Laurita. The cast change ups and Teresa drama made for a great season of this beloved housewives series. -- Amanda Wolf

Dancing with the Stars is one of the few reality competition series that I've remained truly invested in. Whether the competitors are very well-known or barely celebrities, watching them learn to dance so many different styles and strive for their own personal goals makes this a series worth watching. Even a better, it's a show that keeps the drama to a minimum, instead focusing on fun performances and friendly competition. The routines seem to get better a better every year, and this year offered some especially entertaining ones. Julianne Hough also joined as a judge, and though I prefer there only be three judges, I thought she made a great addition. -- Ashley Bissett Sumerel

I love to watch cooking competitions, and The Taste is among my favorites. The concept of focusing only on the taste of the food is genius, but what makes the show special is that it makes me feel as though I could learn to cook the way the competitors do. The show includes both professional chefs and home cooks, and puts them on teams with famous chefs as mentors. Ultimately, it's a learning experience for them, and that's what gets the audience invested. -- Ashley Bissette Sumerel (She couldn't pick just one!)

There's a reason why Gordon Ramsay has been on American television for well over a decade. We all just love to hear him scream and get so invested in cooking. Hell's Kitchen is the reality competition show where hopefuls compete to become Head Chef of a new Ramsay restaurant. The stakes are always high and there's always plenty of drama, in and out of the kitchen. If that weren't enough, there are occasional sighting of some celebrities eating in the dining room. Despite recently finishing it's 13 season, the show is still going strong and is renewed up to a 16th season. Love him or hate him, it looks like Gordon Ramsay and Hell's Kitchen is here to stay. -- Ariana Guzman

Don't judge. Big Brother is a perfect summer TV commitment. Every season the show introduces us to a new bunch of wanabees who aim to win the prize. The best aspect of the show is the game play. I actually curse at the TV when a "floater" is in the house. Who would go into the famous house on TV and not talk game? Julie Chen kills it as the host. The show wouldn't be the same without her. Here's to next season! -- Paul Dailly

I think Watch What Happens Live counts. Andy Cohen had come such a long way with his late night talk show on Bravo. He gets more juice and drama out of the housewives on that talk show than on their actual shows. He's also really upgrading his guests, remember Oprah!?! -- Leigh Raines

Okay, okay, The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Call it a hate-watch, call it the epitome of shallow, vapid insanity being paraded around, and be sure to throw in a few "looking for a fairy tale" for good measure, but I cannot look away from these quests for love. What's better/worse is that I find myself sincerely hoping the seapsn's lead finds it. -- Miranda Wicker

The House Hunters franchise gets me every time. The International version is my favorite, but I found House Hunters Renovation surprisingly entertaining. It's like the best of both worlds. First you get to look at several homes and hope they pick the one you prefer (always knowing what they chose given advertising shots), and then see the issues they face making it a home someone really wants. Some people even come to tears their renovations can be so frustrating. -- Carissa Pavlica

It's reality TV for families. People from all walks of life are able to pitch their business ideas to the panel of self-made mulit-millionaires who can choose to invest their own money, or not. Not only is it entertaining, it teaches about basic business principles such as budgets and marketing. You'll find yourself rooting for some folks to get the money to make their dreams come true while hoping others get kicked out of the tank. Best of all, it's quality entertainment that both adults and kids can watch and discuss. -- Christine Orlando