It is that time of the year again where everyone releases their list of the best movies, shows, and performances. This truly is one of my favorite times of the year because you reflect on everything you’ve watched and start to put together these lists. As a critic, narrowing down the list can be hard because you are battling the sheer amount of content that you consumed. That said, after a long battle of tinkering with my lists, today I share with you the best new reality TV stars of 2025. 

Over the past two years, I’ve really wanted to get into the TV game more, which is quite a bit more time-consuming than movies. As a voting member of Critics Choice in both the movie and TV branches, the last two months have been spent honing in on my ballot on both sides of the world. This really allowed me to catch up on much of what I missed, followed by whittling down the best of the best. 

The Best New Reality TV Stars of 2025

Building the Band Cast

Building the Band broke onto the scene in the middle of the summer and was one of my favorite new reality TV shows of 2025. Not only was the concept fantastic, but the cast was great. From 3Quency to SZN4 to Soulidified to Midnight ‘Til Morning to Sweet Seductions, top to bottom I loved this cast. 

Mack Fitzgerald – Destination X

Another brilliant new show released this year was Destination X. A fun, unique competition show that took the challenges on the road. Early on, we saw Mack Fitzgerald shaking things up by helping another competitor win a competition. Although she might not have won (this is a thread in my favorites on shows), she made a lasting impact, and I hope we see her land on another competition show. 

Kethyrn Cavender – The Snake

Speaking of another person I loved that didn’t win, Kethryn. The Snake made for MUST SEE weekly TV because of her. She was playing the game better than anyone with this fun, manipulative strategy that incorporated many years of reality TV wrapped in one plan. If we don’t see her on another reality TV show, I will riot. 

Cara Kies – Million Dollar Secret

The moment Cara lied about having only one sister, she went on to win Million Dollar Secret and my heart. There was no hesitation, no second guessing, nothing, and it was impressive. One of the best plays of anyone in reality TV in 2025. 

Alex Zamora – Temptation Island and Perfect Match

Let’s be real, Alex Zamora was made for TV. Her time on Temptation Island proved that, followed by a fun albeit small run on Perfect Match. Her vibrant personality mixed with her messiness at times is perfect for reality TV. Our interview with her only showed how much we truly missed by not having her on the shows even more. 

Bridget Matloff – The Ultimatum: Queer Love

Another one that we didn’t get a whole lot of on the back half of the season because the relationship in the trial marriage or the flip wasn’t “drama” filled enough for TV. It makes sense, but also, Bridget is damn funny. I hate that they cancelled the show because Bridget would be the perfect host for this show or some form of show giving the correct representation to the community in the world of reality TV.

Dylan Efron – The Traitors and Dancing with the Stars

The brotherhood of Rob and Dylan highlighted a very fun third season of The Traitors. Jumping out of the shadows of his brother, Dylan won everyone’s hearts on the show, followed by knocking it out of the ballpark on Dancing with the Stars.