Survivor is the reality show Americans most want to compete on, with over 12,000 monthly searches for how to apply.

A new study has identified the reality TV shows Americans are most eager to appear on, with Survivorproving to be the most sought-after casting opportunity in the country. 

The study, conducted by experts at Winna, analyzed 550 application-related search queries such as “how to apply for [show]” and “how to get on [show]” across 50 popular reality series that accept public applications to determine which shows attract the highest volume of aspiring contestants. The top 20 results with the highest search volume were then ranked accordingly.

The most in-demand reality TV show is Survivor, with 12,183 average monthly searches for application-related terms. The show sees contestants compete in a remote location, forming alliances and voting each other out until one “Sole Survivor” claims the cash prize, showing that the thrill of survival and competition drives some Americans seeking reality TV spots.

Family Feud ranks second, with 7,601 average monthly searches for terms like “apply for Family Feud” and “Family Feud application form.” This points to just how deeply embedded this traditional family game show is in American culture. 

The Amazing Raceranks third, with 7,462 average monthly searches, only 139 searches behind Family Feud. The travel competition show, which sends teams racing across continents, has maintained a loyal and dedicated fan base for over two decades. 

Shark Tank comes in fourth place with 3,815 average monthly searches, attracting aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country. That figure is nearly half the volume of The Amazing Race, showing a steep drop-off from the second and third most popular. 

Singing competition The Voice ranks fifth at 3,573 average monthly searches, sitting just ahead of Big Brother in sixth place, which has 3,527 average monthly searches. Although the two shows are separated by fewer than 50 searches per month, they are completely different in format. The Voice attracts aspiring musicians, while Big Brother involves living in a house with strangers for a $750,000 cash prize. 

America’s Got Talentplaces seventh with2,740 average monthly searches, followed by Wipeout in eighth at 1,916 monthly searches. Despite being cancelled in 2025, Wipeout continues to attract Americans hoping for a comeback. 

American Idol ranks ninth with an average of 1,753 monthly searches, which is significantly lower than rival singing competition The Voice, despite being around for almost a decade longer. 

The Bachelor and Love Is Blind occupy 10th and 11th, respectively, with 1,464 and 1,453 average monthly searches, suggesting that Americans are equally drawn to both formats of televised romance. Also on the romance theme, Love Island USA closely follows in 12th with 1,418 monthly searches. 

The remaining top 20 shows draw smaller, but steady, audiences. Alone ranks 13th with1,073 searches monthly, followed closely by Hell’s Kitchen and Press Your Luck, which sit at 14th and 15th with839 and 837average monthly searches, just two searches apart. 90 Day Fiancécomes in 16th with 748 searches, MasterChef 17th at 576, and Married at First Sight18th with 568 monthly searches.  

Rounding out the top 20 are Temptation Island and The Bachelorette, with 398 and 388 monthly searches, respectively. 

The top 20 reality TV shows Americans want to apply for 

Paul Mertens, CEO of Winna, commented on the findings: 

“This data shows that Americans aren’t just watching these shows, they’re imagining themselves on them. The search numbers for series like Survivor are very striking, reflecting not only interest in the challenges on screen but also a real desire to compete in a survival competition in real life.

“Shows with families or team games are popular because they feel easy and fun to join. You’re not performing alone or selling an idea; you’re just playing with people you care about, which makes it less intimidating for most viewers and more appealing to apply for. 

“Dating show interest is spread across a lot of different formats, and appears to have grown, which could be why no single show significantly dominates that particular category. 

“What really stands out is the gap between The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, which suggests the appetite for applying is far stronger on the male-led version.”