Genre Competition

Competition-based reality television is built around structured contests in which participants compete across a series of challenges, often leading to eliminations and a final winner. These shows typically follow a consistent format, with episodes centered on performance, judging, and progression through successive rounds.

Renewal and cancellation decisions for competition series are often influenced by format scalability, audience consistency, and production efficiency. Because many of these shows follow repeatable structures, successful formats can be renewed across multiple seasons, adapted for different markets, or expanded into spin-offs.

The genre is particularly well-suited to long-term programming, as strong audience engagement and recognizable formats allow shows to maintain viewership over time. At the same time, new competition series must establish a clear identity and audience appeal early on to secure renewal in a crowded market.

Competition programming often overlaps with broader reality television, but remains distinct in its focus on structured gameplay, elimination systems, and outcome-driven storytelling.

This page tracks all competition TV shows, including their current status (renewed or cancelled) and any confirmed or expected release dates for upcoming seasons.

For more updates across all genres and platforms, visit our Cancelled TV Shows and Renewed TV Shows pages.

Years February 2, 2009 -
Network MTV
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years October 22, 2012 -
Network Paramount Plus
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years September 17, 2026 -
Network NBC
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years April 26, 2011 -
Network NBC
Genre: Competition, Reality

An American singing reality competition series

Years June 11, 2002 -
Network ABC
Genre: Competition, Reality

A singing competition where contestants audition for celebrity judges, perform weekly for audience votes, and compete to be crowned American Idol.

Years May 25, 2017 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years November 26, 1989 -
Network ABC
Genre: Competition, Reality

The long-running comedy series showcasing hilarious, user-submitted home videos with cash prizes for the best clips.

Years June 1, 2005 -
Network ABC, Disney+
Genre: Competition, Reality

Celebrities are paired with trained ballroom dancers in a bid to take home to famed Mirrorball

Years September 5, 2001 -
Network CBS
Genre: Competition, Reality

14 teams of two embark on a trek around the world to earn first place at the final destination and win $1 million.

Years May 31, 2000 -
Network CBS
Genre: Competition, Reality

18 castaways battle to outwit, outplay, and outlast for the title of Sole Survivor.

Years September 19, 2007 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years June 1, 1998 -
Network MTV
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years July 15, 2026 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition


Years January 4, 2023 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition, Reality

Celebrities take on demanding training led by an elite team of ex-Special Forces operatives.

Years May 30, 2005 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition, Food, Reality

Contestants compete in the Signature Dish Challenge.

Years January 2, 2024 -
Network FOX
Genre: Competition, Game Show

Contestants must stand their ground in games of trivia

Years July 13, 2026 -
Network ABC
Genre: Competition, Reality


Years July 9, 2025 -
Network Netflix
Genre: Competition, Reality

Singers vie for a chance to form the next great music group sight unseen, leaving looks out of the equation.

Years September 23, 2026 -
Network Netflix
Genre: Competition