10 Best Shows Like Netflix’s Hype House

Upon making its Netflix debut on January 7, 2022, the original reality TV show Hype House instantly shot near the top of the charts. The show follows the titular group of Tik Tok content creators who gather in a single house and pursue their dreams of becoming famous and going viral.

Not quite a dating show, the series falls into the strangers-living-together category of reality television that has become increasingly popular over the past three decades. The role of social media is also beginning to proliferate in such shows, a trend that will certainly continue in 2022 and beyond.

Terrace House (2015-2016)

Stream On Netflix

For a far more grounded, humble, and binge-worthy Netflix reality TV series about youngsters living together and trying to find their way in the world, Terrace House is an absolute joy to behold. The Japanese series isn’t about competition or even forcing people to find love, it’s about building friendships and trustworthy bonds while learning to cohabitate with others.

With a deliberate focus on the honorable nature of Japanese culture, Terrace House is a refreshing take on the reality show format in which catty dustups and petty infighting are not prioritized. It’s a chill, laidback show that feels more genuine and unscripted than most of its ilk.

The Circle (2020-Present)

Stream On Netflix

Whereas Hype House is all about social media hopefuls desperate to go viral, The Circle incorporates social media as part of the competition. In what amounts to a mysterious game of Catfish, players have the option of competing as themself or feigning the identity of another as they live together in the same apartment complex without seeing one another.

The result often leads to chaos and confusion as players form alliances, romances, and trustworthy bonds, only to sometimes learn people are not who they claim to be. It’s an entertaining exercise in fostering a likable persona, however real or fake, in order to become as popular as possible.

Summer House (2017-Present)

Stream On Peacock

If Hype House is for the slightly younger crowd, then Summer House is for the affluent generation ahead. The hit Bravo series follows the lives of several privileged east coasters who gather every summer in an opulent lakeside mansion to catch up, relax, enjoy some downtime, and more.

While the guests are already well acquainted before entering the manse, several new unrelated acquaintances appear, often creating an awkward social dynamic that reality TV depends on to succeed. The raucous party atmosphere and sophomoric vibes are a huge part of the show’s escapist appeal.

Winter House (2021-Present)

Stream On Fubo TV

Once done with Summer House, check into Winter House for a wildly entertaining reality TV mashup. In a beloved Bravo reality show crossover, the cast members of Summer House and Southern Charm join forces for two weeks in a lavish chalet in Stowe, Vermont.

Much like Hype House, the most entertaining things that happen on the show often occur outside the household during work hours, showing the balance between the personal and professional lives of each character. Also, the romances feel far less contrived than most of the blatantly scripted reality shows.

Twentysomethings: Austin (2021-Present)

Stream On Netflix

Twentysomethings: Austin is another brand new Netflix reality show that is sure to appeal to Hype House fans. Eight strangers from various backgrounds unite in a sumptuous abode in Austin, Texas, where they passionately pursue their dream jobs and keep an eye out for true love.

Yet, the difference is that the housemates in Austin appear to be far less self-absorbed and not as hungry for fame. The show is more of a coming-of-age experience for youngsters learning how to navigate a tricky post-pandemic world while making true friendships along the way.

Selling Sunset (2019-Present)

Stream On Netflix

In many ways, the young cast of Hype House aspires to be just like the cast of Netflix’s hit reality series Selling Sunset. That is, Mary, Chrishell, Christine, and the others are rich, famous, and often go viral for all the wrong reasons.

Moreover, social media plays a major role in the series as the glitzy Los Angeles realtors show off their branding skills to increase public awareness, gain an advantage over the competition, and boost themselves up in the eyes of the masses. The drama-filled Netflix reality series’ follow-up, Selling Tampa, also does a good job of using social media as a tool for the reality show to thrive.

Floribama Shore (2017-Present)

Stream On Paramount+

MTV’s spinoff Floribama Shore shares the exact same demographic and format as Hype House and Twentysomethings. Eight young strangers coalesce in a beachside house, where they blow off steam and indulge in one boozy bacchanal after another.

The frat-like party atmosphere leads to a series of wild pranks, hazy hook-ups, strange alliances, and dramatic dustups, all of which lead to reconciliation at the end that doesn’t always work out. MTV deliberately leans into the unabashed sleaze that made Jersey Shore such a hit.

The Real Housewives Of Potomac (2016-Present)

Stream On Hulu & Peacock

It’s hard to discuss the pros of reality television and not evoke the towering Real Housewives series in some capacity. After all, glitz, glamour, fame, fortune, and the power of social influence are the hallmark of the entire series, everything Hype House tries desperately to embody.

While Salt Lake City is the setting of the series’ newest spinoff, Potomac still has the best overall cast of housewives. Gizelle, Robyn, Ashley, Karen, Candiace, and Monique are more virtuous than vapid, and watching them wield their social impact in their community shows that fame isn’t the most important thing.

Big Brother (2000-Present)

Stream On Paramount+

One of the longest-running reality shows in TV history, Big Brother is CBS’ flagship program. Making a competition about being the best housemate, strangers are forced to live together, cooperate, forge alliances, and be the best public version of themself they can be in order to win.

Of course, like all great reality shows about strangers living together, it’s the duplicitous double-crossing, sneaky betrayals, and mendacious manipulation (all part of Hype House, keep in mind) of one another that provides such a juicy form of entertainment.

The Real World (1992-Present)

Stream On Paramount+

Nearly every reality TV show about strangers dwelling together under one roof owes a debt of gratitude to MTV’s The Real World. Turning 30 years old in 2022, The Real World is the definitive template for how to depict the ups and downs of post-adolescent cohabitation.

Whether it’s Pedro’s bout with AIDS in the very first season or Beth relating to her transgender son in the most recent season, The Real World does a much better job at tackling deep issues and meaningful topics than other reality shows simply trafficking in trashy exploitation. There’s a reason why The Real World has persisted for 30 years.