Guilty Pleasures: 10 TV Shows You Love But Would Never Admit

1. Jersey Shore (2009-2012, 2018-present)

Who could forget the gang from the Jersey Shore? Snooki, JWoww, The Situation – they became household names almost overnight when this show aired. For most people, watching Jersey Shore is like watching a car crash in slow motion – it's horrifying, but you just can't look away. The show was notorious for its portrayal of the club-hopping, drama-filled lives of these characters, but despite the negative press, it had an undeniable attraction. The cast's unabashed behavior and unfiltered drama were reality TV gold, and audiences couldn't get enough. It even spawned a revival series, Jersey Shore: Family Vacation in 2018, proving its continued guilty pleasure status. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a modest audience rating of 42%, but that doesn't change the fact that most of us can't resist the reality TV escapism it provides.

2. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

You know you love me, xoxo... Guilty pleasure? Yes. Gossip Girl, the teen drama that defined an era, is our number two pick. It's high school, but with couture gowns and an exclusive Upper East Side backdrop. The plot was a wild rollercoaster, with seemingly everyone dating everyone else at some point. Despite the ludicrously farfetched storylines, the show gained a dedicated fanbase who reveled in its juicy gossip, scandalous romances, and the endless speculation about Gossip Girl's identity. Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Ed Westwick shot to fame thanks to the series, and it still enjoys a respectable 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Let's face it – there's something immensely satisfying about watching rich, beautiful people encounter problem after frivolous problem.

3. The Bachelor (2002-present)

Next on our list is The Bachelor, a show that, season after season, ropes viewers in with its promise of romance, heartbreak, and rose ceremonies. Since 2002, it has unabashedly reveled in the high drama of competitive dating. Despite being labeled as trashy and unrealistic, the show has an uncanny ability to reel viewers in, season after season. Although it rarely results in lasting love (as evident from the numerous post-show breakups), it consistently delivers on the drama, tears, and lavish dates that audiences love. With an audience rating of 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, you won't find many admitting to enjoying this one publicly, but its continued success and spin-offs tell a different story.

4. Dance Moms (2011-2019)

Dance Moms is the reality show that brought us the phenomenon that is JoJo Siwa and introduced the world to the terrifying spectacle of stage moms. Focusing on the demanding dance mistress Abby Lee Miller and her contentious relationships with her students' mothers, Dance Moms was a frenzy of thrown chairs, yelling matches, and high-stakes dance competitions. While the show frequently faced criticism for its portrayal of pressure and harsh teaching methods, it was hard to look away from the drama. Critics were less than impressed, with the series garnering a 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it's become a staple in reality TV guilty pleasure territory.

5. Baywatch (1989-2001)

Lastly, for this message, we're diving into the waves with Baywatch, the epitome of '90s guilty pleasure TV. David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson running in slow motion on the beach became an iconic part of pop culture, despite the cheesy plotlines and questionable acting. The series about lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles County wasn't aiming for critical acclaim – it was pure escapism. The show had a global fanbase, and its popularity ultimately led to a 2017 film adaptation, cementing its status as a guilty pleasure legend.

6. The Real Housewives Franchise (2006-present)

Opulent, drama-infused, and perennially entertaining Real Housewives franchise captures the extravagant lives of wealthy housewives and the high-stakes drama that ensues. Despite accusations of scripted reality and over-the-top theatrics, it's difficult to deny the pure, unadulterated entertainment these shows offer. The screaming matches, luxurious lifestyles, and the ever-changing alliances are enough to keep anyone riveted. The franchise has received mixed audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with some seasons scoring as high as 85%, and others barely scraping 45%. Still, these shows, with their unapologetic love for drama, are a guilty pleasure staple.

7. Teen Mom (2009-present)

Originally a spin-off from MTV's 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom has become a reality TV phenomenon in its own right. It has attracted a steady viewership despite the sometimes harsh criticism of its portrayal of teenage parenthood. From emotional meltdowns to moments of personal triumph, the series offers an often uncomfortable look into the lives of young moms. With an audience rating of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, it might not be critically acclaimed, but the continued interest in the lives of these young women and their growing children keeps viewers coming back for more.

8. Two and a Half Men (2003-2015)

If there ever was a sitcom that defined the term 'guilty pleasure', it would be Two and a Half Men. Despite its misogynistic undertones and often crass humor, the series about a playboy jingle writer, his nerdy brother, and his impressionable nephew was a ratings hit. Charlie Sheen's off-screen antics and his subsequent departure from the show in 2011 became a high-profile Hollywood drama. Despite this, the series enjoyed high ratings and even survived a casting shakeup when Ashton Kutcher stepped in.

9. Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007-2021)

Like it or not, Keeping Up with the Kardashians has become synonymous with reality television. For 14 years, viewers were given an all-access pass into the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, with all their wealth, fame, and interpersonal dramas. Despite criticisms of it being shallow and materialistic, the series was a ratings success for E! and created a cultural phenomenon that transcended the small screen, resulting in a legion of social media followers and successful business ventures. Its audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a lukewarm 30%, but its influence is undeniable.

10. The Jerry Springer Show (1991-2018)

Finally, no guilty pleasure list would be complete without the king of daytime trash TV, The Jerry Springer Show. From its outrageous guests to the infamous 'Jerry! Jerry!' chant, this talk show was a spectacle of the highest order. The show, which often featured shocking confessions, raucous arguments, and even brawls, was a huge hit for nearly three decades. It boasts a 42% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and while many may not admit to watching it, the show's influence and longevity are a testament to its status as a guilty pleasure classic.