Best of 2025: New Reality TV Stars

Each year at the end of the year, I sit down and reflect on the year that was. Whether I take a look at my favorite movies, TV shows, reality TV shows, or even interviews. This year we had A LOT of new reality TV shows, and with that means we were introduced to new stars. So today, I share with you my favorite new reality TV stars of 2025. 

We had new shows like Building the Band, Million Dollar Secret, The Snake, Extraction. On the flip side, we had returning shows like The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Married at First Sight, Temptation Island, and Perfect Match. What do all these shows have in common? They all represent the newest stars of reality TV that I loved quite a bit. 

Best of 2025: New Reality TV Stars

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. 

Building The Band

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. 

Kethryn 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, Sydnee Falkner, Chris Allen from 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 – The Perfect Match and Temptation Island

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 Season 2

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, or some form of show, giving the community the correct representation in the world of reality TV.