10 reality TV shows that Nigerians are obsessed with

Reality TV shows are very relatable because they reflect society. We see ourselves in the participants — no wonder we are obsessed with them. The Gulder Ultimate Show exemplified the survival instincts and resilience of Nigerian youth. We loved shows like Project Fame West Africa and Nigeria’s Got Talent because they showcased our country’s many amazing people.

Africa Magic has several reality shows that capture different aspects of Naija culture. But the biggest of them all is the blockbuster Big Brother Naija. While scholars and intellectuals see it as a fascinating experiment examining how young Nigerians behave, the rest of us mortals love it for its non-stop entertainment. This year’s edition, Big Brother Naija Lockdown, has been no different, serving us back-to-back jaw-dropping TV.

Below we bring you the many reality TV shows Nigerians can’t stop watching.

Big Brother Naija

Big Brother Naija has become a programme beloved by everyone, from pensioners to students. It’s not hard to see why: the show is entertaining and hip and it reflects the behaviour of Nigerian youth. In case you’ve missed it, here’s the premise: 12 to 20 contestants stay in an isolated compound, known as the Big Brother House, for 12 weeks, competing for a hefty cash prize. They participate in different tasks and games, and winning them can lengthen their stay in the house.

Showmax makes it possible to watch Big Brother Naija live online or on your phone. Check out the highlights of last year’s BB Naija Lockdown edition, and watch the Lockdown contestants come back together for the Big Brother Naija S5 Reunion.

Nigerian Idols

Nigeria’s most beloved musical reality TV competition sees industry powerhouses Seyi Shay, DJ Sose and Obi Osaka take on the judge’s role for the show. Week after week, Nigeria sits on the edge of its seat to see hungry performers chase and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Stream the main performances live every Sunday evening online right here. Go behind the scenes on the Showmax exclusive Countdown to Showtime, to see the contestants prepare for their Sunday night performances.

I Am LAYCON

Laycon, the BBNaija lockdown winner, led Nigeria into its first-ever Showmax Original with his reality TV Show. In the show, fans of the star watch him balance tricky work/familial relationships while working on a promising music career. Clearly, fans were eager to get a peek into Laycon’s life, with the show breaking viewing records in Nigeria from the first episode.

Mercy & Ike

An exclusive peek into one of the most prominent relationships to come out of Big Brother Naija. Mercy & Ike follows Pepper Dem season couple Mercy and Ike as their relationship blossoms and crumbles and blossoms again in the public eye.

Shoot Your Shot

If one thing’s for sure, Nigeria knows how to pick a star who makes it too hard to say goodbye! Luckily, in Shoot Your Shot, no one has to say goodbye to BB Naija star Bisola Aiyeola as she hosts a new fun Nigerian dating show. It’s never a dull moment making dreams come true!

Love Come Back

A new reality show starring Nollywood actor Ibrahim Sulaimon on a mission to reconcile exes. It’s a spin on dating shows: the participants aren’t trying to meet new people, they want to rekindle old flames. The show details the sweet beginnings of the relationship, the buildup to the breakup and the reasons our participant want their lover back. Our host and his team will then go to overgenerous lengths to help the participant achieve their mission.

Love Island UK and USA

Whether the contestants are from the UK or the US, Nigeria has shown its love for the global dating show franchise. The show features many young people placed in a remote luxurious villa together, ultimately trying to find true love in the span of the season. With games, challenges and many poolside conversations, the show puts out one challenge: may the best couple win.

Catch the love and drama for the UK here and the US here.

The Masked Singer

In what could only be the most exciting reimagination of peek-a-boo, A-list celebrities adorn costumes which they use to conceal their identity. With both mic and costume on, they perform songs and hint and their identity for a panel of celebrities, including Pussy Cats Doll frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger.

Could you guess the voice behind the mask?

Judging Matters

Lagos births wahala every day, but the courts can’t settle all of them. Judging Matters, in partnership with the Lagos state government, help real Lagosians get justice from minor claims. Justice Olusola William, a retired Lagos judge, oversees these cases. She listens and probes while host (and real-life lawyer) Ebuka Obi-Uchendu helps the claimant and defendant air their points.

The show educates viewers about the law in a simple, witty and Naija way. It also helps Lagosians resolve issues without the complications of a court process: lawyers fees, court delays and filing costs.

Date My Family Nigeria

The reality dating show where your family and friends determine if you will get the date or not. The show follows a suitor who visits the home of three potential dates, dines with their family and picks one of them based on the experience with each family. The suitor and the chosen date then go on a dinner date and decide if they are right for each other.

You can catch all episodes of Date My Family Nigeria on Showmax.