Reality competitions turn regular people into stars and give viewers someone to root for every week. This One Gotta Go card puts four of the biggest together: RuPaul's Drag Race, Top Chef, American Idol and The Amazing Race.
You keep three and cancel one for good. Think about the show you watch live, the one you binge in a weekend and the one you have not checked in on in years. Then cut one and share which contestants made you fall in love with the show in the first place.
RuPaul's Drag Race vs Top Chef vs American Idol vs The Amazing Race
A. RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race combines fashion, comedy and performance, with lip syncs that people talk about for years. It has grown into a global franchise. If you are not a fan of the format or the catchphrases, it is the obvious one for you to cut.
Keep it if: You have a favorite queen, you know the catchphrases, and the runway is the best part of your week.
B. Top Chef
Top Chef puts professional chefs under pressure with timed challenges and tough judges. It is a favorite for food lovers. The case against it is that you cannot taste anything, so some viewers find it harder to get invested in who should win.
Keep it if: You love watching skilled cooks create something from nothing, and you pick up ideas for your own kitchen.
C. American Idol
American Idol launched in 2002 and helped kick off the singing competition era, making stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. It is iconic. It also has many similar shows now, which makes it easier to cut if you already watch another singing competition.
Keep it if: You loved the early seasons, you still remember the big auditions, and you enjoy watching new voices get discovered.
D. The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race sends teams around the world on challenges and races to the next pit stop. It has won many Emmys for reality competition. It is also less flashy than the others, and some viewers think the format has not changed much over the years.
Keep it if: You love travel, teamwork and seeing new places, and you enjoy shouting advice at teams through the screen.
Our take
We would cut American Idol. It changed TV, but it is the format with the most similar shows today, while Drag Race, Top Chef and The Amazing Race each offer something no other show does. The most fun debate usually comes from Drag Race fans and Top Chef fans, since both shows have very loyal followings. Ask everyone which contestant they would cheer for if the show came back with a fan favorites season. Then ask who would actually survive a week on each show.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which reality competition is watched more for the moments than the competition?
- Who is the best reality competition winner of all time?
- Which show would you want to compete on?
- What reality competition would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Reality TV Competition Shows: quick answers
When did American Idol start?
American Idol premiered in 2002 on Fox. Its first winner was Kelly Clarkson, and later seasons launched the careers of stars like Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson. The show later moved to ABC and continues with new seasons.
How many Emmys has The Amazing Race won?
The Amazing Race has won the Emmy for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program many times, more than any other show in the category for years. Its run of wins helped make it one of the most respected reality formats on TV.
