Best Reality TV Shows in Nigeria (2025 Latest Update)

The best reality TV shows in Nigeria are those that promote true Nigerian values while giving contestants a comfortable ride to fame and wealth. In preceding years, some reality TV shows in Nigeria have laid claim to being the best reality TV shows in Nigeria. Several reality TV shows have emerged in recent times in Nigeria, and they have thrilled and captivated us while providing entertainment and gossip.

In this article, we will be ranking the best reality TV shows in Nigeria below.

Best Reality TV Shows in Nigeria—2025

Reality TV has become one of Nigeria’s most consumed forms of entertainment, with millions of viewers glued to their screens daily to watch drama, talent, lifestyle, and competition unfold in real time. From social experiments to talent hunts and relationship matchmaking, reality shows have carved a special place in Nigerian pop culture, influencing music, fashion, language, and even politics.

In 2025, the Nigerian reality TV scene continues to thrive, with some long-standing favourites returning and new contenders shaking things up. This updated guide highlights the best reality TV shows in Nigeria right now, featuring viewer ratings, unique formats, prize packages, and why Nigerians love them.

1. Big Brother Naija

Big Brother Naija is the most popular and most controversial reality TV show in Nigeria. It has by far the most mouth-watering cash prize of over ₦150 million naira (excluding allowances and other add-ons). It is considered the best platform for gaining fame in the entertainment industry. It revolves around the themes of betrayal, love, intrigue, drama, and fun. In the Big Brother House, housemates are expected to live together for a total of 3 months while undergoing tasks that showcase their mental and physical acumen, together with their talents.

Read: How to Apply for Big Brother Naija 2025

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija)—All Stars Edition

Genre: Social Experiment/Competition
Network: DStv/GOtv (Africa Magic, Showmax)
Host: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

BBNaija remains Nigeria’s most-watched and talked-about reality show. The 2025 edition features a second All Stars season, bringing back some of the most iconic and controversial housemates from previous years. Housemates compete for a ₦150 million grand prize and endorsement deals.

Why It’s Still Popular:

• High drama, romance, and twists

• Multi-platform interaction with fans via Twitter/X and Showmax

• Powerful influence on pop culture, fashion, and slang

2. Nigerian Idol (Season 10)

Genre: Music/Talent Hunt
Network: Africa Magic/DStv
Judges: Simi, D’banj, Obi Asika

Celebrating a decade of discovering Nigeria’s best musical talents, Nigerian Idol Season 10 has raised the bar. The show continues to spotlight aspiring musicians from all over the country, offering them a platform for stardom and a recording contract.

Prize: ₦30 million cash + recording deal + music video production

Why Viewers Love It:

• High production value and vocal talent

• Emotional backstories and inspiring journeys

• Real career launches (e.g., Kingdom, Progress, Victory)

3. The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos)

Genre: Lifestyle/Drama
Network: Showmax

This Nigerian adaptation of the international Real Housewives franchise showcases the luxury, drama, and ambitions of elite Lagos women. Season 3 in 2025 dives deeper into the personal and professional lives of new and returning cast members, including business moguls, influencers, and celebrities.

What’s New in 2025:

• New cast members from Abuja and Port Harcourt

• International trips and glam events

• Personal rivalries and power moves

Why It Works:

• Bold personalities and fashion

• Insight into elite Nigerian society

• Real-life feuds and social commentary

4. Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS): The Resurrection

Genre: Adventure/Survival
Network: Africa Magic/YouTube

Once considered Nigeria’s most thrilling outdoor reality show, GUS made a full comeback in 2024 and continues with its “Resurrection” theme in 2025. This season is set in the Mambilla Plateau, where contestants face mental and physical challenges in a quest to find a hidden treasure.

Prize: ₦50 million + SUV + endorsement deals

Highlights:

• Indigenous storytelling and cultural themes

• Nature-based challenges

• Less scripted, raw, and adventurous

5. Love and Hustle Nigeria

Genre: Romance/Entrepreneurship
Network: Netflix Nigeria

A Netflix original and one of the newest breakout shows, Love and Hustle Nigeria combines business pitching and romantic pairing. Singles pitch business ideas while simultaneously looking for a romantic partner. Viewers vote on both the best couple and the best idea.

Prize: ₦20 million business funding + couple getaway trip

What Sets It Apart:

• Hybrid format

• Appeals to youth and Gen Z

• Diverse contestants from tech, fashion, and agriculture

6. Date My Family Nigeria

Genre: Dating/Family
Network: Africa Magic/Showmax

This popular dating show flips the script by having suitors meet the families of potential love interests before even seeing them. In 2025, the show features a mix of celebrities and everyday Nigerians looking for genuine love.

Why It’s Entertaining:

• Cultural diversity in family dynamics

• Unexpected humor and drama

• Realistic and unscripted interactions

7. Naija’s Next CEO

Genre: Business/Entrepreneurship
Network: Channels TV/YouTube

Now in its second season, this show aims to produce the next generation of Nigerian business leaders. Contestants go through branding, financial, and leadership challenges while being mentored by business icons like Ibukun Awosika and Tony Elumelu.

Grand Prize: ₦25 million business grant + mentorship

Why Nigerians Watch:

• Practical business insights

• Educational and empowering

• Relatable contestant journeys

8. MTV Shuga Naija—Reality Diaries

Genre: Youth/Social Issues
Network: MTV Base/YouTube

Unlike traditional reality formats, Shuga Diaries follows real young Nigerians as they navigate sexuality, peer pressure, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. The show is backed by public health campaigns and real-life workshops.

Target Audience: Teens and young adults (15–30)

Strengths:

• Real-world relevance

• Diverse stories and representation

• Government and NGO collaboration for impact

9. Street Foodz Naija

Genre: Culinary Competition
Network: Pop Central TV/YouTube

This exciting show gives street food vendors a platform to showcase creativity and scale their businesses. In 2025, Street Foodz Naija expands to cover regional cuisines across Nigeria and introduces food truck battles.

Winner’s Package: ₦10 million support + brand endorsement

Why It’s Hot:

• Nigeria’s culinary diversity on full display

• Inspiring stories of hustle

• Food + competition = unbeatable combo

10. The Brotherhood: Manhood Nigeria

Genre: Masculinity/Social Reality
Network: YouTube/Facebook Watch

This thought-provoking new series challenges Nigerian men to explore mental health, fatherhood, emotional intelligence, and societal expectations. It is part reality show, part documentary.

Why It Matters:

• Timely conversations on masculinity

• Brotherhood and bonding moments

• Real talk and therapy sessions

Honourable Mentions

• Drag Naija (Showmax)—Nigeria’s first drag performance reality show

• Ultimate Love (Africa Magic)—Still gaining traction after hiatus

• Next Naija Comedy Star—Returns for 2025 with a ₦5 million prize

• Made in Naija: Craft & Hustle—Spotlighting artisans and local creatives

Other Top Reality TV Shows in Nigeria

Project Fame West Africa

MTN Communications sponsors the project Fame West Africa, and it is widely known across Nigeria as a great reality TV show in Nigeria that showcases the musical talents of contestants in a bid to propel them to fame and fortune. Established in 2008, it has successfully run many editions, and it has launched the careers of successful musicians like Inyanya, Chidinma, and others. The show features coaching by music and dance instructors, performing in front of live audiences, and voting by viewers.

 Maltina Dance Hall

Created by Nigerian Breweries, the Maltina Dance All was created as a means of promoting family bonds, sharing unity and happiness, while allowing talented individuals to showcase their dancing steps.  It has emerged as the most family-friendly among the reality TV shows in Nigeria, as it keeps families glued to their TV sets.

Nigerian Idol

Nigerian Idol is a franchise of the Idol global talent show brand. The show thrives on musical artistry and stage performance. With a brilliant array of successful pop stars as judges and over 7 million naira as a cash prize and a recording deal with an influential record label like Sony, the show has its place among the best reality TV shows in Nigeria.

X-Factor Nigeria

Sponsored by telecoms giant Globacom, X-Factor is a battle of musical talents, and in a bid to impress the judges and win the grand prize of 54 million Naira. It ranks among the highest-paid musical talent shows in the country. X factor means an exceptional quality in a person, and it is what is needed to win the show.

Nigeria’s Got Talent

Produced for the first time in 2012, the show has become a platform for everyone to showcase whatever talents they have to the country. Airtel sponsored the show, and the celebrity judges, which included Dan Foster and Kate Henshaw, had a charismatic impact on the contestants and the viewers alike. Contestants are screened from across the geopolitical zones in the country, including singing, rapping, dancing, and the like. The show is one of the best reality TV shows in Nigeria.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ is a household name. It has been trendy since it debuted in 2004, and since then, it has been the darling of Nigerians. The show is modeled after the original British format, and it features 15 questions, with the intention of winning 10 million naira. The show thrives on intellectual prowess, grit, and sheer luck.

Knorr Taste Quest

Knorr Taste Quest is one of Nigeria’s most popular reality shows. Unilever Nigeria sponsors it, and it made its debut in 2013. The show aimed at highlighting Knorr’s culinary experience as well as the brand’s passion for taste. The show is intended for Nigerians to display their cooking skills while also bringing an entertaining and informative cooking show to Nigerians. The show revolves around tasks given to contestants by judges to test their cooking skills and creativity. 

The Voice Nigeria