‘Love On The Spectrum’ And 4 Wholesome Reality Series To Watch If You're Sick Of Drama

Dating shows usually (and understandably, to a degree) revel in the drama—for better and worse. Sometimes, that cycle can be a bit much, and this is coming from someone who never misses an episode of Love Island (2015) or any of its spinoffs. Love on the Spectrum is unabashedly wholesome and kind to its very core. The series is a United States-based version of Love on the Spectrum: Australia (2019-2021). 

To keep the synopsis simple, Love on the Spectrum follows people on the autism spectrum as they try to find love. It helps fill out the heartwarming reality TV programming on Netflix, alongside shows like Queer Eye (2018-2026). It’s also springboarded its stars to other adventures. Connor Tomlinson, who appeared in the show’s first three seasons, recently guest-starred on NBC’s medical drama, Brilliant Minds (2024).

The Great British Bake Off may be the quintessential wholesome reality TV show. If it is, that’s because it deserves to be. This show has been on for nearly 20 years, and it remains charming and tooth-achingly kind. It’s genuinely thrilling to watch the joy that spreads throughout the Bake Off tent when judge Paul Hollywood gives a baker a handshake. It’s a simple but effective gesture that symbolises the show’s appeal—beautiful bakes and good people.

Though the celebrity hosts have changed over time, the current iteration has reached a sweet spot with Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. Even the judges have changed over that time, with only chef Paul Hollywood being the consistent judge over the last 16 years. Dame Mary Berry left the show in 2016, with Dame Prue Leith joining until her last season in 2025. This year adds cook Nigella Lawson to The Great British Bake Off as its new judge opposite Hollywood. 

After all those years and seasons, it’s still just as exciting to watch bakers create masterful desserts for the non-monetary prize: a bouquet, an engraved cake stand, and the recognition that comes with the beloved series. If you catch up and still want more good times involving cake, Netflix’s Is It Cake? (2022) is a good place to start. 

Football (or soccer) fans may already know about FX’s Welcome to Wrexham, the docuseries that tells the story of the meteoric rise of Wrexham AFC. It’s also a fun watch for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005) and Deadpool (2016) fans because Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds are co-owners of the Welsh football club. Welcome to Wrexham presents the venture as a successful one, regardless of any financial benefits. It goes far beyond that. 

The docuseries takes you behind the scenes at the football club, getting to know the players, coaching staff, and beyond. It explores Wrexham as a city, defining the interconnected relationship between the community and the club. Welcome to Wrexham is inspiring through and through and finds its most comparable football docuseries in Netflix’s Sunderland ‘Til I Die. Both of which make football fans out of its viewers—right before the 2026 World Cup, too.

There’s not much to say about the first season of The Celebrity Traitors without spoiling it. Luckily, the vibes are so immaculate that they can sell you on watching the show. It’s like The Traitors UK (2022), completely delightful and uncynical. Unlike the original series, it features a cast of celebrities, including but not limited to Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Stephen Fry, and Tom Daley. There’s a moment with actress Celia Imrie that is so incredible that it’s gone viral.

But even that doesn’t deserve to be spoiled. This season is wild because it takes the very well-known world of The Traitors and revamps it with celebrities who are also fans of the game. Claudia Winkleman reprises her role as the empathetic and fantastic host. It’s just a blast that will have you laughing until you cry and maybe even crying when you quickly find yourself getting attached to the contestants. Or, maybe that’s just me. Anyway, it’s a relief that this season is available on Peacock because it’s one that I find myself streaming over and over.

Having premiered in 2005, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars is anything but stale. Its most recent season, which saw wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy with his pro partner, Witney Carson, drew record numbers. Whether it was viewership or voting turnout, people are showing up and locking in with Dancing with the Stars in ways that I haven’t seen since those earlier seasons. The show has changed a lot and also not at all.

The roster of pros shifts a bit every year, and the judges' table will always feel different after Len Goodman’s passing. Still, Dancing with the Stars captures audiences' hearts with stories of dedication to the craft and resilience in the contestants’ personal lives. It brings ballroom dancing to the forefront as much as it does the dancers’ vulnerability. Now is the time to catch up on this one, too, because new seasons usually air in the Fall. If you want to see where the show gets its inspiration, you can also check out BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing (2004).