Cringeworthy Indian reality shows we are addicted to

Nothing toes the line between cringeworthy and classic like Indian reality television. There are numerous homegrown reality TV shows out there that will leave you cringing hard but still hooked enough to keep watching. But since we cannot possibly list them all, here are our five top picks for cringeworthy reality shows to stream online.

MTV Roadies (Voot, Jio Cinema, Vi Movies & TV)

How can a list about cringeworthy reality TV shows not include MTV Roadies? From the brutal auditions to the challenging tasks — and all the mind-boggling drama in between — this Indian reality show will make you smirk, laugh and cringe. A lot. You might also spot some familiar faces like Ayushmann Khurrana, Baani J, and Rannvijay Singha. Truly there's no cringe-inducing show quite like Roadies.

Bigg Boss (Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, Jio Cinema)

Another iconic show we all love to hate and can't stop watching is Bigg Boss. Hosted by Bollywood's big brother, Salman Khan, Bigg Boss' impressive run of 15 seasons comprises a gamut of cringeworthy moments in every episode. Be it the fights between the celebrity contestants, relationship scandals, and even a wedding or two, there is something to entertain the cringe content connoisseur inside all of us.

Indian Matchmaking (Netflix)

If you have strong opinions about arranged marriage, prepare to cringe throughout this entire eight-part docuseries. Matchmaker Sima Taparia meets prospective brides and grooms from all around India and the US, setting up the most uncomfortable dates ever shown on television. This show is a display of everything cringe-worthy about Indian aunties and their rudimentary beliefs, from advising women to “compromise” to blatant colourism and casteism. Watching this will also leave you cringing and rolling your eyes for days on end.

Skulls and Roses (Prime Video)

Hosted by twins Raghu Ram and Rajeev Laxman of MTV Roadies fame, Skulls and Roses is set in two locations – Skull Island and Rose Island. While contestants compete in romantic compatibility challenges on Rose Island, their mental and physical fortitude is tested on Skull Island. The challenges on both islands are extremely cringeworthy, from the overly sexualised games on Love Island to eating gruel from a tub on Skull Island. Despite having just one season, this show is the perfect comfort portion of cringe when you most need it.

Splitsvilla (Voot, Jio Cinema, Vi Movies & TV)

If you like your reality television with the cringe factor dialled all the way up, then MTV Splitsvilla is the perfect choice for you. Men and women are made to live in a house together while trying to couple up. The couples then compete in challenges that are meant to bring them closer to each other but are, in fact, extremely cringeworthy, hilarious, and downright ridiculous. There are 13 seasons worth of cringeworthy moments.

Time to assemble the gang and pop some corn!