Shuvrajit Das Biswas
Netflix’s ‘Too Hot to Handle’ adds to the platform’s growing list of reality shows. The latest inclusion lives up to its name by introducing us to a bunch of attractive participants on an exotic island. With almost all men and women in their swimwear, things are bound to get heated up soon. The free-flowing alcohol serves to turn it into a hedonistic getaway. However, Lana, the digital host, has other plans. The participants are instructed that they cannot have sex, share kisses, or masturbate. If they do so, they can lose out on the cash prize of $100,000. Drama ensues as things indeed become too hot to handle. If you’re looking for similar tv shows, you have come to the right place. Check out the shows below. Many of them are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
7. Love Island (2019-)
Based on the British show of the same name, the American version of ‘Love Island‘ is most akin to ‘Too Hot to Handle.’ A group of participants, called the Islanders have to pair up. These pairs can be based on love, friendship, or even money. The winning couple gets $100,000. While initial pairings are based on first impressions, participants often switch pairs to be with someone more compatible. Over time, the pairs have to face various challenges and tasks. ‘Love Island’ does not hold back on the drama, and plenty of participants form relationships while interacting only with each other. It is a cesspool of emotions, making it a thrilling watch.
6. Big Brother (2000-)
If you love any of the current reality shows, you should try watching the one that set off the entire trend. ‘Big Brother‘ belongs to the franchise that first came up with the idea of locking people up in one place, and observing what they’d do, through cameras. Moreover, the concept of having a taskmaster is also akin to what we see in ‘Too Hot to Handle.’ While taskmasters in ‘Big Brother’ are usually people, the Netflix series mixes it up by having a digital host. On ‘Big Brother,’ the participants face weekly eliminations and have to overcome challenges for a cash prize of $500,000.
5. Survivor (2000-)
The concept of participants on an island facing difficult challenges is best exemplified in ‘Survivor.’ However, the series does away with the frills of romances and the accompanying drama. It is much more serious and deals with group politics, which can ascertain or harm the chances of victory in a particular season. ‘Survivor’ combines the competitive spirit with the thrill of dramatic politics to make for a compelling reality show.
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4. Floribama Shore (2017-)
‘Floribama Shore‘ is yet another example where people will put up with almost any amount of drama, as long as the participants are lovely. The successor to ‘Jersey Shore’ follows eight adults who spend the summer on the Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach. Frequently, the housemates have season-long feuds, which keep everybody on edge. However, with the alcohol flowing, it is always fun to see the antics of the participants.
3. Jersey Shore (2009-2012)
One simply cannot get away without mentioning ‘Jersey Shore.’ The reality series also takes place next to the sea, and the participants have to live in a house. They go about their daily routines. While it might sound simple, there is plenty of drama and iconic moments in ‘Jersey Shore.’ It has now become a pop culture sensation that is studied even academically. Naturally, it is not a show you want to miss.
2. Love Is Blind (2020-)
‘Love is Blind‘ turns the concept of ‘Too Hot to Handle’ on its head. The latter is about being attracted to each other by sight, but being unable to do anything about it. The former is about not seeing the potential partner at all. In ‘Love is Blind,’ participants are in a pod, talking to their partners, but never seeing them. After the speed dating process, there are proposals. The couples spend time together, with each other, their families, and explore living conditions. Then they decide whether to go through with the marriage.
1. The Circle (2020-)
‘The Circle‘ is based on the British show of the same name. Much like in ‘Love is Blind,’ the communication in ‘The Circle’ is also virtual. What viewers will love about the show is the fact that the Circle app is bound to remind them of Lana, in ‘Too Hot to Handle.’ The fact that ‘The Circle’ serves generous dollops of drama is bound to help as well.
Read More: Shows Like Love is Blind
