Survivor
Top of the list: one of the most iconic challenge shows out there, Survivor. Survivor consists of “castaways” battling it out in challenges that test their physical and mental skills, all while isolated on an island tasked with making fire, finding food, and building shelter. After around 40 days, the last person standing is crowned “Sole Survivor” and awarded a million dollars.
The show’s format consists of camp life, reward and immunity challenges, and finally tribal council in which contestants are voted out. If you’re casually watching, then tune out the camplife and take a break from work when you hear “Come on in, guys.” Serious fans will say that the true game takes place during camp life, which is true, but in this case we’re just going for entertaining side-noise. With 48 seasons, each with 13-16 episodes, (just the U.S. version) this show provides endless content for those long study sessions.
Next in Fashion
Next in Fashion is a great option for anyone looking for an updated version of Project Runway. This show has several fashion designers create looks following the episode’s challenge prompt. At the end of the episode, a runaway occurs where all designers' looks are showcased and the judges choose a winner and someone to go home.
The final winner is awarded $250k and the opportunity to debut their work on a luxury clothing website. There are three main moments to watch: the challenge announcement, the runway, and the results. You could include the progress reports and the critiques in that list, but if you need to lock in with work, they don’t make the cut.
Is It Cake?
If you’re on any social media platform, I bet you have seen a post asking this title’s age-old question. Hyperrealistic cakes have become so popular online that bakers are now competing to make cakes that will confuse guest celebrity judges over whether items are cake or not.
The episode's winner secures $5k (possibly more if they win ‘Cake or Cash’), and at least $50k in the final challenge. While watching the baking process is fun, you can get away with only watching the challenge announcement, guest guessing, and ‘Cake or Cash.’ If I’m being honest, I mainly want to know if I can guess correctly so if I don’t watch the bakers construct their cakes, then it’s a more realistic challenge for myself.