Over the years, reality TV has become increasingly popular… specifically, reality dating shows. There are dozens of dating shows out there, all unique in their own right. Each may appear  cliche and fake––and yet, America cannot seem to get enough of them. What is it that makes these ridiculous shows stay on air?

ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are probably the most famous reality TV shows. They work like this: The series deems one man or woman as “the Bachelor” or “the Bachelorette.” Then, they choose 25 lucky contestants––females for The Bachelor and males for the Bachelorette––to stay in a beautiful beachside house, drink all the booze they want and compete for true love with the only other person of different gender. Aw, how romantic! I would love if my significant other were dating 24 other people. Definitely creates a strong foundation for a life together.

MTV’s Dating Naked is new to the reality TV show world. Its title pretty much sums it up. The show choses contestants from different parts of the country to participate. Each contestant goes on two dates. The twist? They are not clothed for these dates. Apparently, being naked is supposed to ease up the awkwardness that comes with dating. Right, because we are all much less uncomfortable when we’re wearing nothing in front of complete strangers. At the end of the two dates, each contestant chooses who they would like to continue dating.

Another favored dating show is MTV’s Parental Control. Parental Control is probably more relatable for teens. The show selects a teen whose boyfriend or girlfriend is disliked by his or her parents. Each of the parents chooses a date for their child in hopes that he or she will ditch their current significant other for a person of their parents choice. Because the only thing that really matters about who we chose to spend time with is if our parents like them, right?

FYI’s Married at First Sight is also a new addition to the reality dating craze. The show features four couples, paired up by expert clinical psychologists, who agree to marry upon first meeting. After six months of televised life together, the couple must decide whether to get a divorce or stay married.

These four shows and many more all seem to draw many viewers by their downright absurdness. Something about watching people go to desperate lengths for love or media attention is just fascinating. It is also nice to know that we are not the only people out there that need some assistance in finding a significant other.