What Reality Show You Should Watch, Based on Your Enneagram Type

Fiction is fun, but sometimes reality is just as entertaining. If you’re hunting for your next reality show marathon or want to dip your toes into the genre, don’t just try the of-the-moment variety. Your Enneagram type can tell you a lot about what show you’ll enjoy, including whether you like to indulge in high-stakes challenges, jaw-dropping drama, or cheesy matchmaking.

Everyone has at least one show they can’t help but watch regularly. Here’s how to find your personal,  juicy, not-so-guilty pleasure.

Enneagram Type 1: MasterChef

Watching home cooks duke it out for the ultimate cooking title?  How could a perfectionist Type One resist? MasterChef tests its contestants on creativity, time management and the ultimate need for precision in order to present impeccable dishes. Sound like anyone you know? You’ll also love watching expert chefs (like Gordon Ramsay) get all judg-y  as they narrow down contestants. You know that feeling of wanting to do and be the best, so you’ll be on the edge of your seat. And yeah, you’ll get much satisfaction from imagining yourself winning the $250,000 prize, title and trophy.

Bonus show: The Home Edit, because if there’s one thing Type Ones love more than perfection, it’s organization.

Enneagram Type 2: Queer Eye

Helping people? Creating a better life (or at least look) for people in need? Feeling appreciated by those you’re helping? All of that sounds like heaven to a Type Two.  Queer Eye makes you feel all the feels as each “hero” gets a confidence boost with  food, grooming and home makeovers. The Fab Five's genuine care and support for the participants speaks to your empathetic soul. And as a bonus, the show may also serve as a little reminder that those who give a lot, as you do, could sometimes use a little TLC from others.

Bonus show: Kindness Diaries because the host travels around the world doing good deeds for others, showing that kindness and generosity can change lives.

Enneagram Type 3: Naked and Afraid

There’s almost nothing more competitive than trying to survive when you’re stranded somewhere with no clothes or shelter. And Naked and Afraid is oh-so-gloriously competitive, featuring the most amateur of survivalists literally thrown into an unknown environment to strategize their way through jungles, mountains and deserts. For Type Threes who love success, competition and adventure, this show will provide all of that and more. You’ll cringe when people tap out due to lack of food or too many bug bites because you’re pretty sure you would’ve sailed through without any problems.

Bonus show: Shark Tank, because seeing people pitch their business ideas and negotiate deals is your dream come true.

Enneagram Type 4: The Great British Bake Off

Although it’s a reality competition show, The Great British Bake Off  hits different from the other cut-throat franchises. As bakers strive to win the title, the contestants grow into a large, supportive family, which will appeal to your emotional side, Type Four.  You’ll enjoy seeing the participants' passion for baking, their unique stories, their creative flavor combinations and the fun cake, bread and pastry designs. It’s like an oven-warmed, creatively-charged hug.

Bonus show: America’s Got Talent because you can't get enough of the raw, emotional performances and inspiring stories behind each contestant.

Enneagram Type 5: Hack My Home

Although there’s only one season of the Netflix show Hack My Home, it will keep you occupied for a while,  Type Five. You love to learn and gather information, so the show's DIY projects and easy hacks will keep your mind stimulated and your creative-problem-solving juices flowing. As each episode focuses on one room of a house, you’ll love seeing all the ways things can be designed (and re-designed) as well as the detailed explanations and behind-the-scenes looks at the thought processes used in the show. The engineering skills of Jessica Banks are something to aspire to, whether you actually want to try engineering or not.

Bonus show: Blown Away because you’ll love seeing artists compete in a high-stakes glass-blowing competition, and maybe even give it a try yourself.

Enneagram Type 6: Love is Blind

A dating show recommendation for a cynical Type Six, surely not? But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill dating show. Love is Blind revolves around singles forming emotional connections without seeing each other (or even seeing photos!), which taps into your curiosity about trust and relationships. Watching contestants navigate the  complexities of dating in a restrictive environment will keep you on your toes and make for great conversation starters with friends. And let’s be real, you need some intrigue to fill the drama-shaped hole in your life. Meanwhile, your skepticism will help you sniff out insincere contestants, which can be very entertaining as you guess how things will play out. 

Bonus show: The Circle, because  the psychological games and strategic gameplay involved in contestants trying to win each other over online will be endlessly fascinating for you.

Enneagram Type 7: Below Deck

The Below Deck franchise has a few different shows you can tune into. The original titular show features yachties as they wait on the whims of wealthy passengers, and it will appeal to you for several reasons, Type Seven. It mixes travel, drama, glamor and humor as you follow the lives of these fun-loving crew members during work and off-the-ship partying. From boat-mances and love triangles to exciting destination ports and over-the-top guests, this show has Type Seven written all over it - it's escapism at its best.

Bonus show: Love Island because the drama, romance and tropical setting will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Enneagram Type 8: Selling Sunset

Because Selling Sunset offers a mix of high-stakes real estate deals, competitive interactions and strong personalities, you’ll get hooked on this show, Type Eight. You'll find kindred spirits in these assertive personalities who strive to make money in L.A., and you’ll love watching the power dynamics unfold between the real estate agents.  With stunning properties and luxurious lifestyles, not to mention the power dressing and sharp business skills, the show serves as a form of indulgence - something Eights can't resist.

Bonus show: Physical: 100 because the intense physical challenges will satisfy your competitive spirit and love for pushing boundaries.

Enneagram Type 9: The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

Yes, there's drama. Yes, there's competition. But at its core, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are all about true love and relationships, making it the perfect show for a Type Nine. You'll find yourself rooting for your favorite contestants as they seek their soulmate, cringing at the awkward dates, and getting invested in the emotional journeys of the lead. It’s a feel-good show that will leave you feeling hopeful and warm inside.

Bonus show:  Fixer Upper because watching Chip and Joanna Gaines transform homes with their love and teamwork will speak to your nurturing side.

Cianna Garrison
Cianna Garrison holds a B.A. in English from Arizona State University and works as a freelance writer. She fell in love with psychology and personality type theory back in 2011. Since then, she has enjoyed continually learning about the 16 personality types. As an INFJ, she lives for the creative arts, and even when she isn’t working, she’s probably still writing.