5 Reality Shows That Shouldn't Be Popular

Sure, some reality shows are undeniably awful (Keeping Up With the Kardashians, anyone?) yet ridiculously popular. But there are other, less trainwrecky shows that manage to succeed—in spite of the fact that they really sound like they shouldn’t. James Hibberd offers up the top five in the Hollywood Reporter, courtesy of Reuters:

• Undercover Boss: “This show has been like some kind of media relations magic trick—corporate PR porn during a recession.” Well, everyone loves a “cathartic feel-good resolution.”

• Dancing With the Stars: “The first time you heard ‘Dancing With the Stars’ you figured it had to be a cheese fest. It sounds so silly and retro, like some 1970s show with Bob Hope and Deney Terrio.” But, “people love to judge celebrities.”
• Deadliest Catch: “Can you imagine executive producer Thom Beers pitching this? ‘Crab fishing!’ (Beat). Network executive: ‘Annnnd...?’ Beers: ‘That's it. They catch fish!’” It ultimately works because the danger is real.

For the complete list, click here.