13 Shows You Only Watched Because Nothing Else Was On

These 13 shows weren’t your favorites but somehow became your go-to when nothing else was on.

Sophia Zapanta
April 28, 2025
4 min read

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Sometimes, TV doesn’t give you the best options—and you’re left with whatever’s playing. These shows weren’t the ones you set your DVR for, but when everything else failed, they filled the void. In the end, they gave you just enough entertainment to make you forget you were mindlessly scrolling.

1. The Jerry Springer Show

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The Jerry Springer Show was known for its chaotic and often outrageous content. People fought, screamed, and revealed shocking secrets, making it a bizarre form of entertainment. It wasn’t a show you planned to watch, but it became hard to look away when it was on.

2. The Maury Show

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The Maury Show revolved around dramatic paternity tests and explosive family drama. It became famous for its over-the-top confrontations and the constant question of “Who’s the father?” While not highbrow, it kept viewers glued to the screen with its ridiculousness.

3. The Bachelor

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The Bachelor was often criticized for being predictable and overly dramatic. However, when you were out of options, it somehow became a guilty pleasure, drawing you into the love drama of each season. It wasn’t the most intellectually stimulating show, but it had a way of drawing in viewers with its tension and competition.

4. America’s Next Top Model

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America’s Next Top Model followed aspiring models as they competed for a contract with a top agency. The show featured intense photo shoots, challenges, and drama, making it popular during its prime. It wasn’t something you might have planned to watch, but it was always there when nothing else seemed interesting.

5. Deal or No Deal

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Deal or No Deal was a simple game show where contestants chose briefcases, hoping to win big. Hosted by Howie Mandel, it didn’t offer much substance, but the high-stakes atmosphere kept viewers watching. It wasn’t groundbreaking television but filled the time when you needed something easy to watch.

6. The Real World

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The Real World was the first of many reality shows, bringing together a group of strangers to live in a house. It was full of drama, conflicts, and relationships, making it a staple for viewers looking for entertainment. Although it became less groundbreaking over time, it was a go-to show when you had nothing to watch.

7. Hoarding: Buried Alive

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Hoarding: Buried Alive focused on individuals struggling with extreme hoarding. It was uncomfortable and sometimes disturbing, but the bizarre nature of the subject matter made it oddly compelling. It wasn’t a show you’d seek out, but when you found it on, it became hard to turn off.

8. Unsolved Mysteries

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Unsolved Mysteries featured reenactments of real-life mysteries, including disappearances, murders, and strange phenomena. The eerie tone and the unsolved nature of the cases kept viewers intrigued. It wasn’t always easy to watch, but it was often your only option late at night.

9. Dr. Phil

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Dr. Phil became famous for his blunt and sometimes harsh advice to troubled individuals. His catchphrases, like “How’s that working for you?” became iconic. While it wasn’t a show you intentionally sought out, it was always there when you needed something to fill the time.

10. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? was a quiz show in which contestants answered increasingly difficult questions for a chance to win a million dollars. The format was simple, but the tension and drama kept people tuning in. Even if you didn’t care about the questions, the suspense was enough to keep you watching.

11. The Tyra Banks Show

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The Tyra Banks Show featured Tyra Banks offering advice, conducting interviews, and engaging in various celebrity moments. While it didn’t have the same impact as other talk shows, it was a regular option for daytime TV viewers. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it kept you entertained when you had no other options.

12. The Wendy Williams Show

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The Wendy Williams Show was known for its bold, sometimes controversial commentary on pop culture and celebrity gossip. Wendy Williams’ no-filter approach made it a hit for those looking for lighthearted entertainment. While it wasn’t the most refined talk show, it kept viewers engaged with its unpredictable style.

13. The Simple Life

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The Simple Life followed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they navigated life outside their usual pampered lifestyle. The show offered a mix of humor, awkward situations, and over-the-top moments that kept viewers watching. It wasn’t a show you would have eagerly waited for, but when you stumbled upon it, it was hard to resist.