Cringe-Watched Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives? 10 Other Shows To Binge

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Let's be honest, most of us have found ourselves caught up watching trash TV to escape from our own mundane or difficult lives. You don’t need to be ashamed of it because you're not alone. There’s something thrilling about watching other people's lives unfold in front of us, it scratches an itch of sorts which is undeniable. Psychologically, this kind of viewing behaviour can be traced back to our deep-rooted urge to understand social dynamics, power structures, and relationships, but without the risks associated with real-world interaction. Part of it is the voyeuristic pleasure we derive from observing intimate moments from a distance. Watching these hyper-real lives on-screen gives us a sense of connection without the discomfort of emotional investment.

Another reason we’re drawn to such shows is the escapism they offer. The absurdity of it all makes us momentarily forget our own realities and immerse ourselves in a fantasy world where larger-than-life characters engage in dramatic spats over trivial matters, or flaunt their designer outfits. By comparison, our own lives seem far more grounded and manageable. Whether it's lavish lifestyles, petty rivalries, or over-the-top antics, these shows make you roll your eyes while also providing guilty pleasure that's hard to resist.

As a 20-something, shows like these help me break free from the monotony of daily routines. The silly drama and nonsensical plots are so far removed from the mundane that they make you question your own life choices, like “What am I even doing with my life?” or “I need more drama in my own life.” However, not everyone’s life is as flamboyant or exciting, so we rely on these shows to fend off boredom—and naturally so. For me, when life feels repetitive or slightly overwhelming, from the pressures of work to personal struggles, I can switch off for a while, laugh at other people's problems, and feel lighter in the process. After all, misery loves company.

When it comes to ‘top-tier’ trash TV, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives takes the crown. You’ll (hate)-watch episode after episode, finishing the series in one sitting—well, at least I do. Watching privileged women in the upper echelons of Indian society navigate their lives has a certain charm of its own. The clothes are enviable, the confrontations are often staged, and the show might lack substance, but it gives us a glimpse into an otherworldly planet of the rich and famous that we can never truly access, making it all the more alluring.

If you’ve already binged The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and are hungry for more, here are some similar shows that are perfect for your next cringe binge.

The Tribe

The Tribe

Looking for a mindless, fun watch that doesn’t require much brainpower? Then 'The Tribe', a new show on Prime Video, is right up your alley. Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment (Karan Johar's Baby), it follows the lives of five influencers—Alanna Panday, Alfia Jafry, Alaviaa Jaaferi, Srushti Porey, and Aryaana Gandhi—alongside their enthusiastic leader, Hardik Zaveri. Together, they form a collective called CollabTribe, where they jet off to Los Angeles to build huge followings and secure brand endorsements. In each episode, you’ll witness the girls engage in petty arguments over trivial matters, making the show feel quite unrelatable for those of us with bigger problems than a poorly angled photograph. Yet, it’s undeniably a cringe-worthy binge-watch, especially for the South Delhi and SoBo Gen-Z crowd with similar aspirations (not). Ultimately, their glossed-up, entitled world will entertain you, leaving you wanting more of that senseless drama!

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Follow Karlo Yaar

Follow Kar Lo Yaar

If there were ever an Indian version of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', it would be 'Follow Karlo Yaar'. This show follows the life of Uorfi Javed, the social media sensation who gained fame for her bold fashion choices. Taking a voyeuristic approach, it offers an unfiltered glimpse into Uorfi's life, featuring everything from vulnerable conversations with her therapist to her daily struggles. This is as real as reality television gets with cameos from Orry, Sandeep Khosla, and Munawar Faruqui, 'Follow Karlo Yaar' definitely deserves a spot on your list of trash TV,  as it is complete with quirky situations and entertaining conflicts that give a peek into the glittering yet chaotic life of Uorfi!

IMDb rating: 4.4/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Love Is Blind, Habibi

Love Is Blind, Habibi

Netflix's 'Love is Blind, Habibi' is the Arab spinoff of the American franchise 'Love is Blind'. It invites singles to participate in a social experiment where they find true love without the influence of physical appearances. Contestants are placed in pods, where they communicate with each other through walls, with no touch allowed. After going on several dates, they decide whether they are ready to get engaged and finally meet face-to-face. Ironically, most participants have ended their relationships after the show, revealing that it's all fluff and no substance. However, if you have nothing on your watchlist, this brainless show is the perfect way to pass the time!

IMDb rating: 5.1/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Temptation Island India

Temptation Island India

'Temptation Island India: Pyaar Ki Pariksha' is a reality dating show that serves as the Indian version of the foreign franchise 'Temptation Island'. Hosted by Karan Kundrra and Mouni Roy, the show is set in a picturesque tropical paradise and follows couples who put their love to the ultimate test by separating from each other and living among a group of singles. As the couples face temptations around them, viewers are treated to a whirlwind of drama and unexpected twists. If you're intrigued by the dynamics of relationships with a mix of rivalry, then 'Temptation Island India' should definitely be on your watch list. Spoiler alert: many couples split at the end, showing us that the show is as real as reality TV can get!

IMDb rating: 6.4/10

Where to watch: Jio Cinema


Indian Matchmaking

Indian Matchmaking

'Indian Matchmaking' delves into the complex world of arranged marriages as matchmaker Sima Taparia finds the perfect match for a diverse cast of singles. The series not only entertains but also sparks discussions about the cultural nuances of love and marriage, addressing societal expectations and the evolving definition of love in contemporary India. Whether you're intrigued by the matchmaking process or simply enjoy reality TV with a cultural spin, 'Indian Matchmaking' is a must-see for fans of cringe TV!

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Splitsvilla

Splitsvilla

There's no denying the charm of trash TV, especially when it comes to cult classics like ‘Splitsvilla’, which is now in its 15th season. Hosted by Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani, the latest installment is as cringeworthy as it gets. With contestants vying for the attention of potential matches alongside crazy tasks to be won, 'Splitsvilla' is surely a ‘bed rot’ watch. If you're a fan of competitive dating shows filled with drama, politics, and unexpected plot twists, you need to dive into this show right away. The outrageous antics and modern relationship dynamics make it a guilty pleasure you won't want to miss!

IMDb rating: 3.8/10

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

MTV Roadies

Roadies

Originally launched in 2003, ‘Roadies’ is a timeless classic that is back for its 20th season, filled with even more adventure, drama, and conflict. From team politics to catfights and backbiting, this show is a gripping watch. Each season features a new theme and location, pushing participants to their limits—both physically and emotionally. Featuring celebrity mentors like Rhea Chakraborty, Neha Dhupia, Prince Narula, and others, this high-stakes competition will keep you on the edge of your seat!

IMDb rating: 4.4/10

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

Dubai Bling

Dubai Bling

A glitzy reality show that takes a deep dive into the extravagant lifestyles of Dubai's elite, ‘Dubai Bling’ follows a cast of affluent socialites, business barons, and influencers. It showcases their luxurious lives, brimming with glamorous parties, stunning fashion, and never-ending drama. Whether you're drawn in by their opulent wealth or their interpersonal controversies and scandalous conversations, ‘Dubai Bling’ will transport you into a world where the drama is as addictive as it can get.

IMDb rating: 3.9/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Selling Sunset

Selling Sunset

Selling Sunset takes viewers inside the high stakes world of luxury real estate in Los Angeles. It follows the lives of elite agents of the Oppenheim Group, and dazzles the audience with its stunning properties and breathtaking architecture, alongside the intense competition among agents looking to close multimillion-dollar deals. But the show is not just about luxurious properties; it is also packed with interpersonal drama, fierce rivalries, and unexpected twists that keep you addicted to this enjoyable blend of reality TV drama and captivating storytelling.

IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Too Hot To Handle

Too Hot To Handle

'Too Hot to Handle' is the ultimate dating show where ten irresistibly 'hot' singles are flown to a tropical getaway, where they discover that they're not allowed to show physical intimacy towards each other; rather, they face the challenges of forming deeper emotional bonds while strictly adhering to a no-touching rule. If you're looking for a series to watch that offers a fresh take on dating, then this is a must-watch! Mind you, this show might be a no-brainer, but will you keep you hate-watching till the very end. 

IMDb rating: 4.8/10

Where to watch: Netflix

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A journalist and content writer with 4+ years of experience crafting lifestyle stories on everything from fashion, to pop culture, as well as entertainment and art. In my free time, you can find me sipping a cup of coffee while binging a crime thriller.