Television has given us countless memorable moments, but some shows have transcended the screen to become cultural phenomena. Here, we explore the top 10 most-selling non-fiction TV programs of all time, delving into their extended plots, budgets, earnings, and more.
Best Non-Fiction TV Programs
1. Survivor: Outwit, Outplay, Outlast – The Ultimate Test of Human Endurance
- Plot: Contestants are stranded in remote locations and must outwit, outplay, and outlast each other to win a million-dollar prize. The show is known for its strategic gameplay, alliances, and dramatic tribal councils where contestants are voted off the island.
- Ranking: 1
- Budget: $2 million per season
- Selling Amount: $100 million per season
- Director: Charlie Parsons
- Publisher: CBS
- Releasing Year: 2000
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 44
- Total Episodes: 640
2. American Idol: The Show That Revolutionized Talent Hunts
- Plot: Aspiring singers compete for a recording contract, judged by a panel of music industry experts. The show has launched the careers of many successful artists and is known for its emotional auditions and dramatic eliminations.
- Ranking: 3
- Budget: $3 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $10 billion in total
- Director: Simon Fuller
- Publisher: Fox
- Releasing Year: 2002
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 21
- Total Episodes: 660
3. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?: The Quiz Show That Made Millionaires
- Plot: Contestants answer multiple-choice questions to win up to one million dollars. The show is famous for its lifelines, such as “Phone a Friend” and “Ask the Audience,” and its tense, dramatic atmosphere.
- Ranking: 4
- Budget: $1 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $5 billion in total
- Director: David Briggs
- Publisher: ABC
- Releasing Year: 1998
- Country: UK/USA
- Number of Seasons: 38
- Total Episodes: 600
4. Top Gear: The High-Octane Show That Drives Car Enthusiasts Wild
- Plot: A motoring show featuring car reviews, challenges, and celebrity guests. Known for its humor, spectacular stunts, and breathtaking cinematography, it has a massive global following.
- Ranking: 5
- Budget: $1.5 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $4 billion in total
- Director: Andy Wilman
- Publisher: BBC
- Releasing Year: 2002
- Country: UK
- Number of Seasons: 31
- Total Episodes: 230
5. The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Talk Show That Inspired Millions
- Plot: Oprah Winfrey interviews celebrities, discusses social issues, and shares personal stories. The show is renowned for its impactful interviews and Oprah’s “Favorite Things” episodes, which became a cultural phenomenon.
- Ranking: 6
- Budget: $2 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $3 billion in total
- Director: Oprah Winfrey
- Publisher: Harpo Productions
- Releasing Year: 1986
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 25
- Total Episodes: 4,561
6. Jeopardy!: The Quiz Show That Made Learning Fun
- Plot: Contestants answer questions in the form of a question to win cash prizes. The show is known for its unique format, intellectual challenge, and iconic host, Alex Trebek.
- Ranking: 7
- Budget: $1 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $2.5 billion in total
- Director: Merv Griffin
- Publisher: Sony Pictures Television
- Releasing Year: 1964
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 39
- Total Episodes: 8,000
7. The Price Is Right: The Game Show That Made Everyone a Winner
- Plot: Contestants guess the prices of merchandise to win cash and prizes. The show is famous for its enthusiastic audience, exciting games, and the iconic phrase, “Come on down!”
- Ranking: 8
- Budget: $1 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $2 billion in total
- Director: Bob Stewart
- Publisher: CBS
- Releasing Year: 1956
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 50
- Total Episodes: 9,000
8. Wheel of Fortune: The Spin That Changed Game Shows
- Plot: Contestants solve word puzzles to win cash and prizes. The show is known for its large spinning wheel, catchy theme music, and charismatic host, Pat Sajak.
- Ranking: 9
- Budget: $1 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $1.8 billion in total
- Director: Merv Griffin
- Publisher: Sony Pictures Television
- Releasing Year: 1975
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 41
- Total Episodes: 7,000
9. 60 Minutes: The Investigative News Show That Set the Gold Standard
Plot: Investigative journalism and in-depth reports on various topics. The show is known for its hard-hitting stories, thorough research, and influential interviews.
- Ranking: 10
- Budget: $1.5 million per episode
- Selling Amount: $1.5 billion in total
- Director: Don Hewitt
- Publisher: CBS
- Releasing Year: 1968
- Country: USA
- Number of Seasons: 56
- Total Episodes: 2,500
10. Planet Earth: The Documentary Series That Showed the Beauty of Our World
- Plot: A groundbreaking nature documentary series that explores the natural wonders of our planet. Known for its stunning cinematography and in-depth look at wildlife and ecosystems.
- Ranking: 10
- Budget: $25 million
- Selling Amount: $1 billion in total
- Director: Alastair Fothergill
- Publisher: BBC
- Releasing Year: 2006
- Country: UK
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Total Episodes: 11
Conclusion
These non-fiction TV programs have not only entertained millions but also set benchmarks in the television industry. Their success stories are a testament to the power of engaging content and the impact of television on popular culture. Whether through reality competitions, animated satire, or investigative journalism, these tv programs have left an indelible mark on the world.
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