#1 – Duck Dynasty
This reality show came on the scene in 2012, broadcast by the A&E channel. It follows the Robertson family, a family of bearded men and no-nonsense women who have made a substantial living selling duck-hunting products. Patriarch Phil Robertson is the most popular, and the most controversial, character on the show. He is known for holding strong views on Christianity (he likes it), modern technology (he hates it), and facial hair (it’s his favourite thing apart from duck death). Phil has also published three books further espousing his views on religion, life in modern America, and, well… everything, really.
This show is the most watched reality TV show in the most traditional way: the fourth season premiere had a record-breaking 11.8 million viewers.