Inspiring Reality TV

10 Most Inspiring Reality TV Shows of the Past Decade

By Paul Asay

No one ever accused reality TV of being particularly—well, wholesome. Any genre that throws Speidi, "Hurl" (a now-canceled show on G4 where spinning contestants tried not to throw up), and Donald Trump's hair into our living rooms has some serious issues.

But not all reality television resembles shower mildew. Just ask the surfers who watched and heard Susan Boyle sing on "Britain's Got Talent," via YouTube. Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" sent millions of viewers reaching for tissues and the replay button, and while Boyle lost the competition, she inspired an international audience.

Sure, reality TV has more than its share of tawdry, exploitative goop. But in the last decade or so, reality television has served up some of television's most heartwarming shows and inspirational moments. Here's a look at some of them.