[2025 Year-End Review] Cineplay's Picks for the Best TV (Unscripted) of 2025

The year 2025 is coming to a close. Just as we often hear previews for year-end tax settlements, the end of the year calls for a time to reflect and summarize the past year. Therefore, Cineplay is also looking back on the year and selecting works in various fields. We have chosen films, scripted and unscripted shows, actors, rookie actors, and special awards regardless of the field. This post selects the most impressive works among unscripted shows. The selections are from works that officially aired in Korea or were released on OTT platforms by December 10, 2025. If there are any works you missed, we hope you take note and watch them.

Chua Young - <Better Late Than Single>

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In 2025, dating reality shows captured many viewers once again, following last year's trend. Among them, the show that evokes memories of first love and first relationships is undoubtedly the Netflix original reality show <Better Late Than Single>. Watching the struggles of 'mo-sols' (people who have never dated) who are clumsy yet sincere in their feelings made me laugh until my jaw hurt and filled me with a sense of support.

Joo Sung-cheol - <The Wonder Coach>

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Among all the sports reality shows I have seen, I can confidently say this is the best. It meticulously captures the understanding of the sport and the intimate details of the athletes and participants. It accurately perceives that the essence of sports reality shows lies in 'growth', and the resulting fun and emotion are beyond words.

Kim Ji-yeon - <Hot Place! Neighborhood House - National Team Special Edition>

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If there were a program that combines <Love House> and <Street Restaurant> and <Black and White Chef>, it would be <Hot Place! Neighborhood House> (hereafter referred to as <Neighborhood House>). This program, which has continued since 2023 in a seasonal format, was created to revive neighborhood cafes on the brink of closure. However, as the seasons progressed, <Neighborhood House> transformed into a program that not only revitalizes cafes but also various spaces like closed schools and markets into commercial spaces, grandly speaking, it has become a program that embodies 'urban regeneration' in a fun way. Yet, even without adding grand values to why I like this program, above all, <Neighborhood House> offers great visual pleasure from the stark contrast between before and after, much like <Love House>. Additionally, <Neighborhood House> does not solely promote abstract public interest, so there is a practical enjoyment in observing the strategies of entrepreneurs trying to revive dying spaces.

Seong Chan-eol - <Crime Scene Zero>

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Despite having many 'Crime Scene Zero' fans around me, it was not easy to get into it. Initially, I missed it because I didn't watch TV much, and later, I didn't subscribe to the OTT service. Then, I heard that <Crime Scene Zero> was coming to Netflix, and I decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be a great decision. The basic premise of solving a murder case is interesting, and the immersion of the players (participants) is excellent. The rule that allows the real culprit to lie and create confusion adds to the investigation's complexity. You can feel the production team's affection just from the effort put into each set. The selection of guests who fill in the gaps is also solid, adding to the viewing pleasure. With the addition of 'the power of money' to this excellent reality show, it has taken flight. With the ambitious title of 'Zero', I hope it continues to soar in the future.