Epic rewind! Here are the best moments from Aussie reality TV in 2023

Word of the Year: ‘Gaslighting’ – Married At First Sight, Nine

In one of reality television’s most incendiary showdowns, bride and groom Bronte and Harrison (both right) were in Home Stays Week when Bronte’s sister Kirra blew up at “walking red flag” Harrison. She called him a “narcissistic, gaslighting, d—head”, before adding, “That, ladies and gentlemen, is a coward,” as Harrison was seen quickly leaving the venue.

All spice, no nice – Australian Survivor Heroes V Villains, Ten

Master manipulator “King George” Mladenov really leant into the villain role this season. But when he betrayed the “Spice Girls” alliance he’d forged by voting out Shonee Bowtell, athlete Liz Parnov (left) decided to take him out and eventually won. A delicious ending.

Three of a kind – The Bachelors Australia, Ten

In an international first, The Bachelor became The Bachelors in 2023 when the Australian franchise decided that not one, but three single men – (above from left) Jed McIntosh, Felix Von Hofe and Thomas Malucelli – would shake up the series.

Kerri-Anne and Domenica clash – I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Ten

TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s contract stipulated that she was allowed to have her make-up, unlike her other campmates. After a clash, former MAFS bride Domenica Calarco told her, “I don’t want your Revlon 1989 lipstick, doll”.

Brent shows his mettle – MasterChef Australia, Ten

Brent Draper was this year’s MasterChef winner, but it wasn’t his first shot at the title. In season 13, Brent withdrew to focus on his mental health. Coming back stronger than ever, Brent won season 15, proving that your darkest times don’t define you.

Hard landing – SAS Australia, Seven

When the recruits on SAS Australia had to leap from a high tower with their backpacks into water, former Neighbours star Zima Anderson didn’t make it, landing on concrete below by accident. The actress was rushed to hospital with a fractured elbow and wrist and medically withdrawn from the competition.

Hurry up and decide already – The Voice Australia, Nine

Coaches Jason Derulo and Rita Ora (both right), tested the rules this season by either taking several people through a challenge, refusing to make a choice about who to pick, or taking an entire episode to decide. Naughty!

Love is all around – Farmer Wants a Wife, Seven

For the first time ever, all five Aussie farmers found love. In the reunion episode, their ladies revealed they were all moving to the farm or planning to.

Leah and Kristy do their block – The Block, Nine

Perhaps the biggest drama was when friends Leah (above left) and Kristy (above) turned on each other. And, in a nail-biting auction, millionaire Adrian Portelli bid $1.65 million over the reserve for House 4, crowning Steph and Gian this year’s winners. They also pocketed $100,000 for the win.

Big Brother, Big Hangover – Big Brother Australia, Seven

So she wouldn’t face eviction, Taylah and firecracker Dion (both above) had to drink and dance in BB’s secret Speakeasy bar for as long as it was open: a whopping 36 hours!