The Culture: Why Real Housewives is reality TV’s most interesting phenomenon

When the Real Housewives first aired 16 years ago it was written off as “trashy”. Feminist icon Gloria Steinem even called it "a minstrel show for women".

But the show has shrugged off those labels, and become bigger and bigger, exploring themes of consumerism, class, and race, all while being highly entertaining.

Now the franchise is at the centre of serious legal drama, providing both high stakes entertainment and a window into what happens when highly produced reality TV collides with actual reality.

To help explain why this franchise is both increasingly popular and important Real Housewives superfans comedian Gen Fricker and writer Katie Cunningham join The Culture.

Guest: Comedian Gen Fricker, Writer Katie Cunningham

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