Discover why Teresa Giudice, Bethenny Frankel, NeNe Leakes, and Kyle Richards are considered the Mount Rushmore of 'Real Housewives'. They discuss the enduring impact of the Housewives on reality TV, scandals and low-stakes fights, the criteria for their selection, and Andy Cohen's role in creating the franchise.
The Real Housewives franchise revolutionized reality TV and paved the way for diverse representation on the show.
Bethenny Frankel, through her successful Skinnygirl brand, showcased the potential for housewives to build lucrative empires and influenced contract agreements for future cast members.
Deep dives
The Impact of Real Housewives: Birth of a Phenomenon
The Real Housewives franchise, starting with The Real Housewives of Orange County, revolutionized reality TV. While the original vision was partly inspired by Desperate Housewives, the show has evolved into its own entity. The birth of the franchise can be attributed to its iconic moments, such as the table flip by Teresa Giudice, which propelled Real Housewives into mainstream culture. It became a cultural phenomenon, with each city bringing its own unique drama. The popularity of Real Housewives led to the creation of numerous spin-offs and the integration of diverse cast members, signaling a shift towards more representation on reality television.
The Business Savvy of Housewives: Bethenny Frankel's Influence
Bethenny Frankel, a standout among the housewives, demonstrated her business acumen and reshaped the perception of what a housewife could achieve. Through her creation of the successful Skinnygirl brand, she showcased the potential for housewives to build lucrative empires. Frankel's entrepreneurial success, selling her business for a reported $120 million, set the stage for fellow housewives to pursue their own ventures. Her impact was significant enough for Bravo to implement the 'Bethenny clause' in contracts, allowing them to receive a percentage if a housewife sells a business for over a million dollars.
The OG Housewife: Nene Leakes' Pioneering Presence
Nene Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta can be considered the OG housewife, as her persona and impact on pop culture set the tone for future cast members. Nene's larger-than-life personality and memorable catchphrases, like 'I said what I said,' became part of the lexicon of reality TV. Her presence bridged the gap between reality stars and mainstream celebrities, leading to appearances in shows like Glee and Fashion Police. Nene's influence showcased the significance of Black women in the franchise and the need for improved representation within the show.
The Enduring Presence: Kyle Richards' Housewife Legacy
Kyle Richards, of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, represents the enduring presence and evolution of the franchise. As an original cast member, Kyle has become a recognizable figure in the world of reality TV. Her relatability and ability to navigate group dynamics have made her an essential component of the show. While the Housewives empire has undergone changes, Kyle remains a consistent force, ensuring the continuation of the series. Her presence represents the growth, development, and preservation of the Real Housewives franchise, as she navigates the show's future and maintains a lasting impact.
Bravo replaced the whole cast for the 14th season of The Real Housewives of New York City, but it almost doesn’t matter. “It’s about the franchise,” says Brian Moylan, who writes Vulture’s Housewives Institute Bulletin. There are, however, a handful of housewives that have had a lasting impact. A Housewives Mount Rushmore, if you will. Brian tells Sam why Teresa Giudice, Bethenny Frankel, NeNe Leakes, and Kyle Richards are the four faces on the mountaintop and why we owe so much of what we see on reality TV to the Housewives blueprint.