Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders cover image

Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders

The Mount Rushmore of 'Real Housewives'

Jul 25, 2023
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.
47:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner