A Ranking Of The Best Real Housewives TV Shows
Are you a fan of TV shows? What is your favorite genre? Comedy? Drama? Documentaries? Reality? Sometimes a juicy reality TV show is just what you need after a long day. Something for you to take your mind off the stresses and worries of reality.
If you’re a fan of reality TV, surely you have heard of ‘The Real Housewives’. Arguably one of the greatest reality shows ever to exist, ‘The Real Housewives’ shows the lives of some of the wealthiest and sophisticated (maybe) wives in some of the biggest cities in America. It may not be held to the same esteem as it used to be – with the newer and younger sister reality TV shows including Vanderpump Rules and Below Deck Mediterranean – but no one can dispute how good it is! The drama, the friendships, the travel and the fashion – ‘The Real Housewives’ ticks all your reality TV boxes.
It is perfect viewing to consume you on a lazy Sunday. After each episode, you are guaranteed to have the next best GIF. Many franchises have been created by the brains of Andy Cohen and Bravo. Ever since The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered on screens in 2006, viewers have been glued to every episode from every different series. Fans are eager to see what the ladies are up to next.
Currently, nine housewives franchises have been filmed in the US, two have been filmed in Canada and there have been various international versions including Australia and South Africa. Which one is worth watching? Which one is not worth your time and can be skipped? Here is a ranking of the best Real Housewives shows.
1. The Real Housewives of New York (2008 – now)
The Real Housewives of New York is just damn good. Is there any other city that would be more thrilling and beautiful than New York City? Many would say no. New York City provides the perfect backdrop for a show filled with intense drama. From season 3’s trip to Scary Island, the breakdown between Bethenny Frankel and Jill Zarin’s friendship, (also) the breakdown between Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill’s friendship, season 10’s trip to Cartegena, Luann de Lesseps marriage and rehab stint.
2. The Real Housewives of New Jersey (2009 – now)
The Real Housewives of New Jersey takes drama to a whole new level. It is full of crazy drama all beginning when one of the housewives threw a table on another housewife. The drama often surrounds Teresa Guidice, her brother and his wife Melissa. People often say family loves each other no matter what – with this family, you’re not too sure whether that statement is true. More drama includes one housewife going to prison for lying on their taxes, cheating accusations and more.
3. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010 – now)
See what life is like in one of America’s most famous zip codes with one of the most notable casts (Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna, Denise Richards). It has made for excellent TV viewing since the very first episode. The Beverly Hills housewives are just as fabulous as you would think – magnificent houses, extravagant vacations, the very best fashion and a whole lot of drama. From season 1’s Dinner Party From Hell to season 6’s dramatic trip to Dubai and season 9’s puppy gate. You will be tuning in each week.
4. The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008 – now)
The show where you can learn what shade really means. Need a comeback when people are annoying you? Learn it from the best, The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The Real Housewives of Atlanta showcases women who have it all – rich husbands and intriguing backstories. Each member is loud with bold opinions, making great viewing. Drama is why people tune in and drama is what they get. There have been many arguments in the shows’ history – from the fabulous Nene Leakes, Sheree Williams and the incomparable Kim Zolciak-Biermann.
5. The Real Housewives of Orange County (2006 – now)
The show that started it all. The OG of all the franchises. The Real Housewives of Orange County is relatively different from the other franchises. Set in beautiful California, see what the relaxing lifestyle does for people. It may not have New York’s sophistication, Beverley Hills’ glitz, Atlanta’s shade or New Jersey’s family drama, but it is made up for by the OG of housewives, Vicki Gunvalson. From Vicki’s arguments with her BFF Tamra Judge to her relationship with the questionable Brooks Ayers.
6. The Real Housewives of Dallas (2016 – now)
One of the least known franchises but still worth watching. It is always a fascinating look to see inside the fabulous lives of the wealthy women in Dallas. There are still fancy parties and drama! It will only be time until this one becomes more well-known. Start watching it now!
7. The Real Housewives of Potomac (2016 – now)
There have only been a few seasons so far, but the drama doesn’t stack up to the other franchises. It may not be as juicy. The backdrop of Potomac is different to New York or Beverley Hills – but why not give it a go?
8. The Real Housewives of Miami (2011 – 2013)
It only lasted for three seasons but fans want a reboot. Miami is the perfect backdrop for a show based on drama. The only thing missing from this series is the lavish vacation moments.
9. The Real Housewives of Washington DC (2010)
It lasted for only one season but you’d think it would be great because it is set in the US’ capital. The drama was okay, but it didn’t stay on-air for long due to the low ratings.
Special mention must be made to the other Real Housewives spin-offs from different countries. Why not give them a go?
- The Real Housewives of Sydney (2017)
- The Real Housewives of Melbourne (2014 – now)
- The Real Housewives of Auckland (2016)
- The Real Housewives of Vancouver (2012 – 2013)
- The Real Housewives of Johannesburg (2018 – now)
- The Real Housewives of Cheshire (2015 – present)
