One reason they had such longevity is because of the ability to swap cast members in and out. The show would constantly shift as new friendships and rivalries emerged. And for a long period of time, we’ve used it as a band-aid. When we didn’t like a cast or recognized a show was falling off a cliff when certain cast members refused to film together, we’d beg Andy Cohen and Bravo for a reboot or recast. And now, it seems the call for change occurs after every season now. It’s a dark timeline for The Real Housewives Cinematic Universe as we learn that there may be an expiration date for these franchises.
How You Know 'The Real Housewives' Is in Trouble
Unless you’re a flat-out cancellation, fans demand a reset when they believe their favorite series aren't working. But when you do it so often, is it really helping or hurting? Cast swaps help with longevity, but is there actually a sell-by date on The Real Housewives? The shows have shifted from their original mission statement to prioritize highlighting drama at every turn, rather than showcasing the average wife and mother. You know, the reality television tropes. We don’t want to see the shows go away, but have certain franchises reached the end of their rope?
Perhaps the biggest sign that The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is in trouble was the addition of Rachel Zoe as a diamond holder. Her casting is a major move for Bravo as it marks her triumphant return to reality television, but to drop her into the turmoil currently embroiling the women of 90210 seems like a last-ditch method to fix the bigger problems the series is facing. If you have Rachel Zoe to distract, then you don't have to force Kyle Richards to talk about her personal life! it all seems calculated, which is ironic. That's how certain storylines have played out.
The Various Ways 'The Real Housewives' Tried to Reinvent Itself
There will never be a time on the Bravo lineup when there won't be at least one episode of The Real Housewives airing each week. It's just a matter of which franchises will last long enough. We will be shattered if we lose our shows, so should we expect less and stop complaining about every little thing? Maybe! Right now, all we can hope for is that The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has more success than the last new addition, The Real Housewives of Dubai, which really should return. At least The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is thriving! Don't touch that one Bravo. It's perfect as it is.
