Sep 30, 2025 5 min read Superficial Intelligence

Ode to the Real Housewives

Vicki Gunvalson, Chanel Ayan, Kyle Richards, Nene Leakes, Teresa Giudice, Alexa Nepola - and none of them is my favourite from any franchise they're in

RHOC | Orange County (2006-)

Let's Whoop It Up!

In 2026 we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Meaning that it's been almost two decades of following Vicky Gunvalson, Gretchen Rossi, Tamra Judge and slimy Slade Smiley (oof, what a mouthful to say) and many others who have in the meantime disappeared from our screens.

I didn't start watching until a couple of years later (I guess 2010?) and sometimes I let two seasons run fully before I dive again, just like I am doing currently, watching seasons 18 and 19 in a row. Honestly I tend to forget storylines and what they are currently screaming about, so watching it all in one weekend binge sessions is the best format for me.

What I love about this series, not only it being the OG of the franchise, but the sunny setting, the big houses, the love for the beach, the futility of the body worshipping. Also, most have started married in the franchise and all have gone through messy divorces before us in camera. So don't get attached to any couples...

My favourite OC Housewife: Heather Dubrow

I have loved Heather Paige Kent now Dubrow since day one, was sad when she left the franchise and very glad when she came back. Through the years, we saw her change her name, going from actress to reality show goddess, dealing with her husband Terry - who was completely checked out from home duties, but they made it work - and being a mother to 4 kids. Remember her youngest was just born when she started filming? They are all adults or teenagers now. We are old!

Heather inspires me because of her sense of taste, organisation and living the high life unapologetically. I do not have Dubrow-money nor will I ever have, but I also love to have a flute de champagne in my hand to celebrate and have a beautiful table with name card when hosting friends. And I do think she makes me want to elevate my style every time she is on screen. Also, every fears her and I love that. Never go away again, please!

*Heather Dubrow from The Real Housewives of Orange County having champagne (or bubbles as she calls it and so do I)*

RHOP | Real Housewives of Potomac (2016-)

I took my sweet time to start watching the Potomaquian ladies because I was like "If I didn't watch Dallas or Miami, why will I watch women from a place I have never heard of before?" and then I googled Potomac and saw it was close to Washington DC and it assured me it was not a fictive place. Prejudice aside, I started watching in 2021 and I was hooked on the blue-eye bandits (gorgeous Giselle Bryant and boring Robyn Dixon), Ashley the achiever and Karen who I thought was 60 during the first season (that high & thin & arched brow make up did her no favours) only to discover the was 10 years shy of becoming a sexagenarian. I must confess I don't love the later added cast as people really changed before our cameras but I also want to be supportive of empowered black women such as Dr. Wendy with her 4 University degrees. Damn, Nigerians are such high achievers in education, I'd love Angolans to take that example!

My favourite Potomac housewife? I used to like Candice a lot. Now I have no favourite.

RHOSLC | Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (2020-)

I am not usually keen on anything Mormon-related. But I have to confess what made me want to first watch it: after watching Shea McGee's Dream Home Makeover on Netflix, I completely fell in love with the beauty of Salt Lake City. And if there is something the Real Housewives franchises do well is showcase the cities or regions they are set in (and some vacation spots as well, as least once a season except for Covid times). And the city with its stunning snowed top mountains enticed me to watch the show. The setting reminds me so much of the Franschhoek area in South Africa, my heart skips a beat.

I don't regret it as it always delivers on good drama (and fashion! and houses!) because the season finale of Season 4 was the best thing I have ever watched on reality TV. After watching for a few seasons, I also realised it wasn't very Mormon heavy, so that was just my own prejudice speaking loud for no reason.

My favourite SLC housewife: Bronwyn Newport

When I first drafted this article, I mentioned I had no favourite for this franchise, but Season 5 convinced me of the contrary as I fell in love with Bronwyn. I love her European style (the immaculate bob, not having excessive surgery in her face and aging gracefully, her unconventional fashion...), how she speaks and how vulnerable she is on camera in the right measure. I feel I relate a lot to her and I love when she is on screen. But overall, with the exception of Lisa (her voice irritates me and she has no storyline except for promoting her tequila brand Vida), I like all the ladies in the franchise.

RHOD | Real Housewives of Dubai (2022-)

I was pretty excited about this franchise! I have never been to Dubai - except for layovers at the airport - but I was always fascinated by the Emirates and had seen Dubai Bling on Netflix and loved it. Yes, I just love drama, no matter where it comes from! I just finished Season 2 this week and I honestly feel the drama is heavily manufactured and repetitive. I mean, how many more seasons can we have about Sergio and Caroline discussing on camera that he wants a baby and she does not want a 4th child?

My favourite Dubai Housewife: Sara Al Madani

First of all, she is GORGEOUS. And then she is the only real emirati from the bunch, after the delicious Nina Ali left. I also loved Nina, she was just an impeccable lady. So prestine Bravo TV didn't deem her worthy of being a permanent fixture of the franchise as she didn't bring enough drama.

Back to Sara: she is a single mother of one, very spiritual and looking for love. She is a real girl's girl and I love her bromance with Sergio, Caroline's husband. She keeps it real and is cool. Very refreshing for a housewife!

*Sara Al Madani on The Real Housewives of Dubai*

RHOL | Real Housewives of London (2025-)

And... I have not watched this one but I am so excited! I loved Ladies of London. I always asked myself why it wasn't a proper Real Housewives franchise as it felt like it. Speaking about LOL, Juliet Angus is back with this new franchise!

I feel I will connect a bit more with European housewives than American ones... unless you don't consider the UK as Europe any longer, but you get my grip. And there seems to be lots of trips to Scotland and I am here for it.

Here is the trailer from Hayu, cannot wait to watch it!