The Real Housewives

The Real Housewives is an American reality television franchise that began with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006.

The Real Housewives is an American reality television franchise that began with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006. The series follows groups of women in different locations and has expanded into multiple city-based series, spin-offs, and international adaptations. The franchise is produced by Bravo and has become a major brand in reality television.

Overview

The Real Housewives is a reality television franchise centered on women living in or connected to affluent communities, originally launched by Bravo in the United States. Each installment focuses on a different city or region and features changing casts over time.

Franchise expansion

The franchise has grown beyond its original Orange County series to include multiple U.S. cities and at least one recent new addition, Rhode Island. It has also produced spin-offs and related series connected to cast members and locations.

Cast and format

There is no fixed franchise-wide cast; each city series has its own current and former housewives, friends of the housewives, and recurring figures. Casts change frequently between seasons, and some series have been rebooted or recast.

Cultural impact

The Real Housewives has become a major reality-TV brand with a large fan base, extensive media coverage, and ongoing discussion about popularity, wealth, and influence. Its long run has made it one of Bravo’s best-known franchises.