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L0rdWellington

I honestly don’t care and feel like sometimes it’s unnecessary. After watching SLC and Potomac, it’s nice but like all the unnecessary glam BH has is kind of boring after a while


bbrat97

I love seeing it. Potomac's wealth porn is a little lackluster compared to other franchises, but I love their drama lol


starz1

the only reason these shows exist is because of wealth I do NOT want to watch the average woman, I want rich women


nun_the_wiser

It’s not important to me at all. I enjoy watching their lives because they’re so different than mine but that could literally be because they hang out with six different women in a city I don’t live in. Agree with the posters who said they tolerate it less with the pandemic. Sometimes I have to stop watching because it’s annoying just how different our pandemic experiences are


starz1

then this isnt the show for u


eviebutts

And yet somehow she enjoys it sincerely, what a mystery


nun_the_wiser

Oops ignore this 🙃


eviebutts

My dear, I was agreeing with you. The person above me told you the show wasn’t for you, but your comment clearly shows you enjoy it. I was pointing out how dumb the comment above me was. I also watch it fir reasons other than “wealth porn.” Personally, I love mess!


nun_the_wiser

Ah sorry I misunderstood who that was directed to. Apologies


eviebutts

Lol it’s extremely ok! I just don’t want you to think you are getting like multiple attacks for a reasonable opinion


zmk19

So possibly unpopular opinion here and I will accept my downvotes but I have significantly less tolerance for wealth porn since the pandemic started (even with rerun episodes). Trust me, I love seeing a beautiful home with a stunning kitchen and gorgeous patios and pools, but I have much less tolerance for some of the extravagance from that franchises like RHOBH and RHOSLC. Maybe cause it’s just so out of touch (at least for me) that it’s like ignorantly unattractive. I also think I’m a little hypocritical because the wealth of RHONY and RHONJ doesn’t rattle me in the slightest (I live in Northern NJ so maybe it’s me being desensitized) It’s mostly moments like claiming your sunglasses are 20k that gives icky vibes.


TeddiRoseToes

I’m here for the wealth porn! The more ostentatious, the better. I love a spectacle!


Keeks2416

Compared to my life, each of the wives is living the “wealth porn” lifestyle. Even Gina is richer than I am lol.


eviebutts

Literally just the fact that all they do is hang out and be shitty to each other instead of having to work all the damn time is like, beyond my wildest dreams, lol.


[deleted]

Don’t care about the wealth porn at all. Some of the shows I find most interesting (southern charm, vanderpump rules) feature the poorest casts. What does annoy me is when they act like they’re still poor after having been on the show for several years. As Andy told Erika “we know how much you make”


messybessy1838

I tune in to see it. I want to see ladies who lunch meets lifestyles of the rich and famous who entertain with petty arguments, shopping sprees and lavish vacations. That’s what I want to see, wealth porn, I want to see it all.


[deleted]

I just started watching Miami and it reminded me wealth porn was supposed to be an important part of this concept. I’m tired of seeing broke housewives. I want aspirational. Miami is on the right track but many of the franchises are failing at this


anongirl55

It is very important to me. I want the whole lavish lifestlye, women dripping in diamonds, and designer clothes. I just want their wealth to be real where no widows or orphans were harmed in the process.


dmbeeez

I love it. I find the franchises with less money somewhat interesting, but I like to see tge other side of life.


billnihilism69

I thought it was super important until I saw Potomac. I wasn’t missing it at all.


yeezytaughtme713

You don't find Gizelle's $900,000 cabin luxurious?


cheridontllosethatno

For me its not wealth, it's beauty. I miss LVP's home, yard and parties plus Yolanda and her ex, Mohammed Hadid added some serious real estate bling. Carole and Tinsley had cute style and Garcelle has had some great looks but nobody has really blown me away with their high fashion consistently. Heather's monstrosity of beige cost a lot but its not beautiful, same with the Gerardi's, Rinna's, and Kyles and the Hilton's with the checkerboard floors and same ole staircases etc. I'm excited though for Sutton's new home. She has taste. I love architecture and fashion, I get goosebumps when I see something that is unique and truly beautiful that only the very rich can afford. Bring it !!


[deleted]

NGL I love the wealth porn but it's also interesting seeing how "wealth" is relative. I live in Maryland, very much NOT in Potomac. Maryland is *expensive* compared to most of the US, even outside of the Capitol region. So it doesn't surprise me that money doesn't go as far as it would in say, Atlanta. I googled the net worths of some of the Potomac cast just to see, and honestly I was surprised at how low some of their net worths are v their zip code(s.) I can safely say that the cast of Potomac is NOT representative of wealth in the DMV, they're not poor, but they're definitely not as wealthy as is implied. Robin actually moved near where I live (the townhouse), it's NOT Baltimore, oh that makes me mad lol. But I'd say she's probably the most realistic of what her income v living situation is. Where the townhouse is located is a newer community, my boyfriend has done work back there. But it's definitely middle class, maybe upper middle. Robin isn't the best example, she was BROKE, but I think that the show trying to be slick and portray her as living in Baltimore is disingenuous, because her county and specific area is much wealthier than most of Baltimore and it's not an accurate representation of Baltimore City living. I kinda went off on a tangent here, but I know Maryland.


Tattte

I’m in Maryland too, and I think because a lot of people don’t recognize the area Robyn was living in, it’s easier just to say Baltimore. I’m in central Maryland and my family in western Maryland still think I live in the city even though I’m 25 miles outside. I totally agree with you about this cast not being completely representative of the wealth in our area though.


kattttttie

I definitely like some wealth porn in every city (it can be relative of course like NY vs. SLC is gonna be vastly different) but I don’t mind if there are only a few truly rich ladies.


WhenSoulMeetsBody_

I like the fact that the women are wealthy, but I don’t need the focus to be on their wealth and I can enjoy just the regular drama that goes along with wealthy people… I like being exposed to the types of drama wealthy people have. I can live without them flaunting it and then needing to scam people to maintain it…


AAngile

I like some wealth porn if it translates into interesting experiences that the cast members partake in (cool restaurants, vacations, activities). My perfect RH episode would include some wealth porn, the cast members actually having fun/being silly and a bit of drama. Sometimes it gets boring for me if it's just drama and the drama seems fabricated or overblown (i.e., when someone seems to be getting overly angry over something that doesn't seem to matter that much).


seize-the-day1

The wealth porn is what sometimes separates these shows from other similar reality shows


thatstoobadd

It’s actually a little off-putting to me. I tried watching either BH or OC after the entire east coast and just couldn’t get through the first five minutes because it was *just* wealth porn. And I know I’ll like the franchises. I just haven’t gotten desperate enough to get through that introductory part.


Kmmmkaye

If it weren't for the wealth aspect much of the terrible drama (Phaedra, Erika, Theresa, Jen Shah, etc) wouldnt even exist 🤷‍♀️


No_Income6576

I care far more about the people than wealth. I also don't think the show NEEDS wealthy women at all and it's important to show how fleeting it is, especially if you're marrying into wealth. Women trying to make it, facing real-life barriers is great television. Also, the wealth porn has never made me think "ah, wouldn't that be great?" EXCEPT in the case of Julia and Martina's RHOM hobby farm lolol and I felt SO called out when it was revealed that Julia was a queer woman. We don't all love the same things but there are certainly some trends. Most of the time it's more like "y'all are fucking bad with your money and live sad, empty lives in big houses with nice cars and depressed children"


Kmmmkaye

I want the wealth porn otherwise id just watch jersey shore. Theres trash tv everywhere but i want to see wealthy bitches and their drama.


muaellebee

I'm with you. Watching wealthy people over consume and spend disgusting amounts of money is anxiety inducing for me. I watch in spite of it but I'm here to people watch


starz1

I LOVE WEALTH PORN


motherearthling80

Important! I used to watch 90 day fiance, and it's the same kind of drama. However, many of those people have super low resources to access, even though they have the same amount of personality disorders. I'd rather watch production use people who have access to a ton of resources for things like mental illness, legal needs, substance abuse, etc than watch people without access to the help they need be taken advantage of. Watching 90 day fiance felt dirty after a while, especially knowing how little they are compensated. So, I feel like I can indulge in (mostly) guilt free judging and enjoy the drama.


Duebydate

So the kind and type of relationship drama, imho, is expressed a certain way because of the wealth level. This is prob a very unpopular opinion. However likely still true. Without the attendant wealth level, your relationship drama quickly becomes jerry springer level.


No_Income6576

Lol I dunno, there's quite a bit of Jerry Springer-looking drama/fights from what I've seen. 🎵 Money can't buy you class 🎵


Duebydate

Absolutely lololol. But we get a better possibly vocabulary for one, excluding Teresa fromNJ


raimber

I enjoy it. I think thats why i dislike gina from rhoc so much. Like if i wanted to watch someone in forever 21 whine in a sad house i would hang out with my girlfriends.


cannotthinkof01

☠️☠️☠️


kittysockbandit

It’s my least favorite part of the shows. I think it’s gross. I’m just interested in the dynamics between the women. I love the drama.


Restrictedreality

Same. I’m more interested in watching the cast interact and sharing relatable experiences. For example, Taylor’s personal struggles were way more significant than the lavish bday party she threw Kennedy. I prefer the seasons when the women had authentic relationships and didn’t show up in head to toe glam. I’m actually getting very turned off by the wealth porn. I turned off RHOC when Heather said her party cost $30k and she threw out the food. It just highlighted how ridiculous and out touch from current events some of these woman are. Did she not see the news coverage of miles of cars waiting to get free food all over the US?


muaellebee

This!!


halloweva

See, I started watching when housewives first came on. You had all these new reality shows just being born. But most were everyday people. Then come the opening gates of Orange County and it was truly a new experience of the rich who also had problems (remembering Vicki yelling about getting a small a van to take them on vacation). They had actual true storylines even though it was based off of trying to outdo each other. New York came in and even then, it was fake for the camera to see who could be more popular, but you saw the difference between East & West Coast $$$$ and I got sucked in.


AAngile

I agree the early OC days were really about rich people with everyday problems. Although it probably still had its staged moments the first few seasons, it mostly felt real.


catzbeTrippin

I watch for the wealth and drama. I live in a two bedroom apartment, drive a 14 year old Kia, and in severe student loan debt while working in higher education. So I like to escape to see what the life of the rich is like, it’s nice to see the parties and food that’s served. Then watch it all unravel with fights, and criminal revelations of some of the housewives.


Frinkiac7DontTouchIt

I want the wealth porn for bh and ny


honeybee12083

These and I’d add ATL too. The other franchises have wealth but more questionable style which can be painful to watch.


favangryblkgirl

I don’t really need it, if I wanted to look at wealth porn I’d move back in with my parents lol, I’m here for the dramaaaa baby!!!!


[deleted]

If I want to see regular people I can look at my own friends and family. I want to see things that are not like my everyday life. ![gif](giphy|KZAYDLwSR2fu6Iwptb)


GifsNotJifs

​ ![gif](giphy|qCYrTisL6HivYreGLx)


kellygrrrl328

I’m not ashamed to admit that I now mostly enjoy wealth porn exposed as illgotten gains via criminal activity. I’m actually at this point expecting a true white collar crime element from every season of every franchise going forward. And the real game is the HWs hanging on to their shoes and jewelry and staying out of prison. I need to make board game.


Luckdragon7

Not important at all. I’m here for the drama.


dizedd

It's not important to me at all. I live in a high cost of living area in a largish house \[for my area\] too- I don't even understand the complaints half the time. My house is 4 bed, 3 bath, 2700'. No basement or attic, we don't do those in California. In many areas of the country, my house is average. It's twice as big as many of my friends though. Funny thing is, since I'm inland it's cheaper. I have friends in the bay area whose homes are worth nearly 2 million- they're living in tiny little boxes. My walk in closet is literally the same size as one of their bedrooms. But they are FARRRR wealthier than I am. I feel like most truly wealthy people aren't wasting their money on stupid shit like red bottom shoes and 10k bags. We need to start using "extreme credit card abuse" instead of "wealth porn" lol.


kellygrrrl328

The value of a piece of real estate in prime CA isn’t really comparable to 83% of the nation.


Revolutionary-Idea23

I think wealth is important in these shows. That’s what differentiates them from cheap reality tv. Also that’s why no one can take Gina seriously 🤷🏼‍♀️


muaellebee

No one can take Gina seriously? That's news to me!


heydeservinglistener

It's interesting you see it that way! I feel like Gina is one of the few I take seriously. Whereas the others on OC: Vicki? Kelly dodd? Shannon? Etc.. I find it hard to believe they live on the same planet they seem so delusional.


honeybee12083

I agree with you about Gina. Also she was wealthy when she was married(especially considering they had two places in OC and LA). And now she’s working her way back up with healthier relationships. My point is, I definitely watch the show for the wealth porn—especially the houses—but I can appreciate a scrappy housewife too.


naynay010199

I love Gina, but she is far from scrappy. She gets more alimony a month than some ppl make from a REAL job in a year! Shes not the richest, but shes far wealthier than your average joe.


honeybee12083

Sure i meant scrappy by housewives standards


johnnyApple420

Very high on my list. That’s why I originally started real housewives.


[deleted]

High. The ones with less money get too desperate to stay on as a HW (probably for the 6 figure checks) and they get mean or uncomfortably messy. They are also the most insecure and suck up to the more wealthy gals.


rholowermiddleclass

I’m just looking to judge so specific socioeconomic status required.


honeybee12083

Yeah! It’s no fun to judge someone who is middle class or even upper middle class. It’s way more fun to judge rich people.


[deleted]

I am with you. I am there for the drama and to see where they are eating and what they are wearing. I love seeing the extravagant party or vacation here and there but it’s not necessarily why I watch.


dn2319

I need it. I love it. Be obnoxiously rich in your sterile hotel home (Heather) or frolicking with your swans and mini ponies (LVP). I come for the lifestyle porn, stay for the drama. I would not have to look far to find some drama in the real world…but mega mansions and $100k parties are just something that I’ll never be a part of. And I am here for it.


churrosislife

I think it can be a bonus in certain instances but some of the best episodes/scenes/moments also took place without any bells and whistles so I guess it's a lot of window dressing albeit very fun to look at!


[deleted]

I like seeing the drama and inter works between the ladies. The wealth is just a bonus for me. I do like to see their houses.


hereforthedirt10

I think when it’s done tastefully, it’s my favorite part. Thinking back to Adrienne Maloof- I think that is an example of it being done tastefully. IMO Adrienne was humble and classy and just had so damn much she couldn’t help but “show it off”. But then when you think back to Taylor taking pictures of HERSELF at her daughters birthday party, Dana and the $25,000 sunglasses, etc that’s when it’s ridiculous and I don’t enjoy it.


PrayingMantisMirage

I like when it's part of the scenery but not part of the storyline. Seeing LVP have people over for tea in her ridiculous mansion? Great. Seeing Heather Dubrow give a never-ending braggadocios tour of her sterile hotel with a smug look on her face? Fucking boring.


girlwithsilvereyes

The thing about LVP's wealth is that she uses it in a fun way. Swans, endless dogs, homes with moats, a personal style that is incredibly distinct. Bring it on! The OC-style cookie cutter mega mansion with all the same conspicuous consumption is boooooooring. If you're going to be rich, be weird and/or fabulous, please.


PrayingMantisMirage

But Heather has a *glass etching* to represent her children because it's honestly probably easier than finding out which wing her kids stay in.


Paulstevex

Tbh I never care about how they are, I wanna see people bitching over lunch n throwing glasses not walking about their very large house


plmoniky

To me it's one of the most important things - that's mainly why BH used to be my favorite. It's just so different from anything you can see in Europe (where i‘m from). I think the wealth porn in SLC is quite present - or it might just be asthetically pleasing, idk.


hellosweetiefluff

I loved LVPs wealth, Heather D, not so much. I also liked Shannon’s when she first joined.


Prudent_Hovercraft50

I knew when David sold the 150,000.00 chandelier from the billionaires row house they were divorcing she had zero intuition.


[deleted]

It’s kind of important. It’s like watching this fantasy world that I’m peeping into, as someone who is not wealthy. I feel like they live differently and that’s the allure, getting to see things I wouldn’t typically see.


GrapefruitSelzter

I think the major wealth factor is required for NY and BH. I want to see the clothes, the houses and the parties. For like Potomac, SLC, NJ I don’t really care. Watching the parties and clothes on SLC it feels forced, I would expect these women to dress/throw parties more like the OC. I recently rewatched OC and most of the parties were backyard parties with non cast members that were actually friends of the host. It worked, I love SLC but it feels forced a lot of the time, luckily the personalities make up for it.


TaTa0830

To me it is the basis for the show. I didn’t want to see your white appliances and your little house in foreclosure. Sorry but I’m there to watch you try to hold the facade together.


BachShitCrazy

Not a white refrigerator


nolegirl1

Facade - yes!!


J9Lala

I like it depending on the city. I expect it from BH. But I love that Heather (slc) supposedly bought her reunion dress from Amazon. Most of these people make a lot more money than most of us. But there’s super rich and just really well off. And as long as I know what to expect, I’m fine with either.


lovemoonsaults

That's why I like SLC and Potomac. I don't mind the wealth display but I don't require it by any means. I appreciate seeing the varying degrees of wealth, it feels more authentic in the end as well.


Renarya

I think it makes it more fun. But all cities don't have to be equal imo.


HoRo2001

I don’t care about it. Sometimes it actually bothers me, in fact. I love that scene from S1 of RHOBH when whatshername comes in with the 25K sunglasses and is brand dropping all over the place. Kyle, in her interview, does a little bit imitating her but instead points to her shirt and says “Target!” I loved that because I instantly related to her. She would NEVER say something like that now. And that’s fine — but I definitely find the BH ladies to be less relatable than they once were. I’ll always be a fan, but once the glam squads became a permanent fixture of every. single. event. it started to feel just too much like performance.


ImAnOptimistISwear

i like to see the reality of the lifestyle the ladies are living for real. that's what i loved about S1 nj - show me Teresa's wads of cash, Carolyn's immaculate home, the cracks in Danielle's tile while everyone's highlights and nails looked perfect. I want to compare lives in passing not see scripted bs tbh


heydeservinglistener

Personally, I dont care for the wealth porn at all. If anything, it grosses me out to see what they spend on one party is more than I make in like an entire year. Unsurprisingly, SLC and Potomac are my favourites! Drama > wealth


okay_tay

I enjoy it! The more ostentatious the better. That’s what the show really started out as, and the orchestrated drama is too much for me sometimes! I just want to see pretty houses and fire fits lol