Bravo's Southern Charm allows viewers to see the sophisticated, beautiful world of Charleston, South Carolina and there's some kind of drama in every single episode. For 7 seasons, fans have watched Shep Rose and his friends enjoy casual and formal parties alike, and whether they're grabbing a few beers or attending a dinner party at Patricia Altschul's, tension is often on the menu as well.
If someone is new to Southern Charm and wants to know which wild and intense episodes to start with, these are the ones that feature the biggest friendship fights and help viewers get to know the most important cast members.
"Peter Pan 'Sin'Drome" (S1, E1)
The pilot episode is a great introduction to the major players on this show, from Shep to Thomas Ravenel and Whitney Sudler-Smith. When it comes to the likability of the Southern Charm cast, many viewers find Kathryn Dennis to be problematic, but the first episode was all about seeing the fabulous, sometimes immature life that best friends Shep and Craig Conover lived.
After this entertaining pilot, new viewers will want to see more of this "slice of life" show about young adults living in Charleston and not wanting to grow up. While that's not the most realistic way to behave, it definitely makes for compelling episodes.
"Is She Or Isn't She?" (S1, E4)
In this season 1 episode, word around Charleston was that Kathryn was pregnant, and no one was sure if Thomas or Shep was the father. Of course, the friend group couldn't help but gossip about this big news.
Thomas and Kathryn's difficult, on-again and off-again relationship dominates several seasons of the show, making this early episode a must watch for anyone who hasn't seen too many episodes. It helps explain Kathryn's desire to create a family with Thomas and the dream that the couple both had that things could work out. While they do co-parent two kids, their romance has fizzled.
"Words Of Wisdom" (S3, E11)
This season 3 episode is memorable because Thomas hosted a dinner party and this became an iconic Southern Charm scene. After Thomas seemed happy to have his friends at his house, he began saying mean things about Shep and Landon Clements, and before too long, the party was definitely over.
In the next episode, JD Madison said, "Typical Southern parties try to keep things light..." suggesting that Thomas's gathering was too dramatic. The reality show is famous for fancy dinner parties that quickly dissolve into chaotic arguments and anyone will be totally hooked after this one, wondering what harsh words Thomas would have to say next.
"Craig of All Trades, Master of None" (S4, E5)
Part of what made Cameran Eubanks so relatable is that she struggled with the decision to become a parent, and she talked about this subject with candor. In this season 4 episode, she shared that she had a quirk, too: she loved voodoo dolls.
Besides this funny and unexpected scene, this episode also featured Craig discovering his love of sewing, which is a famous part of the show, and Thomas wanting to date Landon. Landon had bad luck with love on the show as she worried that people would judge her for dating Thomas, and when she confessed her love for Shep, he rejected her affections. New viewers will feel badly for Landon and become invested in her story.
"To Liver Or Die in Charleston" (S4, E6)
The two main storylines here couldn't be more opposite: while sparks flew between Austen Kroll and Chelsea Meissner, Shep got some scary health information that his liver and cholesterol were in a dangerous place.
Southern Charm gives some life advice often and this is a good example of a time when viewers could learn something from what the cast members were experiencing. In this case, Austen really liked Chelsea but she wanted to keep things casual, and Shep realized that he had to grow up and be more mature. After watching this episode, it's hard not to want to see what happens next.
"New Craig, Who Dis?" (S6, E8)
This season 6 episode is a funny, heartwarming one, as Shep got a dog and named him Little Craig after his best friend and co-star. In what is relatable for anyone who has welcomed a pet into their home, Shep had to learn to live with a new puppy.
This is also a stand-out Southern Charm episode because Cam celebrated her 35th birthday and had a bit too much to drink. Cam is one of the most beloved cast members and she would sometimes act silly whenever she had too much alcohol, and her co-stars always knew to anticipate this. It's fun to see Cam let loose sometimes as she's the "voice of reason" on the show. Those new to the show will want to watch more episodes after getting to know Shep and Cam better here.
"Outfoxed" (S6, E13)
While reality shows that focus on competition will always be dramatic, the series that talk about friendships can feature episodes that are also nail-biters. With this season 6 episode, Southern Charm fans saw how shaky Shep and Austen's relationship was.
The most memorable storyline from season 6 was Shep getting mad at Austen for getting back together with Madison LeCroy. In Shep's opinion, the two were toxic and it was a horrible idea for them to be romantically involved, but Austen wanted to listen to his heart. It's impossible not to watch the next episode after this conflict.
"White Gloves Off" (S6, E14)
A proper season finale of a reality show needs to have one unexpected fight and the drama was out in full force in the season 6 finale. When Patricia threw a party that was just as fabulous as she is, Ashley Jacobs, who wasn't a popular part of the cast when she dated Thomas, showed up. This was one of the most dramatic Southern Charm moments.
The cast wasn't interested in seeing Ashley, especially since she told Patricia, "I know what you did and the truth will come out." Patricia said, "She was not going to bring her cat on a hot trailer roof drama to this event." Fans were shocked when a security guard made her leave, and this episode will make new fans want to go back and see every Ashley episode.
"The Good Shephard" (S7, E1)
Shep is famous for not dating anyone seriously and believing that if he did settle down, it would be a long time in the future. In the season 7 premiere, he introduced fans to his girlfriend Taylor Ann Green, and it was a welcome surprise to see Shep in a real relationship.
If new viewers start with this episode, they'll want to watch the whole series to see what Shep was like in the past. He has changed quite a bit and seems much more comfortable and open to commitment, which is nice to see since he's been on the show since day one.
"Love Sick" (S7, E6)
Leva Bonaparte joined the cast in season 7 and in this particular episode, she talked to Kathryn about the offensive monkey emoji that she posted on social media.
This just might be the most important episode of Southern Charm as Leva tried to make Kathryn see that this was problematic. Kathryn didn't want to take responsibility for her actions, which is one reason why fans can't support her anymore. This is a key episode as Leva wasn't afraid to stand up for what is right.