Plenty of The Real Housewives fans have been watching the show since its inception, back with The Real Housewives of Orange County, as it's been a source of comfort to many viewers. It began in 2006 and has since grown to 10 other US installments. For some, the franchise is the perfect series to watch when one wants to relax and unwind.
Reality television is something people can turn on in times of trouble as a form of comfort. With so many seasons and cities of The Real Housewives, which can get real at times, it's no surprise that it's a go-to for many people. It's very easy to digest and features plenty of personalities to observe in luxurious mansions, wearing designer brands, and dealing with "rich people problems."
The Real Housewives shows have generated a large online following, creating a community of like-minded people able to discuss and share their love for the franchise on sites such as Reddit, Instagram, and Twitter. This sense of togetherness is one of the more appealing sides of being a fan of The Real Housewives. Iconic moments in the show, like Jen Shah's arrest in The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City or Erika Jayne's legal troubles in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, make for fascinating talking points. Fans are also always discussing their perspectives on certain situations and what they would've done had they been involved in any given scenario.
The Real Housewives Offers Escapism
Many viewers appreciate The Real Housewives for providing escapism. Reddit user EverytingISgonnabeOK credits the franchise for its ability to bring tranquility, especially when they're sad or feeling anxious. Fellow Reddit user Iadyfearboner backs this up, saying there are statistics behind the idea that escapist genres in film are more popular during troubling times and how this could be applied to The Real Housewives. Scenes of extravagance like RHOBH's Dana Wilkey bragging about her $25,000 sunglasses are an example of this escapism.
The Real Housewives Fans Love People Watching
Some fans enjoy and appreciate The Real Housewives simply so they could people-watch. Reddit user Professional-Fact207 says while they'd rather stay out of drama and tension, there's something comforting and enjoyable about watching from the sidelines. Another Reddit user, whoareyouindisworld, says The Real Housewives helps them sleep even when they are in the middle of screaming matches, like Teresa Giudice in the iconic The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 1 table flip episode.
The Real Housewives Offers Mindless Entertainment
The main reason fans attribute The Real Housewives franchise to a sense of comfort is how easy it is to digest. Reddit user Previous_Basil talks about how shows like The Real Housewives are regular viewing for many people with anxiety because they are "safe" shows. Reddit user myboogerstastespicy agrees, referring to cast members in the shows as “old friends,” which can be said especially for OGs like RHOBH's Kyle Richards, who will never get fired, or The Real Housewives of New York City's Luann de Lesseps. Another Reddit user said they even watched The Real Housewives to help deal with the passing of a loved one.
There's no doubt that The Real Housewives franchise holds a lot of power. However, many viewers feel this power runs deeper than its hold on pop culture, with many crediting the franchise to helping with their anxiety and being an escape from their reality. Its ever-growing fan base continues to find new reasons to love and appreciate it.
Sources: EverytingISgonnabeOK/Reddit, Iadyfearboner/Reddit, Professional-Fact207/Reddit, whoareyouindisworld/Reddit, Previous_Basil/Reddit, myboogerstastespicy/Reddit