Review: Real Housewives of London Lacks Feuding Rich People

A Glimpse into the World of Wealth and Drama

In a world where luxury is the norm, the latest addition to the Real Housewives franchise offers a glimpse into the lives of six incredibly wealthy women who navigate the exclusive circles of London. Among them is Amanda, a self-proclaimed small-town girl turned skincare brand founder, who drives around a swanky part of west London in her gleaming Bentley. Her declaration of “No cost-of-living crisis here!” sets the tone for what promises to be an entertaining yet chaotic journey.

The series, set in the UK capital, follows these women as they engage in high-stakes drama, feuds, and social maneuvering. The anticipation for the show was already high, given the franchise’s history of intense moments, such as a lighthearted pyjama party escalating into a physical brawl. However, the first episode's dramatic tension proved to be surprisingly underwhelming, centered around a complex and petty feud involving a dentist.

After rewatching the episode multiple times, it became clear that the conflict stemmed from an orthodontic mishap. Panthea, a stay-at-home mum, was upset with one of the show’s two nearly identical Juliets because the dentist, a mutual friend, had refused to fix her son’s braces and instead gave him a mouthful of fillings. This incident led to a strained relationship between Panthea and Juliet, with Panthea claiming that Juliet has been fake with her at every soiree since "Teethgate."

While the story might seem trivial, the complexity of the situation highlights the absurdity of the drama. For a joke or a punchline to land effectively, it needs to be clear and concise. In this case, the explanation required multiple viewings, which may have left some viewers confused.

Introducing the Cast

Episode one primarily served as an introduction to the cast, with segments that showcased their lavish lifestyles. The show interspersed these introductions with aerial shots of royal palaces and quick cuts of expensive mansions and flashy cars in Chelsea. Each character brought their own unique flair to the mix.

Fashion designer Karen proudly declared, “I may be from the Commonwealth, but there’s nothing common about me!” as she installed a swimming pool in her house, despite not knowing how to swim. Australian Juliet shared her quirky details, mentioning a stuffed swan named Gertrude in her “drawing room.” Meanwhile, Baker-to-the-Royals Nessie compared Amanda to “Snow White and the seven dwarfs, if you were to replace the dwarfs with personal assistants.”

These characters are all far removed from the everyday experiences of most Londoners. They spend their time trotting through Hyde Park on horseback, taking their dogs for spa-style facials, and proudly describing themselves as trad-wives, without a shred of irony. Buckingham Palace seems to be their version of a nightclub, with the cast boasting about how many times they’ve managed to get inside.

A Taste of Luxury

One of the more amusing moments came when Panthea expressed her exhaustion, while her high-flying lawyer husband served her a cup of tea in bed. “I don’t even do anything! I don’t even work!” she exclaimed, showing a surprising level of self-awareness. This moment highlighted the stark contrast between their lives and those of the average person.

While it’s still early days for the series, there is hope that more compelling feuds will emerge in future episodes. The Real Housewives of London offers a unique blend of drama, wealth, and absurdity, providing a window into a world that many can only dream of. Although the first episode fell short of expectations, the potential for more engaging content remains.

For those interested in watching, The Real Housewives of London is now streaming on Hayu. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for a mix of entertainment and a reminder that, despite the wealth, happiness is not always guaranteed.