Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
Season 15 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills started with a whimper, not a bang. It has been a while since the show has sparkled, and viewers have noticed. Last season’s cast returned for Season 15, minus Garcelle Beauvais.
Plus, RHOBH added two new housewives and a new friend to the mix. Fashionista Rachel Zoe and “Money Queen” Amanda Frances gave fans hope that we would have a lighter season. We haven’t heard much from Natalie Swanston Fuller yet, but I would like to know more.
Recently, the show has upped the drama factor and brought up some serious topics. Still, Bravo needs to bring back the fun and excitement that made this franchise must-see TV. First of all, most fans want better storylines. Erika Jayne’s surprise bombshell that she was a domestic abuse survivor was the type of emotional storyline that the show needs. Here’s how to fix RHOBH’s storyline problem.
The RHOBH cast needs authentic friendships
During earlier seasons of RHOBH, the cast was friendly in real life. Kyle Richards was besties with Lisa Vanderpump. The bonds between the ladies seemed, and felt, genuine. We enjoyed seeing them together, whether at parties or just casually hanging out. Who can forget Lisa trying to teach co-star Adrienne Maloof how to cook a chicken, and Adrienne cleaning it with dish soap?
Right now, RHOBH is suffering because the cast doesn’t have genuine connections. While it is fun to watch new bonds form, it sometimes feels forced, like the cast is clocking into work. And if co-stars don’t have a real relationship, it is difficult for viewers to be invested in their storylines.
An example of this is Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 feud with Amanda Frances. Dorit was angry about remarks that Amanda made about Dorit’s divorce from PK Kemsley. In essence, Amanda worried that Dorit’s constant attacks on PK could negatively impact their divorce. Since Amanda and Dorit just met, there is nothing at stake to pull in fans. If Dorit stays angry at Amanda, then it doesn’t really affect anyone. While Erika and Kyle sided with Amanda, their friendship with Dorit isn’t at stake.
Meanwhile, if we are discussing cast members, we need more Jennifer Tilly in upcoming seasons. Her fashion and her over-the-top fabulous life are exactly what this franchise needs.
Fans don’t want tired storylines on RHOBH
Speaking of Dorit, fans are tired of her feud with Kyle carrying over into this season. Most of RHOBH Season 14 featured their falling out and multiple nasty arguments. Dorit was angry that Kyle was texting “memes and jokes” with her estranged husband, PK. And an activated Dorit was determined to stand up and share her feelings.
While it seemed like Dorit and Kyle were in a better place when Season 15 started, the same drama started bubbling up. Kyle was low-key defending PK, and Dorit was furious that Kyle hadn’t given her more support.
Thankfully, Rachel added some new sparkle to the group with her hilarious confessionals and comments. Her determination to have a Hot Girl Summer amid her stressful divorce injected some fun into the season. Plus, her friendship with Dorit seems like it is genuine, as is Bozoma Saint John’s bond with Dorit.
However, when Garcelle dramatically departed during the Season 14 reunion, Sutton Stracke was without a bestie on the cast. Thankfully, her friend Jennifer is part of the show. In my opinion, Jennifer deserves a diamond. Justice for Tilly!
In addition, bringing in RHOBH alum Denise Richards to discuss her divorce from Aaron Phypers was a fantastic call. And when Denise opened up about alleged disturbing incidents of domestic abuse, Erika shared her own story. Sutton’s stunned reaction was genuine, and it felt like a moment of true support and sisterhood. Obviously, not every cast member has a serious story like this to share. However, any fresh storylines liven up the franchise. Viewers tire of the same drama on wash-rinse-repeat.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills needs storylines that don’t feel produced
Without fail, dinner parties on RHOBH always feature a meltdown or screaming blow-up. While this can be entertaining, it is also becoming predictable. During Season 13, Garcelle and Sutton repeatedly brought up Kyle’s marital issues with Mauricio Umansky, beginning at Kyle’s infamous weed dinner. It seemed as if every conversation had to mention Kyle’s marriage.
This season, Dorit and the ladies have focused their attention on Amanda’s past. Specifically, the time that she was in a cult. Since Amanda openly blogged about it, it wasn’t a secret. Yet Dorit ran with it as if it were scandalous gossip. The topic has been discussed in every episode, and Amanda has been asked about it several times. She finally explained her past to Erika after the songstress asked her about the cult again. Was it interesting? Yes. Was it a mind-blowing reveal? No.
Meanwhile, Erika’s conversation with Denise felt real and raw. It didn’t seem like a plot point was being hammered home. And when Erika shared her experience, it didn’t feel like she planned to mention it. This type of organic storyline is what RHOBH viewers have been missing. Fans want to see our Beverly Hills diamond shine, and fixing issues with the storylines could restore this franchise to its glory days.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is available to stream on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
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