Owning Manhattan Season 2 recently dropped. It’s incredible. And honestly, I appreciate it more than any other real estate program that’s ever aired on Netflix.
For starters, Ryan Serhant really knows what he’s doing. This witty man is no stranger to reality television, but this is still his first main character series. Even still, Ryan has put together such a strong concept with Owning Manhattan. Acting as the main narrator, Ryan has managed to keep the drama mostly at bay while centering this series around what the actual genre implies: real estate.
The highs and crashouts within are genuine, aided by the incredibly high stakes involved with real estate in the Triborough area. Likewise, the agents at the forefront of each deal made are (mostly) likable. And while some drama exists between certain stars, these squabbles are not all-consuming like they are on other series. For all of these reasons and more, I prefer Owning Manhattan above any other real estate-based reality television series.
Netflix real estate series come and go, but Owning Manhattan is here to stay
When House Hunters debuted roughly two decades ago, it was wildly popular. So naturally, in the years that followed, dozens of other real estate-focused series formed. Yet, within many of these series, toxic dramas, fleeing agents, and or declining viewerships took over the narratives. And because of these aspects, many series are now either defunct or on an extended pause.
On Netflix alone, the same network that hosts Owning Manhattan, several cancellations have already happened. Take Buying Beverly Hills, which lasted only two seasons on this streaming giant. As to why, the agents loved talking about the “hustle” and “grind” of real estate, yet their actual sales were nowhere near that of Ryan’s agents on Owning Manhattan. Additionally, the camera angles used in Beverly Hills were sweeping, making it hard to visualize each property, and the drama within was far too petty and high.
Likewise, last year, Buying London also got the axe. This real estate series only lasted one season on Netflix. And this was likely because the storylines emphasized personal dramas instead of property wins and losses. And of course, there’s also Selling Tampa, which unfortunately failed to land with audiences.
I feel with my entire chest that Owning Manhattan will never face these same endings on Netflix, unless, of course, Ryan pulls the plug himself for personal or professional reasons. Here’s why.
Owning Manhattan is actually about the real estate
The drama in Owning Manhattan feels reasonable. Real estate transactions in New York City break all molds, thanks to the astronomical prices per square foot. Therefore, the stakes are high within team SERHANT, thanks to the over-the-top commissions these agents stand to either make or lose.
Yes, other series in this genre are also in expensive locales. But did any of them feature a $250 million penthouse with views of Central Park, or downtown units ranging as high as $40 to $60 million a piece? Nope. As Ryan notes, it’s New York or nowhere, and thankfully, his agents seemingly agree with his take.
Every agent on Owning Manhattan, like them or not, joined SERHANT because they eat, sleep, and breathe real estate. Consequently, every tense scene in Season 2 revolved around various transactions, not messy interpersonal issues. Likewise, the coverage allotted for in-depth real estate footage was top-tier. Because let’s be honest, if you call yourself a real estate series, but more than half of your footage takes place at various happy hours, where the leaders and agents alike only complain, gossip, and seek out ways to tear each other down, then well, you’ve missed the mark.
Ryan Serhant isn’t afraid to be authentic for the Netflix cameras
Unlike other televised CEOs in this industry, Ryan lays everything on the line during filming. His authenticity is refreshing, and it also really helps connect audiences to his series. Throughout Owning Manhattan Season 2, Ryan’s emotions range from tears, sighs, and smiles, sometimes all within the same episode. Due to his rawness, many viewers easily find themselves rooting for Ryan, not just professionally, but also personally.
This industry has been a beautiful disaster for Ryan. Yes, this man is making bank, but his long business hours have kept him away from his precious daughter and his marriage. And now that he has his own firm, Ryan is also navigating how to act like a boss instead of a friend, which he tearfully noted during Season 2 while speaking with his wife. This career choice is not for the weak, which Ryan never pretends he isn’t, and that actually makes him stronger than most other CEOs in this sector.
Overall, Ryan wants viewers to feel, “Holy sh*t, this is real.” He also stressed that Owning Manhattan is “authentic,” “uncomfortable,” “hilarious,” and even “inspirational.” And on this same authentic note, Ryan actually owns up to his wrongs. After watching Season 2, Ryan spoke to US Weekly, admitting there were definitely a few narratives he should have “handled differently.”
For his leadership, his agents’ abilities to sell more than they sh*t on each other, and for the incredible dosages of insane real estate on our screens, this writer will forever stand ten toes down on Owning Manhattan being the best Netflix real estate series in the game.
Owning Manhattan is available to stream on Netflix.
TELL US – HAVE YOU BINGED OWNING MANHATTAN SEASON 2? IF SO, THOUGHTS? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE REAL ESTATE SERIES?
