My Reality TV Guilty Pleasure, “The Real Housewives Series” on Bravo TV

Why do I watch my guilty pleasure, reality TV series, "Real Housewife" on Bravo TV? Escapism, pure and simple. Tall, skinny, bodacious women in 5” stilettos and cocktail attire do not walk around my neighborhood on a daily basis. Yet, in the Bravo TV series, Real Housewives, apparently they do. They own multi-million dollar homes in several cities, a wardrobe worth almost as much, a plastic surgery bill totaling slightly less, and a desire for fame that exceed any casting couch Hollywood starlets'.

Q&A

Q: Who’s My Favorite Housewife (All Time) On Real Housewives?

A: Hands down, ex-housewife Bethenny Frankel. Why?

Bethenny Frankel is smart, witty, and wore her heart on her sleeve. Her lightning fast wit and her rapid fire quips were the funniest thing on TV. When she mocked her ex-friend, Jill Zarin, with her nasal voice, it was dead on. Bethenny Frankel was genuinely vulnerable, and she was not afraid to let her vulnerability show. She let cameras into her therapy sessions, with a camera friendly therapist, Dr. Xavier Amador. She got two spin off shows, “Bethenny Getting Married?” and “Bethenny Ever After”. She married a down to earth regular Joe, gave birth to her first child in her late 30’s. And the best reason of all, she went from rags to riches. She use to not be able to pay her rent. Now, she got out of the reality TV business by hitting it big when she sold her spirits business for an undisclosed 8 figure sum!

Q: Who’s My Favorite Housewife (Current) On Real Housewives?

A: Adrienne Maloof on Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. Why?

• She’s not the prettiest housewife. Face it, girls. Those of us who come in second will always try harder. She works on her body (exercises daily), her marriage (date night), and her children (family time).
• She has yet to have a scandal. She’s happily married to a hard working doctor. They both work so much they are like two ships that pass in the night. Although he gets things wrong at times, she does not correct him in public.
• She has a real job. What’s even better, it’s a family business. She didn’t have to step on family members to get where she is today. Her family helped her, so she understands the importance of family.

Q: Who’s My Favorite Husband On Real Housewives?

A: Caroline Manzo’s husband, Albert Manzo, on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Why?

• He’s a blue collar working man. He shows up to work early and leaves late. He oversees every aspect of his business because he knows only he can do it right; and there are way too many crooks and deadbeats in the restaurant business ready to bleed him dry.
• He adores his wife because she puts her kids and her husband first.
• He is actually embarrassed when the camera is trained on him. He gives his wife the spotlight and does not begrudge her for it.

Q: Who Has The Best Marriage On Real Housewives?

A:The Manzos on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Why?

• They are both more substance than flash.
• The wife wants the husband to work less and spend more time with her. My idea of a perfect marriage
• They both emotionally support their children.

Q: Who Has The Best House(s)?

A: Camille Grammer. Why?

• The shot of her Hawaii vacation home she use to share with her ex-husband has the lounge chairs soaking in the shallow end of the pool, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, trimmed with tropical palm trees.
• The shot of her New York City apartment she use to share with her ex-husband where she “survives” in a mere 3,000 sq. ft. of space is gorgeous.
• The shot of her California home with the cottage that doubles as an office she use to share with her ex-husband is exquisite.