Thursday, November 23, 2023

Variety’s Most Powerful Women in Reality TV Revealed

Photo by Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty Images

It goes without saying, but reality TV would be nothing without its women. In a year when the future of content was so uncertain, what with the writers’ and actors’ strikes, reality TV delivered some of 2023’s most powerful media moments.

Those moments, of course, wouldn’t have been possible without the women in front of the cameras. With 2023 drawing to a close, Variety put out their list of the 40 most powerful women in reality TV this year, and we’ve got a few of the highlights right here.

Variety’s description of power highlighted women who made reality TV fresh and engaging. Moreover, these women have made waves outside the reality TV world, whether in business ventures or other performances.

Real Housewives, Below Deck, Summer House, and more

The first familiar face on Variety’s list was Kandi Burruss, highlighted for her many ventures outside of Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her efforts as a singer, performer, and entrepreneur certainly have translated to power. Perhaps more of a wildcard pick, Paige DeSorbo made the list as well. The Summer House star was featured for her ambition. She told Variety, “Every venture I pursue is intentionally and meticulously planned and executed — often from my bed.”

From there, reality TV newcomer Jenna Lyons burst onto the scene, just as she did in Real Housewives of New York. Jenna’s success was apparent even before Bravo. She reminded fans, “Being a ‘powerhouse’ and being vulnerable can exist at the same time. My job title is not my personality.” For her relevance and resilience this year, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ own Kyle Richards also made the top 40.

As the only pick from Bravo’s favorite nautical franchises, chief stew Aesha Scott from Below Deck Down Under made the list too. After preventing a sexual assault, the pick was really a no-brainer. Perhaps the most successful Housewife ever, Lisa Vanderpump also made the list. The success of her spinoff, Vanderpump Rules, was astronomical this year.

And speaking of, to no one’s surprise, Ariana Madix also broke the top 40. After everything she went through before, during, and after Scandoval, she definitely earned that spot. Fans have gotten to see Ariana’s highs and lows this year not only on VPR but also on Dancing with the Stars. Her reality TV journey this year has seen her achieve an unprecedented amount of success, on and off-screen. Be sure to check out Variety’s other familiar faces.

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF VARIETY’S PICKS? WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD’VE MADE THE LIST?

The post Variety’s Most Powerful Women in Reality TV Revealed appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/11/23/varietys-most-powerful-women-in-reality-tv-revealed/

Meredith Marks Inspired Sarah Paulson’s Next Performance on Broadway

Photo by Bruce Glikas | Getty Images

To say that all reality TV stars are bad people would be an overgeneralization. The media can paint a poor picture of reality stars, but all too many still have their humanity. That said, most people probably don’t aspire to be like reality stars, even their favorites.

The persona that someone like Meredith Marks gives off on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is too abrasive for anyone to want to be that way all the time. Unless, of course, you’re an actress, like Sarah Paulson.

After 13 years, Sarah is making a return to Broadway. She’ll be starring in a family drama titled Appropriate from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. To prepare for her role, Sarah discussed that she’d be taking inspiration from an unlikely source.

Sarah wants Meredith’s “intensity” and “energy”

Recently, Paulson went on the view to discuss her upcoming role. “I work with a woman named Julia Crockett who helps me physically transform into some people,” she told the hosts. “I’ve played a lot of real people and I need to approximate some physical communication to an audience – a visual image that reminds them of the person.”

She further explained, “So, I’ve been watching … The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. There’s one character named – she’s not an actress, she’s a character on this show, she’s a person, I guess – Meredith Marks and she has a particular intensity that I have decided to abscond with and tried to turn some of that energy into this person I’m playing.”

When Meredith caught wind of what Sarah had said, she tweeted, “I adore [Sarah Paulson] ?? What an honor!” Fans on Twitter also voiced their support of Meredith and Sarah, with replies along the lines of “Two mothers mothering.” If Meredith’s behavior in RHOSLC Season 4 is anything to go off of, Sarah will deliver a showstopping performance.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City continues Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SARAH’S CHOICE TO DRAW ON MEREDITH? SHOULD MEREDITH TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT?

The post Meredith Marks Inspired Sarah Paulson’s Next Performance on Broadway appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/11/23/meredith-marks-inspired-sarah-paulsons-next-performance-on-broadway/

Dr Heavenly Kimes Says Phaedra Parks Was ‘Intimidated’ Joining Married to Medicine

(Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Married to Medicine star Dr. Heavenly Kimes said Phaedra Parks was intimidated to join the cast for the 10th season. 

“I definitely think initially Phaedra will bring eyes to the show,” Heavenly told OK. “She’s very different from how I thought she was. To me, she was a bit intimidated. A lot of people say they don’t believe that, but it’s absolutely true.”

Phaedra, who first joined the Bravo family during Season 3 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, is known for her iconic reads and fiery feuds with her co-stars, including Kenya Moore and Kandi Burruss. On the other hand, Heavenly, an M2M mainstay since Season 2, typically brings the same energy. So, how did they get along with each other while filming?

“I think she was intimidated by me. We were looking at each other, trying to feel each other out,” she added. “She’s a very nice lady, very powerful lady. I like her because she’s a boss, a businesswoman, a great mother and all of that, but she was very careful. She felt it out. She made some definite bonds with some of the ladies — and some of them she didn’t.”

What’s going down on Season 10 of M2M? 

Phaedra isn’t the only new addition to this group of doctors and doctor’s wives. Also joining the group is Lateasha Lunceford, the now wife of Quad Webb’s ex, Dr. Greg Lunceford

Despite her relationship with Quad, Heavenly invited Lateasha (aka Sweet Tea) to the group for a specific purpose. 

“I think after being on [reality TV for] nine years, we realized what makes great TV,” she said. “She’s her authentic self, she’s a real girl, she’s actually a really sweet girl, but she’s a little different from us.”

Regardless of the differences, viewers can still expect to see fireworks between many of these ladies.

“We all brought drama,” Heavenly said in another interview. “We’re a group of women who are educated, opinionated, and not afraid to speak our minds.”

TELL US — WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SWEET TEA SO FAR? DO YOU THINK PHAEDRA IS SCARED OF HEAVENLY?

The post Dr Heavenly Kimes Says Phaedra Parks Was ‘Intimidated’ Joining Married to Medicine appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/11/23/dr-heavenly-kimes-says-phaedra-parks-was-intimidated-joining-married-to-medicine/

Bravo Stars We’re Thankful For

(Photo by Greg Doherty/Bravo via Getty Images)

With Thanksgiving rolling around, there is a lot to be thankful for—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday sales, and, of course, this year’s hit Bravolebrities. What a sad year it would be if we had no Bravo. There’d be no Scandoval. No green-eyed bandits. No “What’s wrong with my sewing?” Mercifully, the TV gods have shined down upon us and given us some classic moments and amazing Bravo stars in 2023, and every fan should be thanking their lucky stars. 

Lisa Barlow

@Bravoandbotox/Instagram

Not only has she given us one hell of a rendition of Away in the Manger, but Lisa Barlow made chowing down on Wendy’s, Diet Coke, and Taco Bell cool. I love that she doesn’t go anywhere without a glam squad, and why should she? She is a rich bitch.

Lisa is that perfect mix of down-to-earth yet somehow completely deluded when it comes to everyday life. I am so beyond thankful to have Lisa on my screen once a week, and if Santa thinks I’m worthy, I wouldn’t mind being her new bestie, too! Hell, I’d public bathroom dive to help her find her ring. 

Sutton Stracke

Sutton Stracke/Instagram

The best thing about Sutton Stracke is she will always ask hard questions and never be happy enough with the answers she receives. The Georgia peach is a total weirdo, but that is what makes her so appealing on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Sutton is effortlessly honest and humorous even amid her Magic Mike meltdown. She is the hot mess I never knew I needed on my TV, and I am living for her. 

Alex Propson

Alex Propson/Instagram

Alex, Alex, Alex. As I type this, my face rests in my palms because who knew a quiet yachty could make me cringe so bad? He is an absolute terror on Winter House. Hitting on every woman with a pulse and constantly flirting. You could put a mannequin in front of him, and if he were tipsy enough, he would still try to hit it off with her.

Alex Propson is everything I didn’t know I was missing, but I can’t help but think I can change him. I am thankful I don’t have to put the effort in to change him because it would be pointless. But a girl can still dream. 

Amrit Kapai

Amrit Kapai/Instagram

Family Karma is arguably one of the best shows that Bravo came up with. I loved the look into the Indian culture. I loved the generational relationships. And I loved how Amrit Kapai bravely shared his love story with the world.

Amrit and Nicholas Kouchoukos truly had to overcome a few hurdles to have the wedding of their dreams, but it was all worth it. I actually cried at Amrit’s story, and I am so thankful Bravo cameras were there to capture such a heartwarming tale. 

Scheana Shay

@allabouttrh/Instagram

In my book, Scheana Shay will always be as Good as Gold, especially if she comes out with another diss track. The mother of one gave fans one heck of a year thanks to an alleged physical battle with Rachel Leviss, the disowning of Tom Sandoval, and then her release of Apples. It took me a while to be a fan of Scheana, but hell, she has won me over, especially with lyrics like,

“A-P-P-L-E-S

How you like them?

Saw you on the internet

You a hot mess

Narcissistic psycho

Cut you out likе lipo

See right through you with my eyes closed

From a Fеrrari to a Jetta.”

…Toss me an apple, Scheana!

Without these one-in-a-million Bravo stars, it would have been a challenging year. Thankfully, this group of cast members knew exactly how to make the most of their small-screen fame, leaving fans only wanting more. So, as I sit down for my turkey and stuffing meal, I will say an extra little thanks to the Bravolebrities who have made my year because without them, I would have been stuck watching CNN. 

TELL US – WHICH BRAVO STARS ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR?

The post Bravo Stars We’re Thankful For appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/11/23/bravo-stars-were-thankful-for/