Cover ‘Bling Empire’ was groundbreaking for reality shows even in 2021. Heiress Anna Shay, who passed away in 2023, was one of the reasons it was a huge success (Photo: IMDB)
‘Bling Empire’ was groundbreaking for reality shows even in 2021. Heiress Anna Shay, who passed away in 2023, was one of the reasons it was a huge success (Photo: IMDB)
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Reality shows about the rich are part escapism, part social experiment—and we’re here for it
The world of the affluent has always fascinated, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle defined by opulence, exclusivity, and, at times, high-stakes drama. From extravagant brunches to headline-making feuds, their lives unfold on a grander scale—especially in the golden age of reality television.
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For decades, reality shows have pulled back the velvet curtain on high society, giving audiences a front-row seat to the glamour, ambition, and, occasionally, the excesses that come with extraordinary wealth. Some celebrate the luxury, others offer a more unfiltered perspective, but all share one undeniable trait: they make for compelling viewing.
In that spirit, we’re ranking the best reality shows about the ultra-wealthy—from the delightfully over-the-top to those that offer a deeper look into this rarefied world.
1. ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ / ‘Kardashians’
The Kardashians didn’t just step into the reality TV spotlight—they redefined it. When Keeping Up With the Kardashians premiered on E! in 2007, it was initially meant to document Kim’s rising fame. However, the family’s undeniable charisma and dynamic relationships quickly turned them into global superstars.
For 20 seasons the show chronicled their lives—love, heartbreak, motherhood, and, of course, the ever-iconic Kris Jenner—spawning numerous spin-offs such as Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, and Dash Dolls. In 2022 the family transitioned to Hulu with The Kardashians. While still familiar in spirit, the new series offers a more curated and polished portrayal of their lives.
This franchise not only cemented the Kardashians as the first family of reality TV but also proved that personal branding—when executed masterfully—can evolve into a billion-dollar empire.
2. ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise
The Real Housewives franchise is the undisputed crown jewel of reality TV glamour. Spanning multiple cities, Bravo’s hit series follows a winning formula: affluent women with vibrant personalities navigating high society, ambitious ventures, and the occasional headline-making feud.
Each city brings its own distinct flair—Beverly Hills epitomises luxury, New York offers sharp wit and social manoeuvring, while Salt Lake City introduced a mix of unexpected fortunes and high-stakes drama. With extravagant brunches, shifting alliances, and business ventures of varying success, the franchise remains a fascinating exploration of wealth, influence, and the complexities of friendship in the spotlight.
3. ‘The Simple Life’
It would be impossible to overlook the original. Long before influencer culture took hold, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were redefining fame in their own way. The Simple Life, which premiered on Fox in 2003, placed the two socialites in everyday jobs with no preparation—creating moments that were both entertaining and, in hindsight, a sharp commentary on wealth and privilege.
While some aspects of the show may feel outdated today, its impact is undeniable. It was an early glimpse into the fascination with the ultra-wealthy, blending humour, satire, and the unexpected charm of watching two heiresses navigate a world far removed from their own.
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4. ‘Bling Empire’
Often described as the Crazy Rich Asians of reality TV, Bling Empire on Netflix offered a glimpse into the extravagant lives of wealthy Asian and Asian-American socialites in Los Angeles. From jet-set vacations and couture fittings to feuds over diamond-studded hairpins and debates on the etiquette of true wealth, the series was a captivating mix of luxury and intrigue.
What set it apart? Perhaps it was everyman Kevin navigating this world of excess, the contrast between self-made success and inherited wealth, or the late Anna Shay’s effortlessly enigmatic presence. Beyond the glamour, the show occasionally explored the emotional complexities of generational wealth and cultural identity, adding depth to its high-society drama.
Despite its popularity, Bling Empire was cancelled in 2023 after three seasons, leaving behind a legacy of opulent entertainment and a unique perspective on wealth in the Asian and Asian-American experience.
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5. ‘My Super Sweet 16’
Before the rise of TikTok heiresses and Instagram moguls, in 2005 there was MTV’s My Super Sweet 16—a glimpse into the world of extravagant teenage celebrations. With luxury cars, diamond tiaras, and meticulously planned $500,000 parties, the show captured the high-stakes drama of privileged teens navigating their milestone birthdays, where even the wrong shade of pink could spark a meltdown.
Equal parts fascinating and over-the-top, My Super Sweet 16 was an early reflection of influencer culture in the making. It set the stage for a new era of reality television—one where wealth, spectacle, and social status took centre stage in ways that continue to evolve today.
6. ‘Selling Sunset’
Scroll through E!’s Instagram, and if you spot a “celebrity” you don’t recognise, chances are they’re from Selling Sunset. Since its premiere in 2019, this Netflix hit has turned L.A.’s high-stakes luxury real estate market into a spectacle of skyscraper heels, broker feuds, and jaw-dropping home prices.
At The Oppenheim Group, deals are closed with as much drama as negotiation, all while dressed in custom Balmain. The real question remains: Are we here for the multimillion-dollar mansions or the headline-worthy meltdowns? Either way, the allure is undeniable.
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7. ‘Made in Chelsea’
Imagine The Real Housewives, but with plummier accents, generational wealth dating back to the Tudors, and passive-aggressive brunches in Notting Hill. Since its debut in 2011, Made in Chelsea (E4) has offered a glimpse into the lives of London’s elite, serving up impeccably styled drama against the backdrop of the city’s most exclusive postcodes.
Unlike its flashier counterparts, the series is less about overt displays of wealth (in true British fashion) and more about quiet privilege, whispered betrayals, and the occasional scandal involving a viscount. With its mix of old money and modern-day socialites, Made in Chelsea remains a fascinating portrait of London’s high society.
8. ‘Rich Kids of Beverly Hills’
This short-lived but culturally significant E! series that premiered in 2014 felt like a natural evolution of My Super Sweet 16—following its former teenage stars into adulthood, where lavish spending and existential dilemmas remained central themes.
A product of its time, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills captured the peak of post-recession absurdity, where careers were ambiguous, yet black Amex cards were a given. Though brief, it offered a fascinating glimpse into a world where privilege and reality often blurred.
9. ‘Dubai Bling’
It’s no secret that the Middle Eastern elite live extravagantly, but Dubai Bling on Netflix brings that world to the screen in a way few shows have. If Bling Empire had a counterpart with Dom Pérignon breakfasts and gold-plated yachts, this would be it.
More than just a glimpse into ultra-wealthy lifestyles, the series, which premiered in 2022, embraces the opulence—where lavish celebrations feature indoor fireworks, and even private jets become a point of competition. With its tax-free luxury and larger-than-life personalities, Dubai Bling turns wealth into a spectacle unlike any other.
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