Bravo took a chance when it decided to launch its first international franchise with the Real Housewives of Dubai. The City of Gold is known for its opulence and wealth. The city of Dubai is also home to a lot of expats. But under the golden shimmer and shade of the man-made palm lurked the seedy underbelly of Dubai. In the United Arab Emirates, both civil law and sharia criminalize consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults. For many Bravo viewers, these antiquated laws were a turn-off. But could this explain why the ratings have been so low?
Real Housewives of Dubai had a rough first season
Even with all the effort put into promoting Season 1, the series came across as extremely boring. The cast had no chemistry. It felt like the network had put all their eggs into one basket when it came to Caroline Stanbury. The Ladies of London star used to be a fan favorite. But she turned a bit vanilla when she was cast as a Real Housewives star. Dubai is a transient city that has a major turnover when it comes to expats.
The first season showed that Dubai is, in fact, a difficult place to cast women because most haven’t known one another for that long. It also wasn’t mentioned that most wealthy Emirati women wouldn’t have agreed to film a show like Real Housewives. If Bravo could have found more women interested like Sara Al Madani, culturally, the show would have been a bit more interesting to watch.
The RHODubai ratings aren’t great
Chanel Ayan should stop blasting Melissa Gorga and start worrying about the ratings for her beloved series. The ratings have not been great. I believe this is because most fans aren’t willing to give the series a solid shot. Nielson ratings, in my opinion, are completely irrelevant. Gone are the days of the TV Guide, as the media landscape has changed over the years. The ratings are not fully counted if a viewer has streamed the show so it seems a bit silly that cable ratings are still seen as doom and gloom in 2024.
Senior Vice President of Unscripted Entertainment, Sezin Cavusoglu, opened up about the series, telling The Daily Beast, “It had to be the right locale. It had to be the right cast. And we have to feel like, even though this is thousands of miles away, this still feels like a Housewives show.” However, when it came to Season 2 of the Real Housewives of Dubai, the network took its time. According to Sezin, they held focus groups with audience members to narrow down issues. According to an NBC executive, it also helped that the filming commission in Dubai welcomed them with open arms for Season 2. This opened up more filming locations.
Don’t call it a comeback, call it a takeover
In this writer’s humble opinion, the Real Housewives of Dubai has reconnected with what it means to be a true Real Housewives franchise. The network brought in a new housewife, Taleen Marie, who had a long-standing friendship with Caroline Brooks. The women are now embracing new friendships. And taking part in petty squabbles or Beyonce, and fighting while on a cast trip. This is the perfect recipe for success. The second season of the Real Housewives of Dubai has been light and fun at the right moments. But of course, with a healthy dose of drama. And Brooks is working hard to tease the reunion as a must-watch.
I’d argue that the Real Housewives of Dubai is giving this season. The series had a major step up when it came to the drama, the cast, and the storylines. Season 2 has shown Chanel and Stanbury mending bridges, Lesa Milan being the voice of reason, and Sergio Carrallo and Stanbury pretending to still want a baby. It hasn’t escaped me that Taleen could be a double for Jennifer Aydin but with a better personality. I also have enjoyed seeing Stanbury not take herself so seriously.
Simply put, in Season 1, I found myself wondering why I kept tuning in. But Season 2 has me on the edge of my seat wanting more. So I hope Bravo gives the franchise a third season just to prove that Season 2’s success wasn’t a fluke.
TELL US — ARE YOU WATCHING THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DUBAI? WILL YOU GIVE IT A CHANCE?
