When it comes to the Mason-Dixon line, there are some strong stances in the North and the South. For example, Yankees drink Pepsi while Southerners drink Coke. Even food is different. North does oatmeal for breakfast, while the South does shrimp and grits. Don’t even get me started on where the best bagels are made (NYC). So, the same can often be said for the fans of Southern Charm and Summer House. Basically, each group expects the very best from their show and would die on a Bravo Hill to defend it.
The Southern Charm fan base
Southern Charm first aired in 2014. The cast was hot, vibrant, and full of highly elite young professionals. For the first time, viewers could sneak a peek behind the metaphorical gates of Tara, to a world where most of us refused to roam. Many fans had never been to a debutant ball let alone grew up on a plantation. But with the partying on King Street came a bit of local history. We met Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis, whose long, rich history oozed into Charleston. The former South Carolina State treasurer had a bridge named after his family. The fan base for the series was loyal and loved watching the boys with Peter Pan Syndrome try to grow up.
As the series aged, so did the political climate. Some viewers grew tired of only seeing white faces and wanted more of the melting pot. The cast also faced issues like having to deal with the calls to take down Confederate memorials. Followers learned in Season 7 that Kathryn’s direct descendant’s statue was going to be taken down. And while some viewers had opinions most fans seemed to support the cast.
The Summer House fan base
Now, when it comes to the Summer House fans, we are a different breed. And yes I wrote “we” because while I do love Southern Charm, the East Coast series holds a special place in my heart. Summer House hits with nostalgia, and the storylines resonate with fans. The parties are on an entirely different level. Not to mention, it is a right of passage for most East Coasters to summer out in the Hamptons. If you know, you know. And let’s be honest: this fan base understands the mission.
Fans don’t allow any of the cast to get away with a lot. If they do wrong, they will be called out. On more than one occasion, Kyle Cooke has been called out for his tantrums and inability to connect with women. Lindsay Hubbard was often a target for over-the-top shouting matches. And Paige DeSorbo has been made into a goddess thanks to her witty remarks. The Summer House fan base knows exactly what they want to see, and they will not be compromising.
Ciara Miller has an opinion on the fan base
Summer House star Ciara Miller had her own take when it came to the two fan bases. She shared, “I definitely think the Southern Charm audience and the Summer House audience is completely different.” Ciara added “We’re taking the Summer House audience all day long over the, like, super insanely traditional misogynistic fan base that I feel like that kind of Southern Charm has. It’s very old school and honestly, I’m from the South. I totally get that, like, mentality.” Not everyone was thrilled with Ciara’s take.
The nurse added, “But we’re in 2025, and I’ll be damned if I’m an 80-year-old woman sitting on TV and coming after another woman saying that she’s like being mean to someone. Being mean to this man. Like, ‘No, no, no.’ I think we need to ask ourselves different questions.” Personally, I think Ciara has nailed the fan base on the head, to be honest. I watch both shows for very different reasons. I like the old-world feeling of Southern Charm, though I could do without the men always coming out smelling like roses. And I watch Summer House for its modern interpretation of a lifestyle I am very familiar with. Whichever side you choose, it’s good to know the fan base is passionate about their beloved shows.
Southern Charm is available to stream on Peacock.
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