Netflix's Selling Sunset has garnered great success over its five seasons, but drama could negatively impact the show. Fans of real estate and the Hollywood lifestyle have enjoyed seeing what it's like to live in the lap of luxury, and get a look at the inner workings of a high-end brokerage. Some believe that the drama, which escalated towards the end of the most recent season, isn't needed.
When Selling Sunset began, its main selling point was the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in a fast-paced real estate environment. Sweeping shots of the Hollywood hills, and tours of luxurious properties, meant that the show had an edge of escapism. A few cast additions over the years, such as Vanessa Villela and Chelsea Lazkani, kept things interesting, but not everyone in the cast got along.
Throughout the show, there have been many things that have kept viewers coming back for more. Something that wasn't initially a focus when it began was fashion. In particular, Christine Quinn has been known to bring her outlandish looks continuously. Still, something she has also brought a lot of has been tension among the group. In a show initially focused on the success of a Beverly Hills brokerage, some fans felt the drama was forced.
Female empowerment has also been a strong theme throughout Selling Sunset. For example, in season 4 episode 9, the brokers gathered to discuss their recent achievements, and Vanessa revealed that she had made a huge sale. The camaraderie and celebration among the females made for a heartwarming watch, and fans loved how sweet her excitement was, especially when she got to ring the bell in the office. Positive representation of women in the workplace has been something that Selling Sunset has been able to present to viewers, and it could continue to ride off its five-season high by bringing more of this in the future.
The drama brought forth by Christine in the more recent seasons changed the dynamic of most of the cast, and put positivity and encouragement on the backburner. The women of the Oppenheim Group were suddenly more concerned with the negative behavior of one of their colleagues than they were with lifting each other up. While ups and downs are expected in reality television of all sorts, and are paramount to an engaging viewing experience, some fans could feel that she was trying to shift the focus to her.
Selling Sunset has a strong foundation of presenting its audience with an element of escapism, showing off lush Beverly Hills properties and iconic fashion. The friendships of the girls in the Oppenheim office present a positive representation of feminine energy. Small moments of drama and highs and lows add realism, depth, and dimension. However, an over-saturation, along the lines of what surrounded Christine, could take away from the original intention of the show.