Secrets and Wives

Secrets and Wives is an exciting reality television series from Bravo that aired in 2015. The show takes viewers on a journey into the tumultuous and opulent lives of a band of six affluent, middle-aged girlfriends from Long Island who have known each other since high school. These women lead a life of luxury, style, and drama in the hyper-exclusive, lavish area of Long Island - notorious for its proverbial 'Gold Coast' where money and status are as common as designer bags.

'Secrets and Wives' applies the signature Bravo mix of wealth and controversy, which has proven successful for shows like 'Real Housewives'. Although it isn't an edition of 'Real Housewives', it holds a similar appeal. The featured women, Andi Black, Susan Doneson, Cori Goldfarb, Gail Greenberg, Amy Miller, and Liza Sandler, are a close-knit, tight clique, each with a compelling backstory of their own. While they run in affluent social circles and take part in Long Island’s high society life, they’re not immune to the pressures of life’s universal themes: marriage, divorce, children, aging, and financial concerns.

The show places a significant focus on the women's relationships with each other, their spouses, ex-spouses, and their children. This focus on maintaining friendships in the face of life's ever-changing dynamics is a major theme throughout the series. The intense and sometimes challenging relationships between the six women offer an honest and heartwarming portrayal of enduring friendship, showing how their bond enables them to navigate the tumultuous waters of life, marriage, and divorce.

Andi Black is a former backup singer for Jay and the Americans, who is in the transition phase of her life, having been married and divorced three times. Susan Doneson is a successful career woman who took a different route, marrying a man who served a prison sentence for insider trading. Cori Goldfarb, an entrepreneur, lives with her husband and four children while running a day spa. Gail Greenberg, a cosmetic surgery enthusiast, is married to Long Island’s top plastic surgeon. Amy Miller, recently divorced, is struggling with the idea of jumping back into the dating pool. Liza Sandler, with her high-energy charm, is dealing with the end of her 20-year marriage. These individual stories and more make the series relatable to a wide range of audiences.

The lavish lifestyles these women lead also play a significant part in the series. From high-end shopping sprees, extravagant vacations, to ostentatious parties thrown in their mansions, the display of extravagance is certainly eye-catching. However, this showcase of affluence doesn't eclipse the authenticity of their friendships or the challenges they face.

What sets 'Secrets and Wives' apart is the depth of the friendships between the women, borne out of shared history, common struggles and time. Unlike other reality shows where the cast members are often put together just for filming, these are women who have spent decades navigating life together, through thick and thin. The result is a palpable on-screen chemistry and a sense of genuine camaraderie that offers an intriguing narrative, adding warmth and substance to their shiny, gilded exterior.

Romance, or the lack thereof, also becomes a hot topic as the women juggle relationships, ex-husbands, new relationships, and their individual quests for happiness. Addressing issues like divorce and separation candidly, 'Secrets and Wives' incorporates the humor, the heartache, and the reality of trying to start afresh, staying strong, and moving on.

In essence, 'Secrets and Wives' isn't just a show about six affluent middle-aged women living in Long Island. It is about survival, discovery, reinvention, and triumph both personal and shared. It dissects the women’s evolving relationships, their resourcefulness in the face of adversity, and their shared joy in their triumphs. The show is a relaxing blend of drama, emotions, and reality TV charm. It subscribes to Bravo's mantra of reveling in the luxurious lifestyles of its subjects while offering intimate windows into their friendships, relationships, and struggles, resulting in a series that’s both entertaining and emotionally engaging.