Selling Sunset

Netflix's reality television series Selling Sunset is an alluring dive into the glamorous world of high-end Los Angeles real estate. Produced by Adam DiVello, the man who brought us the 2000s iconic reality TV shows The Hills and Laguna Beach, Selling Sunset debuted in 2019 and quickly captivated audiences with its glittering mix of property porn and interpersonal drama.

The show primarily centers around the lives of a group of ambitious and stylish women working at The Oppenheim Group, the number one selling luxury real estate brokerage in Hollywood. It exposes the inner workings of the luxury real estate business, covering everything from the high stakes of multimillion-dollar property deals to the intricacies of staging a home for optimum appeal.

A characteristic aspect of Selling Sunset is its ensemble cast of fierce and independent women, who all bring their own unique flair to the series. This includes Chrishell Stause, a former soap actress making her real estate debut, Christine Quinn, a quirky and ambitious fashionista, and Mary Fitzgerald, a seasoned realtor with deep connections in the industry. Their varied backgrounds, personalities, and styles contribute to the show's emotional depth and flare. They negotiate luxury deals during the day and navigates complex friendships and personal life at night. The cutthroat nature of the LA real estate market, where making a sale could mean a commission in the hundreds of thousands of dollars—or more—brings tension and rivalry among the team.

With an aesthetic that showcases sun-soaked shots of Hollywood and drone surveys of the most lavish properties on the market, Selling Sunset feeds our fascination with wealth and lifestyle. The show spectacularly displays sprawling Los Angeles mansions with breathtaking views, infinity pools, wine cellars and jaw-dropping interiors, indulging viewers in the kind of property voyeurism that is irresistible in its decadence.

While the luxury properties are indeed fascinating, a significant charm of Selling Sunset lies in the realtors' personal lives, which are as glossy and compelling as the properties they sell. The ups and downs of their relationships, coping with relationship strains, heartbreak, and celebration; are captured with candor and authenticity. Additionally, the show does not shy away from showcasing their extravagant lifestyles, bringing the viewers behind the gates of Hollywood's rich and fabulous.

A central theme of Selling Sunset is the struggle for identity and power. The high-pressure world of luxury real estate brokerage in Hollywood is a tough game. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are incredibly high. The strong, ambitious women of The Oppenheim Group constantly strive for success, often leading to clashes both in their professional and personal lives. This theme drives the narrative, providing a realistic portrayal of the efforts and sacrifices necessary to achieve success in a cutthroat industry.

Adding to its reality television appeal are the frequent social gatherings these women attend. Gala openings, red carpet events, lavish parties are all part of the exciting lifestyle these realtors lead. These events, teeming with champagne, designer gowns, and stiletto heels, add another layer of glamour and allure, exploring a side of Hollywood life that few get to experience.

Selling Sunset strikes a fine balance between reality TV tropes, day-to-day workplace dynamics, and the personal lives of its cast. It is as much a series about the pursuit of the American dream as it is about navigating complex relationships and personal aspirations in the backdrop of the cutthroat Los Angeles real estate industry. The agents' grit, glamour & intelligence, and their resolve to triumph over challenges, both in business and personal lives, make the 2019 Netflix series a dynamic and engaging watch. Their lives, full of glitz, glamour, dramatic twists, heartwarming moments, and high-stakes power plays, offer a captivating window into a rarefied world.

In essence, Selling Sunset is an excellent option for viewers seeking a glamorous reality TV show filled with beautiful people, breathtaking luxury real estate, and a copious amount of high-stakes drama. Its mix of real estate and soap opera-style storytelling ensures instead of just painting a one-dimensional portrait of wealth and glamour, it shows us the human stories behind the glossy exterior, making it a captivating viewing experience.