The Houstons: On Our Own

The Houstons: On Our Own is a riveting American reality television series that premiered on the Lifetime channel in 2012. The show delicately offers a poignant and deeply personal peek into the lives of the Houston family, showcasing their struggles, strengths, and journey through life after the devastating loss of their family's superstar, Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston was not just a renowned pop music entertress. She was, in her essence, also an adoring mother and a caring family-woman. Her untimely demise left the family in a painfully difficult situation, particularly affecting her teenage daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who is now left in the custody of the Houston family.

The primary focus of the series is on Bobbi Kristina, often affectionately called "Krissy" by her family, as she navigates the challenges of life in the limelight while dealing with the throes of adolescence. A precocious 19-year-old with a resilient spirit, Krissy battles her feelings of loss and normal teenage angst against the backdrop of a famous family that itself is struggling to find its footing in the unforeseen tragedy's wake.

Encircling Krissy's journey are other key members of the Houston clan, each dealing with their wounds and coping in their unique ways. Serving as a mentor and confidant to Krissy is Grammy Award Winner Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and manager. Pat, also the executor of Houston's estate, struggles to keep the family together while working to strategize a blueprint to guide Krissy and the family toward a vibrant future.

Gary Houston, Pat’s husband, and Whitney’s older brother, too, strives to fill in the gaping void left by his sister's untimely passing, offering his guidance to his niece, Bobbi Kristina, while grappling with his grief. Cissy Houston, Whitney’s mother, also takes on an active role in guiding and supporting the family through their shared bereavement.

Adding an emotional layer to the series is Krissy's close companion and seemingly love-interest, Nick Gordon. A controversial figure, Nick was informally adopted by Whitney when he was 12 and shared a close bond with Krissy, resulting in a complex, often dramatic dynamic between him, Krissy, and the Houston family.

"The Houstons: On Our Own" expertly balances the private and public spheres of the Houston family’s existence. It gracefully portrays their journey of moving forward from the tragic loss, navigating the challenges of their individual healing processes, coupled with the demands of their public lives.

However, the series isn’t shrouded entirely in tragedy and loss. Amidst the grave challenges, there are light-hearted family moments, laughter, love, and bonding, reminding viewers of the resilience and strength of familial ties. From family gatherings and birthday parties to career ambitions and budding romances, the series captures a well-rounded image of a grieving family’s determination to turn the tide in their favor.

In essence, The Houstons: On Our Own is not just another reality TV show. It is a deeply personal narrative of a family’s journey – its trials, tribulations, victories, and aspirations – through the lens of extraordinary circumstances. Spiraling from the depths of a family tragedy, the show evolves into a testament to the love, resilience, and unity of a family that refuses to crumble under the weight of its grief.

Despite the grandeur of their celebrity life, the Houston family remains relatable in their struggles and triumphs, making for a series that is both engaging and heart-rending. Wrestling with issues of grief, guilt, and family dynamics, The Houstons: On Our Own is as real as it gets, offering viewers a slice of raw emotion and vulnerability while also portraying their strength and resilience, providing a captivating addition to the reality-television genre.