New York is an exceptional city and its essence has been immortalized in Michael Montgomery’s iconic song New York, New York. Its unmistakable skyline is recognizable in countless movies and TV shows and has become home to record-setting, rating-grabbling reality TV shows. Just like the hugely successful Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles featured previously on 360 Magazine, the following rank as the top three and most popular of their respective franchises under reality TV shows based in New York.
Say Yes to The Dress
TLC’s famous reality show, which debuted in 2007, revolves around New York’s swanky bridal salon, Kleinfeld, owned by Mara Urshel and Ronald Rothstein. The show follows soon-to-be brides in choosing their dream wedding dress. While accompanied by friends and family, they are waited on by the store’s consultants and fitters. To be featured on the show, future brides must provide countless personal details, including the fiancée’s occupation and information about the upcoming wedding for dramatic purposes.
Due to the success of the show, Kleinfeld has become a tourist hotspot with fans flocking from all over to check out the store and try on dresses despite upcoming marriage plans. In-person, the store appears quite different than on the show, with the small salon packed with 20 or so brides crowding for dresses. With only 90 minutes to choose the perfect dress, brides who aren’t even in front of the camera feel the pressure.
Million Dollar Listing New York
In its seventh season, Bravo’s popular New York real-estate reality TV program features what it truly means to sell high-priced New York City properties. Hosted by New York brokers Fredrik Eklund, Ryan Serhant and Steve Gold, the series has become a massive hit with viewers who live vicariously through the show and dream of owning a high-end New York apartment. With the wide exposure, the show has seen the hosts’ careers fast-tracked immensely. As for Ryan Serhant and Steve Gold, it has brought both fame and fortune.
Serhant was ranked 15th on The Real Deal’s top agents when the show debuted in 2012, and is now listed as number 1 for Manhattan closed deals. With Manhattan apartments getting more expensive each year, broker commissions have also soared. Yoreevo reports that New York commissions have gone up 50% in the last decade despite the increased information transparency. It’s no wonder that the show’s exposure has exponentially benefitted the trio – Steve Gold landing a job with coveted brokerage firm, Corcoran Group.
The Real Housewives of New York
In what has been described as 10 seasons of catfights, wine swigging, and backstabbing, the Bravo show’s popularity stems from its intentional and unintentional humor. The Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) features 7 female socialites while focusing on their personal and professional lives. Originally a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Orange County, the 13th season premiered July 16. Executive producer, Andy Cohen told Vanity Fair that the show “…is stuff no one could script. It’d be considered too absurd.” This is exactly what the series feels like, absurd, with storylines that often defy belief. Although, it was RHONY’s mercurial cast and over-the-top drama which has propelled the franchise to the grand following it has today.
