London welcomes the iconic ‘Real Housewives’ franchise

In a thrilling new development, fans of the acclaimed “Real Housewives” franchise have a reason to celebrate. The series is set to make its debut in London next year, marking a notable expansion in its worldwide presence.

The real housewives of London: A first for Hayu

“The Real Housewives of London” will be the first original series commissioned by Hayu, the SVOD platform owned by NBCUniversal, exclusively dedicated to reality TV. This upcoming show is produced by Monkey, the creative minds behind the beloved reality series “Made in Chelsea”. The series is slated for a late 2025 premiere and will be available exclusively on Hayu.

The big reveal at Hayu FanFest

The much-anticipated announcement took place on a Saturday night at the inaugural Hayu FanFest in London. The event featured enthralling panels with familiar faces from the franchise, including Lisa Barlow, Sutton Stracke, Jessel Taank, and Ashley Darby. The host and executive producer, Andy Cohen, delivered the news to a packed and enthusiastic audience.

Ready for the cameras

Currently, the team is in the casting phase for “The Real Housewives of London”, with production set to commence in the first quarter of 2025. This stage is crucial as it seeks the perfect personalities to bring the glitz, glamour, and oftentimes drama, that fanatics of the franchise crave.

Building a cornerstone series

Hendrik McDermott, managing director of Hayu and EMEA Networks at NBCUniversal, shared his excitement over the new series. He highlighted that “The Real Housewives of London” signifies a pivotal moment for Hayu, reflecting its growth and appeal in the reality TV market. According to McDermott, choosing such an iconic location within the U.K. aligns perfectly with Hayu’s strategy to boost its original content offerings for dedicated fans.

Producers’ enthusiasm

Helen Kruger Bratt of Monkey expressed her elation about the collaboration with Hayu, emphasizing how fitting Hayu is as a home for this beloved series. This new U.K. commission of the real housewives gives audiences direct access to all the unfolding drama featuring British housewives. The anticipation is high, and Kruger Bratt assured that fans would not be let down.

A storied franchise with global appeal

The “Real Housewives” franchise has seen varied adaptations across the globe, with previous iterations including cities like Athens, Vancouver, Melbourne, Budapest, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, Rome, Lagos, and Munich. Among the international editions, “The Real Housewives of Cheshire” stands out as the longest-running, now in its 17th season focusing on women in the English county.

The technical prowess and expert production

Producing a series under the esteemed “Real Housewives” banner is no small feat. It requires a keen eye for detail, exceptional casting skills, and a masterful grasp of pacing and storytelling to keep audiences gripped season after season. The mix of glamour, personal conflict, and the backdrop of one of the world’s most cherished cities should provide ample material for a captivating show. The seamless integration of opulent lifestyles with authentic, relatable moments ensures that viewers remain invested in the lives on the screen.

Capturing London’s essence

Choosing London as the backdrop is a stroke of genius. The city’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and diverse population add a rich layer of intrigue. Each episode is expected to blend the high-society charm with the everyday hustle of London life, offering viewers a comprehensive look at what makes the city special.

Why London, why now?

In recent years, London has regained status as a significant nucleus of cultural and social activity. With a spike in tourism and an ever-bustling social scene, London serves as the perfect setting to explore the contemporary lifestyles of its elite residents. This makes it a fertile ground for the kind of drama-packed storylines that define the “Real Housewives” series.

When the new chapter of the “Real Housewives” opens in London, the entire television universe will be watching. It promises to be a fascinating blend of old-world charm and new-age sophistication, as captured through the lenses of reality TV experts.

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