My Roman Empire is still scenes from The Real Housewives of Orange County where Shannon Storms Beador deals with the fallout of her then-husband’s infidelity. The raw, uncomfortable, yet utterly captivating moments are what make the Real Housewives franchise a cornerstone of reality television. Since The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) premiered in 2006, followed by The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) and The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) in 2008, and The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) in 2009, these shows have delivered consistent drama and entertainment.
In an era of binge-released content, Real Housewives maintains a traditional episodic format, fostering a loyal fanbase built over decades. Perhaps it’s the compelling drama, the over-the-top personalities, or simply the addictive nature of peeking into the lives of the wealthy and fabulous. Whatever the reason, with numerous franchises including The Real Housewives of Dubai, and the all-stars spin-off The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, deciding where to begin your Housewives journey can be daunting. New viewers might feel overwhelmed, unsure of which franchise to dive into first, and most importantly, Where To Watch Real Housewives.
Fear not! As a dedicated Real Housewives enthusiast, I’m here to guide you through the best franchises and, crucially, where to watch Real Housewives so you can start your binge-watching journey. Let’s explore my top five Real Housewives franchises and find out where to watch Real Housewives of each.
5. The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY)
Love them or hate them, the women of New York City know how to create must-watch TV. RHONY delivers iconic moments, from “Scary Island” to prosthetic legs flying across rooms. While some argue that RHONY has lost its original spark through cast changes, the recent reboot with a brand-new cast, including Jenna Lyons, promises a fresh and exciting chapter.
Where to watch Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY):
- Peacock: Seasons 1-14 of RHONY are available for streaming on Peacock. This is your primary destination to catch up on the entire history of the show.
- Bravo TV Website/App: You can watch the latest episodes of RHONY on Bravo’s official website or through the Bravo app, usually requiring a cable provider login.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV offers access to Bravo, allowing you to watch episodes live as they air and on-demand.
- YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV also includes Bravo in its channel lineup.
- Amazon Prime Video: Seasons of RHONY are often available for purchase per episode or season on Amazon Prime Video.
4. The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC)
RHOC, the OG of the franchise, holds a special place in many fans’ hearts. While some seasons might be considered duds, RHOC has provided countless iconic one-liners and unforgettable scenes. As the first Real Housewives series, it’s a fascinating look at the evolution of the reality TV genre and the franchise itself. Plus, there’s always a chance of spotting an OC Housewife in their natural habitat!
Where to watch Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC):
- Peacock: Like RHONY, Peacock is a great place to watch Real Housewives, offering seasons 1-17 of RHOC for streaming.
- Bravo TV Website/App: Current seasons and recent episodes are available on Bravo’s digital platforms.
- Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Both services provide live and on-demand access to Bravo and RHOC.
- Amazon Prime Video & Apple TV: Seasons can often be purchased on these platforms.
- Hayu (International): For viewers outside the US, Hayu is a streaming service dedicated to reality TV and often carries Real Housewives franchises.
3. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC)
RHOSLC burst onto the scene with an inaugural season that set a new bar for drama. From federal arrests to shocking revelations about new cast members, RHOSLC is reality TV gold. The franchise gave us the iconic “Receipts, proof, timelines, screenshots!” and offers a relatively shorter catch-up time as it premiered in 2020.
Where to watch Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC):
- Peacock: Seasons 1-4 of RHOSLC are available on Peacock, making it easy to watch Real Housewives from the beginning.
- Bravo TV Website/App: Catch current episodes on Bravo’s platforms.
- Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Access Bravo for live and on-demand viewing.
- Amazon Prime Video & Apple TV: Purchase seasons or episodes as needed.
- Hayu (International): Check Hayu for availability in your region.
2. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH)
RHOBH has consistently delivered drama and glamour. The genuine friendships (and feuds) between the cast members, particularly the Richards sisters, drive compelling storylines. Beyond the drama, RHOBH is a feast for the eyes with designer fashion, opulent homes, and Beverly Hills luxury on full display.
Where to watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH):
- Peacock: Seasons 1-13 of RHOBH are streaming on Peacock, your go-to destination to watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
- Bravo TV Website/App: Stay up-to-date with the latest season on Bravo’s digital platforms.
- Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Enjoy live and on-demand access to Bravo.
- Amazon Prime Video & Apple TV: Purchase options are available for seasons and episodes.
- Hayu (International): Hayu is often a reliable source for RHOBH outside the US.
1. The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ)
For the ultimate Real Housewives experience, start with RHONJ. It’s a masterclass in reality TV, packed with family drama, hilarious moments, and intense conflicts. The dynamic between sisters-in-law Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga alone is worth the price of admission. With a cast that has deep-rooted history and husbands who are just as entertaining, RHONJ is a must-watch.
Where to watch Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ):
- Peacock: Peacock offers seasons 1-14 of RHONJ, making it the best place to watch Real Housewives of New Jersey from the beginning.
- Bravo TV Website/App: Watch current episodes and clips on Bravo’s digital platforms.
- Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Stream Bravo live and on-demand.
- Amazon Prime Video & Apple TV: Purchase individual episodes or full seasons.
- Hayu (International): Hayu is a great option for international viewers wanting to watch Real Housewives.
So, there you have it – your guide to the top 5 Real Housewives franchises and, most importantly, where to watch Real Housewives. Whether you choose the drama of New Jersey, the glamour of Beverly Hills, or the unpredictable antics of Salt Lake City, you’re in for a wild ride. Grab your popcorn, choose your franchise, find your streaming platform, and get ready to dive into the world of Real Housewives!
