TV Review: 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

October 06, 10:40 AM

Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta, with its showy elite and rampant consumerism, seems rather out of touch considering America's dire financial situation.

Of course, after witnessing a distressingly obnoxious panel in which the Hotlanta housewives came off as high-priced harpies, this reporter admits to having great reluctance to even watch the show. The first episode, however, isn't that bad ... or at least no worse then the previous two incarnations of the franchise set in Orange County and New York City.

What Atlanta has going for it is obvious: Predominately black women are shown to enjoy the same level of social and financial success as their white counterparts on the other two shows.

Although it's not fair to judge these women in real life, on a reality show the rules are different. Just like characters in scripted shows, these women must be fascinating characters; whether they're people we can identify with/admire in their manner or lifestyle, people that entertain us with their quirks or over-the-top ways or even people you love to hate.

Lisa Wu Hartwell and DeShawn Snow, the wealthiest ones being an NFL and NBA wife, respectively, are arguably the most grounded of the bunch because their focus is broader than just the Atlanta social scene and shopping.

Hartwell, who is of black and Chinese heritage, is admirable for her boundless energy and productivity. Not only does she own the real estate firm Hartwell & Associates, she also owns a jewelry line and a baby clothing line, is a new mom, acts, models, paints and writes. She's a no muss, no fuss type, even when it comes to clothes. Although Hartwell is a good egg, she's not that entertaining. In fact, she seems to have so much going for her, she invites envy.

Snow, on the other hand, has many of the same advantages, but her manner is so casual and at times unguarded that she's easier to sympathize with. Even though we see her 15,000 sq. ft. estate and Snow going through the process of hiring an estate manager, we're reminded of her roots when the estate manager mentions that Snow's father had a special request for his visit: Bailey's Irish Cream and vodka to be stocked. The whole exchange makes Snow giggle.

The others, however, are of the more conspicuous consumption variety, God bless 'em. NeNe Leakes promises to be as loud and crazy as Vicki Gunvalson, her Orange County counterpart, but without the work ethic. Sheree Whitfield is perhaps the one who's shown to be the most aware of her appearance and status. In the first episode, she throws a birthday party for herself in order to get publicity. Instead of earning the respect, she loudly and colorfully demands it. She's currently in the middle of divorce proceedings and refuses to settle unless she gets seven figures.

Naturally, no Housewives show would be complete without a rivalry, and Leakes and Whitfield's friction drives much of the drama in the first episode. Caught between the two is Leakes' friend Kim Zolciak, the only white Atlanta housewife featured. She owns up to being materialistic, which is good since her lifestyle is funded by her celebrity boyfriend, whom she keeps anonymous by only talking to him on the phone and referring to him as Big Papa. Well, it appears that if Zolciak wants an Escalade, Big Papa is only too happy to give her the checkbook for the whim.

Each of the Atlanta women have children, which is always interesting to see how they balance that with their social lives. Only Whitfield is single (separated) though, so perhaps the dating drama will be kept to a minimum this time around. It's too bad. Quinn Fry's dating dilemmas on Orange County, especially with the 26-year-old boy toy, were highly entertaining.

All in all, there are no real surprises in this third version of the franchise. There's still an orgy of excessive spending, jockeying for recognition and questionable taste. It's all a bit too familiar, and maybe, just maybe, audiences have finally gotten their fill of watching people richer than they are enjoy life more. While we're strategizing on when to fill up on gas, how to stay gainfully employed and how to balance grocery shopping with eating out, it's asking a lot for us to really care about those who write $68,000 checks for a car in one go, never wear the same outfit twice or have a bowling alley in their basement.

So while The Real Housewives of Atlanta isn't appointment viewing or even DVR-worthy, it's not by any means boring, but you do have to be in the mood to watch.

How does this cast compare to the OC and NYC casts? Who do you hate? Who do you love?

in The Real Housewives of Atlanta , TV Reviews

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Comments (95)

Comments

Oh, and also that in order to somebody you need a whole lot of money!

angie | Oct 17, 2008 3:03:27 PM | #

This has nothing to do about money or success, this has to do with class and style. These women have neither. That is why they are on the show. Modern day cartoons and hours of cable TV to fill. It's sad! At least Victoria Gotti had a story. Her family killed people.

Ken | Oct 17, 2008 7:23:09 PM | #

The show is strictly for entertainment, and apparently it's got people talking so the job is getting done. Why is anyone trying to make it more than that??

I am a african american millionaire housewife whith children who is a partner with my husband in making the $$ and I am in no way like these women. They dont represent me or my lifestyle, they represent themselves only.

I wish this society would stop making one person or group of people represent the masses, especially if it's a "minority" group. That is really unfair!

In perspective | Oct 18, 2008 11:53:39 AM | #

I don't know why people are so upset about this show, I love it. If this was a show about white women doing the same thing no one would mention anything. Stop comparing them with the other oc and ny women. They are not them. It seems that we have some haters out there. Nene and Kim are so down to earth I could hang out with them any day of the week. Kim save some of that money big papa is giving just in case he's not around to long, protect yourself. Lisa I love your drive, but I would have to have a 5 hour energy drink to hang out with you girl. Dashawn please raise your own children you don't need a nanny, as you can see they don't listen to you. Sharee ( Ms. Diva ) it isn't always about you. Save some of that money just in case the divorce doesn't go your way. I like all of the ladies of this show Do What You Do, forget the haters.

Delisa | Oct 18, 2008 4:36:17 PM | #

With the exception of Lisa it does not appear you ladies know that money and class do not always go together. I am here to help you understand the difference. I have been brought up upper class and my family has not only help grow the economy they have made many anonymous contributions to humanity.

Please know Deshaw I am well aware of how foundations are created and most likely it was a recommendation by your husband’s accountant or lawyer to set up one for a tax deduction. DeShaw, I do commend you helping young woman however; it appears you are more interested in the notoriety and status than genuinely helping someone. I also see you like to let the world know of your opulence. DeShaw, opening your self up to this kind of media exposure can create a vulnerable situation for people to attack you and your family. You also do not appear to be cultured or aware of the world around you. It is clear you married into money however; you have not grasped the concept of class. I am certain if you were exposed to intelligent, sophisticated individuals (rather than the sport and entertainment world) you would not be able to keep up in a conversation and would have very little in common with these people.

In regard to NeNe although you are unrefined, with a crass tell it like it is attitude you appear to be true to yourself.

Kim, you are the one that needs to be aware the most that money and class do not always go together, enough said.

Sheree, yes you are a beautiful and stylish woman however it is painfully clear of your insecurity by demanding people’s attention. I heard your quote of people being intimidated by your success. It does not appear you were successful on your own, you simply married into money. You will most likely have to marry again to sustain your standard of living. I have worked with many bright, accomplished, educated woman and would predict if we were to meet at an event I am sure after a five minute conversation you would be ignored.

Lisa, I admire your drive. You inspire me to work harder and the best of luck with your endeavors.

Good luck ladies.

BRT

BRT | Oct 20, 2008 9:23:51 AM | #

"Tacky new money, bragging, trash-talking, catty women. YUCK"

Yup, all in that over-done pretentious Atlanta way.
BORING!!

biggodhead | Oct 21, 2008 5:14:56 PM | #

Okay, let's actually make a show about women who actually act like real women. It's okay to have money and actually brag about, but I only one women actuaaly taking time out to spend with her child and that's the white girl Okay, Bitches get your shit together. And for black women to really showcase their bitchness publicly actually means that these women besides the chinese girl really have it going on. I really like her character, she's a GO Girl. She actually came into the marriage with a few change, the only couple I'm proud of is the true Power Couple. All the others please let's all pray for these kind of women. Nene is a trip, although she's loud and irritable, she's definitely a more spirited one. TOO GHETTO, okay ladies.. This show only perceives women to be trophies and objects to the most insecure men. But whatever it takes to get paid, I guess they should have as many children as possible to kep the checks rolling in. Oh, and don't forget his SSN, PLEASE!! And Sheree, keep tract of all your spending, and watch out for the things you say on television..Bragging about what to expect from a settlement is so tacky. And you never know who's watching. Beggers can't always be choosy. Deshawn, come off the whit horse, you only have what you have due to your husbands' obsession. Start cleaning your own damn house.. Your LAZY!!

Dana E. Moultrie | Oct 22, 2008 8:12:04 AM | #

I've watched one show and it was my last. However, these women need to spend more time in the gym and less time shopping. A couple of these women have a higher opinion of themselves than they should.

Cindy | Oct 22, 2008 10:07:19 AM | #

This cast is awful. White/Black trailor trash with money.

Give me the wives from New York any day. Even at their worst, those ladies have class. These ladies are one step above the hired help but act like they work in the basement. And they're mean and bitchy. Who wants to watch that? Not me! Bye, bye!

Pat | Oct 22, 2008 2:02:46 PM | #

In my opinion, this is a poor representation of well off “African Americans”. Why couldn’t Bravo find the some educated, cultured and elicit housewives? All African American’s that have money are not entertainers or sports figures.

My opinion | Oct 22, 2008 7:52:28 PM | #

The black bourgeois who are complaining about the Atlanta housewives need to shut the hell up. Whether it's new or old money, they have it and they don't have to proove shit to anybody especially you bourgeois darkies and your honkie counterparts. YOU B-Darkies HAVE NO DAMN POWER over anyone and anything and most of you are imitations of racist, snobby white folks. You uphold all of the ignorant mess they do and say...and then you imitate it. There's nothing original about you.

You go Ne Ne and DeShawn. At least you're trying to stay grounded and true to who you are...and not elitist snobs like the uppidty darkies on this board.

DonnaYT | Oct 23, 2008 10:25:12 AM | #

...and the ladies from Orange County and New York weren't any better. They were just as materalistic classless, crude, and VAIN AS HELL. But because they were white - for some of you (especially the bourgeois darkies - that made it right. BULL!

On top of that, the New York wives were BORING AS HELL. I stopped watching after 2 episodes.

GO ATLANTA WIVES...ignore the haters!

DonnaYT | Oct 23, 2008 10:29:40 AM | #

The only one who gots it going on is Lisa, the rest of them is a mess. You all are not real at all. I personally grew-up with Nene in Athens,Ga. And she was a mess then and still is she have never had anything and she always look at mens to take care of her,now she got her a old sugar daddy,and still have not did nothing for herself.If all those women did not meet there husband what would they be doing now. Lisa is the only one who got it going on.Nene would have been back in Athens going from house to house asking for change,never forget where you come from.

Pam | Oct 25, 2008 6:00:41 AM | #

I have been watching all real housewifes oc newyork and now alanta. So far I think they are all fun It is fun to see all the stuff they by and there houses. I can enjoy watching these women because I am a very simple housewife who doesn't have to work as hard as these women. I think they do a great job entertaining but it must be exhausting to keep all that up. Their consumerism is good for the economy. I like the make-up artist and the stylist scenes. There are alot of pitfalls to having so much money.

Holly | Oct 25, 2008 6:31:57 PM | #

I watched the first show and was so disgusted that I refuse to watch another episode. The women are so materialistic and TACKY! It's a shame in this day and time to portray women like this no matter their race, religion or ethnicity. Surely other women would fit the title "Real Housewives" which these definitely are NOT! Tacky, tacky, tacky...

Disgusted | Oct 25, 2008 6:46:25 PM | #

Everybody that don't like how these beautiful, RICH, BLACK women spend THEIR money really need to STOP HATEN!, on these beautiful, RICH, BLACK women.
I personally Love the show. I have some Breaking News: Not all BLACK people live in the ghetto. Some of us actually live in Gated Communitys. Infact I think it's refreshings to see these African AMERICANS doing good financially in this economy.

Unique

Unique | Oct 26, 2008 1:24:03 AM | #

If a person likes realty droma tv u should injoy the show .me my self i kinda like the show,but to me i think two of the housewives r just acting just because they r on tv i dont think they really act like that when the tv r off .but it is what it is they like it i love it ball till yall fall Housewives Of ATL.

Angel. W. | Oct 27, 2008 10:09:28 PM | #

Wow, this is the first time I have watched this show. 10 minutes into it - I have come to my first impression. "Fake" white girl "country singer" don't even know her name. So shallow, so cookie cutter blonde with big boobs. Nothing stands out or makes me say "wow what a nice person she deserves all that money , etc" I can't say she really appreciates anything given to her. This is the first 10 minutes mind you. I will not tune in again. Sorry :(

Nicole | Oct 28, 2008 6:09:54 PM | #

The wives on each show get more and more materialistic...OC wives, then NYC...then Atanta...I wonder if any of them could stomach going to bed at 9pm and setting an alarm for 4am...the OC wives were more real.....the New York ones were bad....and Atlanta the worst....have any of them ever worried about the price of a gallon of gas?

David | Oct 28, 2008 8:27:06 PM | #

I have been watching form the very frist show.I think it interesting to see Black women on tv happy with money.Big homes and riding big cars.

Sherry Smith | Oct 28, 2008 9:37:07 PM | #

I look at this new Housewife show when I can, and I do agree with most. It's like found money. the trik is to keep it and you men...
I'm suee each of them go through personal downfalls like NeNe and her biological daddy.
I woul love to personally communicate with DeShawn Snow. She is my kind od Networking person.
Good Luck all around.
Cynhia, VA/NJ/NY/DC

Cynthia | Oct 29, 2008 9:31:05 AM | #

I just would like to say I look at the show every time it come on and I like it nene is cool a lot like my best friend I think she misunderstood by a lot of views I love dashawn and lisa because they are so real deshawn is giving back and I think that is wonderful and lisa is getting her own money and doing her so I said f what everyone have to say do your thing kim you are cool to

| Oct 29, 2008 9:12:54 PM | #

I just think this is the tackiest cast ever in the short history of real housewives and that's just sad.

Inaru | Oct 30, 2008 6:17:13 PM | #

Initially I was very disappointed with Bravo for this version of the Housewives franchise, but after some reflection, this may be their best one yet. This one has DRAMA and it is touching viewers on many levels. There is the controversy of the caliber of these women, their excessive spending during this economy (even though filming took place before the crisis), their lack of class, style and education, how they obtained their wealth, and so much more. If nothing else, this show provides an hour of mindless entertainment, and to be honest, after a long day of work, kids and life in general....mindless entertainment is just what the doctor ordered. I don't necessarily "like" these women and what they represent...I find myself flinching quite a bit during each episode at the poor grammar, loudness, and ignorance of these women, but if they are willing to put their lives out there for public to view, I am willing to watch.

GoldenJaden | Oct 30, 2008 11:48:37 PM | #

this show is pure trash

shawnie | Nov 1, 2008 4:46:06 PM | #