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 (94)

Comments

really, who cares about these women?? this sounds like the worst cast yet, and it will be the first run of these "housewives" series that i'm not watching at all...yuck!!

almost everyone | Oct 6, 2008 4:53:57 PM | #

Finally, a "housewives" show I'd rather watch than those uppitty Orange women.

KG | Oct 7, 2008 3:29:03 AM | #

BOOOOO! I hae already changed the channel and it was only 15 minutes into the show. Who wants to see people bragging about writing a check for a car when so many people right now are losing everything??? At least in the OC version, the women were not so open about their money. For gosh sakes some of them at least worked and Vicki worked very hard. She didn't have to act liek she was all that just because she could wed a pro-athlete. I'm done.

SJ | Oct 7, 2008 6:14:15 PM | #

Give me a flippen break, why is it that only black woman who grew up with nothin have to talk about what they have today... I totally don't care about their rediculous gated homes, how much they spend at a boutique and their so called fashion parties. These woman are so over done. And give me a break about the one that hired a house manager. It was clear that even her husband was not on the same reality page as his wife, who clearly was only doing it for the show. Do it yourself and save your money...

Deborah Snodgrass | Oct 7, 2008 9:43:05 PM | #

I live in atlanta. I am not black. I'm not superlatively rich and this is bad timing all around

delilah | Oct 7, 2008 11:48:07 PM | #

these women are a 1000 times worse than the OC women!!

cindy | Oct 8, 2008 1:22:33 AM | #

Is it any wonder that so many professional athletes wind up destitute in their later years. I know their pockets are deep, but THIS deep???? The spending habits of these women are offensive and immoral.

I tuned in to the first show, but won't be back.

connie | Oct 8, 2008 6:44:39 AM | #

I can't believe these are the women you chose to represent Atlanta. What an embarrasement to Atlanta and the black community.

tracy pruitt | Oct 8, 2008 8:27:59 AM | #

DaShawn Snow "always knew she was gonna be someone BIG" and talks like she has achieved that by marrying someone with money. I have nothing against money, but don't act like YOU'RE the one that put it in the bank.

Lisa Goo | Oct 8, 2008 1:04:25 PM | #

I like them all, and I can see myself in their Stuart Weitzman shoes swinging my Eric Javits handbag. Lighten up everyone, of course stocks have plunged, real estate market is very bad but can't we have some fantasy?? It is election year after all so is it politically incorrect to have some harmless fun? Right on Atlanta Ladies

Cindee | Oct 8, 2008 4:55:57 PM | #

What disturbs me most is the the producers chose women who have money due to their husbands. I am a black woman. My brother was a millionaire because he had a business. My mother is a millionaire because she has a cosmetic business. My husband and I do quite well. My husband and I have nearly five degrees between us. NONE of us have any money from professional sports. This show suggests that only sports can make black people rich. It is really disturbing.

T | Oct 8, 2008 10:19:35 PM | #

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

| Oct 11, 2008 6:29:18 PM | #

I agree with "T". The show should have spotlighted career women not women who married well or have a "sugar daddy" "Big Pappa". As a successful Hispanic woman. I would much rather see the fruits of hard work and reality,TO marry Money is not an accomplishment that is keeping me interested in the shpw.The lady with the daughter from Evander Holyfield which did not need to be mentioned must not have been to Evanders' child support case where he states "He's Broke" and can't afford to pay his child support.

Tanya Topete | Oct 11, 2008 9:33:42 PM | #

Housewives Atlanta is a HOT MESS!

Fun to watch for comic relief, but let's be real...anyone who is REALLY on the social register would not consent to participate in this circus.

They do appear to be doing a better job with their children than the OC women. However, I pray the money lasts because they do not appear to be skilled at doing much more than spending the money their husband's earn. It would have been nice to see atleast one self-made African American woman in the mix but again, someone of that stature would not have the time or temperament to be featured in this type of show.

Ladies, PLEASE step away from the handbags and the shoes...put your money in the bank and save it for future generations!

Let's hope that these are characters exaggerated for the benefit of the TV.

I'm not a HATER! | Oct 12, 2008 8:56:17 PM | #

Housewives Atlanta is a HOT MESS!

Fun to watch for comic relief, but let's be real...anyone who is REALLY on the social register would not consent to participate in this circus.

Ladies, PLEASE step away from the handbags and the shoes...put your money in the bank and save it for future generations!

Let's hope that these are characters exaggerated for the benefit of the TV.

I'm not a HATER! | Oct 12, 2008 8:56:20 PM | #

I love the show, I knew there would be haters because the majority of the Women are Black. In fact, they are willing to have diverse friends of different races where as OC and NY did not.
Many folks would rather see Black Folks in the projects like the TV Show 'Good Times'. Several of these women have their own Business and I am sure many of them are educated. All of the wives are not associated with husbands that are in professional sports. The OC and NY housewives shows really were boring. Keep in mind the show was filmed before the Stock Plunge. What about the AIG executives spending 500K of the US folks money on spa and golf? I can not wait until the next Atlanta show.

HF | Oct 12, 2008 9:10:13 PM | #

Correct me if i'm wrong,the name of the show is "Real housewives of Atlanta" if your in the middle of divorce, that would mean you are no longer a house wife, but a single parent. If you are trying to settle for xx amount of dollars, so you can keep your staff, that would mean with out your husband (pro ball player)you are not only BROKE, but PHONY!Then you have a birthday and totally dis one of your girls, because as much as you would never admit it she is one of the most realess women on the show. So you bash her to make yourself look better. mean while through out the show all We (the public) see is SHOPPING(for exspensive bags and clothing)for parties. You guys are giving real housewives, who care for there children and spouses a bad name and sending the wrong MESSAGE! I was very disappointed when I watched the show and expected much better. Atlanta, is full of Successful women who are doing BIG things and going Places and we should all be proud.I would have to say I am not PROUD of the show.. God Bless You all!!! Ne Ne, do your thing girl, i'm not mad at you.

Mrs. B | Oct 14, 2008 3:46:48 PM | #

I am really going to enjoy the show....yeah the economy is down right now...but that doesnt mean people with money have stop living there glamours lives.....Actually the show breaks the monotony of all the bad news...it actually uplifts your spirit for the hour or soo...which is desepartly needed. So stop hating and give the show a chance...

Sassy Shon | Oct 14, 2008 7:31:24 PM | #

This is terrible. This show in some ways is a disgrace to black women. Lisa, you go girl. You have yourself together and knows what a real women does in a relationship. Meaning not being in the shadow of their man.Your standing right next to him, seems like he's putting in 100% and you are too. I like to see a hard working women (of any color) with children. For that matter without children. So many women have the notion to get a man to pay the bills so they have time to be lazy and nasty. Show your children vaules and commitment. NeNe, you have a little self esteem issues, work on them. You are seen, you don't have to be loud. You are really not as ghetto as you seem, are you? Kim, your good. Save some of that money girl, just in case Big Pappa doesn't make it to the alter. You seem like a very nice real person. DaShawn, WTF, do you really need people to run your house. I really hope that the segments of your interviews with potential personal assistants were cut because you seem to be weak. Your husband is so humble, looks like he just wants to stay in his dream and play ball. You were destine for greatness you say, Girl you married a ball player. Let's get a clue and get it together. Sharee, not sure about you yet, who is the real Sharee.

RJ | Oct 14, 2008 7:42:21 PM | #

The name of this show is called "The REAL Housewives of Atlanta"...nothing real about this show. Phonier than phony comes. I'd love to know what percentage of Atlanta housewives can relate to these bunch of money whoring women.
And Kim, all you are teaching your kids is to pimp themselves out to get what they want. I feel sorry for your kids.
Oh, and Nene, who's bratty kid was complaining because his cake had wax on it. Oh for crying out loud! Teach your kids what is REALLY important in life.
BRAVO, please don't insult us by shoving down our throats that THIS is REAL life.
What a disgrace of a show.
buh-bye!
And, no, Im not jealous because my husband makes a 6 figure salary and I AM a stay at home housewife with no need to go out to work at the moment.

the real one here... | Oct 15, 2008 11:27:54 AM | #

wow....6 figures

jan | Oct 16, 2008 12:37:23 AM | #

But really,

Everyone seems to have such a strong negative opinion of this show and these women. How in the hell is it immoral and ofensive for these women to spend money that belongs to them? Money whoring? These men married these women for a reason. I use to work with Lisa before she "married well" and she is one of the kindest people around. So dont hate and be bitter because you are not living the lifestyle.

Jan | Oct 16, 2008 12:46:23 AM | #

Trash with cash! This was not the time to air this pieces of garbage during this economic crisis.

Jody | Oct 16, 2008 8:25:48 AM | #

I'm curious...did the other incarnations of this show excite as much controversy? I do watch these programs (no matter the zip code) because I enjoy mindless non-taxing entertainment while I run on a treadmill. I find this new group of "housewives" fit the bill as well as any other. I do live in Atlanta (and am a housewife), and have no problem with these seemingly frivilous Peaches. Afterall, this is a show taped for entertainment. We're hardly going to see them doing any day-to-day-we-could-all-relate-to-them sort of activities. Ergo, as long as I'm tied to my treadmill, I'll watch...once I step off, I really don't think about any of the shows.

N | Oct 16, 2008 6:15:32 PM | #

You can't compare the Atlanta H.W.s to the others. If the only thing these ladies were doing was botox and breast implant then it wouldn't be that big of a deal. At least the women in the other series worked for there money. This reinforces two very damanging sterotypes,, one that af am's are materialistic, and two that you just need to find you a man (or a big papa)and you'll live like a queen.

angie | Oct 17, 2008 3:02:41 PM | #