The Daily Telegraph reports that The Real Housewives of Sydney was not picked up by Bravo to air in the U.S., despite acquiring the rights to distribute The Real Housewives of Melbourne for the past three years. The publication claims that the network found the series “too extreme” for American audiences.
Foxtel executive director of television Brian Walsh — who is in the US and has been meeting with TV network Bravo — told the publication that he too had similar concerns about the cast and hinted at an overhaul of the housewife line-up if a second series goes ahead.
Despite the series rating well for Foxtel, Walsh said early US feedback was the Sydney cast was “too extreme” and the program didn’t feature enough of the fun and friendship between the women.
“A lot of the women in this show were nasty for nasty’s sake and have no redeeming features,” Walsh said. “I particularly felt Lisa Oldfield and AthenaX Levendi were driving their own agendas.”
Walsh said he raised concerns there were not enough lighthearted moments, something that would change in a second season.
“I’ve raised my concerns with the production team from this season. I felt the bad language and behavior throughout the series did go too far,” Walsh said.
The Sydney cast consists of spiritual goddess AthenaX Levendi, businesswoman Lisa Oldfield alongside former model Krissy Marsh, day spa queen Matty Samaei, ’90s pop star Melissa Tkautz, former Miss World Nicole O’Neill and socialite Victoria Rees.
Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that New Zealand's very own The Real Housewives of Auckland has been picked up by Bravo and will make its U.S. debut this summer.
The Real Housewives of Sydney and The Real Housewives of Auckland are produced by Matchbox Pictures for NBCUniversal, same producers who are behind The Real Housewives of Melbourne, which filming is currently underway for Season 4, which is set to air later this year on Foxtel's Arena.
I find it ridiculous that Bravo passed on RHOS when most of the American Housewives series are more extreme and dramatic, especially after RHOA shocking reunion and RHOC and RHONJ's past dramatic moments. It's unfortunate because I found the first season of RHOS amazingly good and addicting to watch.
What are your thoughts?! Are you guys sad that The Real Housewives of Sydney will not air in the U.S.?! Sound off in the comment section below!
Photo Credit: Foxtel