2022’s most anticipated reality shows
Young, Famous & African (Netflix)
There was a lot of excitement last year when Netflix announced
Young, Famous & African. We had long been calling for a modern reality show that showcases the lives of affluent Africans similar to Singapore Social, Made In Mexico and Bling Empire. Finally the call was answered. The 8-episode show is the brainchild of media mavens Peace Hyde, Adelaide Joshua-hill and Martin Asare-amankwa. The glitzy reality series follows some of the most popular celebrities in the continent. The cast is from South Africa, Nigeria and East Africa. South Africa will be represented by Khanyi Mbau, rapper Nadia Nakai, celebrity DJ and broadcaster the Naked DJ, and Andile Ncube. Award-winning content creator Zari the Boss Lady, of Uganda, will be on the show, as will Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, Nigerian actress Annie Macaulsay-idibia and Swanky
Jerry, stylist to the stars. The show was shot in Johannesburg and is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2022.
Real Housewives of Cape Town & Real Housewives of Lagos (Showmax)
Real Housewives fever has got us all in a chokehold thanks to the escapism that it offers. The outrageous antics of the cast are always a topic of conversation. After the success of the Durban and Joburg versions, we now can expect the Cape Town and Lagos wives to hit our screens. While the casts have not been announced, there are people who have shared moments with rumoured cast members in both cities. We are looking forward to seeing those two cities through the eyes of the housewives.
Bling Empire (Netflix)
In the difficult days of the pandemic in late 2020 and early 2021, there were many deaths around us and a lot of people found solace in Bridgerton and Bling Empire. The latter was something we had not been exposed to before – a look into the lives of wealthy Asians who live in Los Angeles. We loved that it features people who are unapologetic about their wealth. Whether inherited or worked for, they revelled in their privilege, access and showed just how glitzy and extravagant their world is. And yet, the show revealed how even the wealthiest people have problems – from intimate partner abuse to fertility problems, feelings of not belonging and abandonment issues.
The 10-episode series had us all obsessed with the cast, especially the rivalry between socialites Anna Shay and Christine Alexandra Chiu. While the second season was announced, there has been no word on when it will arrive on screen.
The Kardashians (Hulu/ Disney+)
While Keeping Up With the Kardashians has ended, they will continue telling the story of their dramatic lives on their new show,
The Kardashians. Kris Jenner has said that the show is an opportunity for a new chapter for the family. “You’ll see us evolving as a family. Fans want us to be who we are, and since moment one, they’ve been emotionally invested in our show just like we are,” she said when the show was announced.