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DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

WITH shutting down after 20 roller-coaster seasons, the hype around the final chapter has intensified.

After being a major part of the lives of die-hard fans across the globe since 2007, this is as bittersweet for viewers as it is for the cast.

Although, Kim has been dropping hints about something else in the pipeline. So maybe there is a silver lining, after all.

One of the most influential reality TV families, they’ve kept us suitably entertained with their rocky relationships, divorces, scandals, exciting new romances, babies galore, meltdowns as well as extravagant holidays and celebrations.

For viewers trying to figure out how they are going to wile away their time on the couch, below are four shows that will help fill the void.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES FRANCHISE (Netflix)

With so many spin-offs on the go, this reality franchise has become a runaway hit. When money is no question and days consist of pamper sessions and arranging soirées that will be the talk of the town, this franchise is an addictive case study into the lives of the rich and famous.

Behind the botox fillers, plastic surgery and fake smiles, there’s always plenty of histrionics among the close circle of friends (and foes).

Classiness sometimes goes out the door. But, boy oh boy, is it worth every delicious nibble of popcorn.

THE RANAKAS (Showmax)

Fans of which offered an intimate look at the radio and television presenter as she found her feet in the businessworld, too, can experience the craziness, laughs and drama of the entire Ranaka clan.

Any decision made becomes a family affair. And everyone weighs in on situations that arise. As much as it's sincere, funny and warm, it’s also in-your-face as there are no holds barred when the bombshells are dropped.

LOVE & MARRIAGE: (Showmax) HUNTSVILLE

As the title suggests, the series looks at loved-up couples.

But it's not as straightforward as one would expect. The real estate industry in the flourishing city of Huntsville, Alabama, is a crucial part of it along with the family routines and social get-togethers. The show also looks at couples planning their future together It’s a slick offering underpinned by tantrums, cattiness and drama.

The cast don’t hold back when it comes to speaking their mind. With so many strong personalities in one show, clashes are par for the course. Brace yourself.

LEBO M – COMING HOME (Showmax)

The legendary producer, composer, arranger and performer was surprised to find himself agreeing to a reality show. In a way, it showcases him coming full circle. It also gave him an opportunity to dispel his “womaniser” reputation that has shadowed him throughout his career, while also introducing his family.

Like most families, they are not impervious to life’s challenges but are united by their blood bond.

Digital fashion is also riding high on the sustainability ticket, with advocates claiming that its positive environmental impact far outweighs any “suffering” endured by fashionistas, especially now that they have nowhere to go.

The cutting of physical production addresses all the main criticisms against the traditional fashion industry – factories, poor labour practices, and package and transport pollution, such advocates say.

To be fair, not all virtual fashion will make a hole in your very real pocket.

Gucci became the first mainstream brand to support digital fashion, with creative director Alessandro Michele last month launching Gucci’s Virtual 25 Sneakers – chunky, neon green, pink and blue shoes that feature the iconic GC logo on the sole of the shoe and inflatable tongue.

To try them on, you download the Gucci app and pay R228.

Speaking to the psychological impact of this changing dynamic, Professor Carolyn Mair, a behavioural psychologist specialising in fashion, told The Guardian she believed digital fashion could scratch the same itch as fast fashion.

“Humans are wired to seek out novelty and pleasing aesthetics, which is why the essence of fashion is that it keeps reinventing itself.

“Digital outfits could satisfy this need, giving the same self-esteem boost as the much-maligned trend for people to wear new outfits each time they post on social media, but without making physical garments to be sent to landfill.

“It is also true escapism, which much appeals at the moment.

“It takes us into the impossible. In an artificial virtual world we can be whoever we want to be,” Mair said.

THE cast of Love & Marriage: Huntsville, which you can watch on Showmax.