'Summer House' is back for season 6: The best Bravo shows ranked

By Megan Riedlinger 2:39am PST, Jan 25, 2022

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Oh, the wonderful world of Bravo! The network has brought us some of the most beloved reality shows of all time — from the catty glamour of the "Real Housewives" franchise to the unexpectedly addictive world of the yacht crews on "Below Deck" — so to show our love (and to celebrate the season 6 debut of "Summer House" in January 2022), Wonderwall.com is ranking the network's best shows currently on the air (sorry "Gallery Girls," "The Real Housewives of Miami" and "NYC Prep"!). So where does your fave land on the list? Keep reading to find out…

19. "The Real Housewives of Dallas"

"The Real Housewives of Dallas" is a fairly new franchise, but don't count the ladies out in the drama department. Fans are treated to a glimpse into the lives of wealthy Texans including besties Stephanie Hollman and Brandi Redmond as well as controversial former carnival worker-turned-socialite LeeAnne Locken. Despite not being one of the most watched "Housewives" franchises, Dallas has often been progressive with casting and bringing social issues to the forefront. Season 4 shed light on racism within the community when the show's first Mexican American housewife, Kary Brittingham, joined the show, causing LeeAnne to leave the series. And season 5 introduced Tiffany Moon, Bravo's first Asian American housewife, right as Brandi was in the hot seat after an insensitive video mocking Asians was brought to light.

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18. "Million Dollar Listing New York"

Want a peek inside homes that most of us would likely never get to step foot in? "Million Dollar Listing New York" mixes high-end properties with the competitive world of New York City real estate and the personalities who sell it. Fredrik Eklund and Ryan Serhant have been fixtures since the series premiered back in 2012, and since then, the show has continued to follow luxury real estate agents (including one of Bravo's hunkiest stars — Steve Gold) representing some of the wealthiest people in the country. It's a spinoff of the Los Angeles version of the series (which we'll see higher up on the list). Season 9 premiered in May 2021.

17. "The Real Housewives of Orange County"

Next up is the original "Real Housewives" crew — the ladies of Orange County. This show kick-started it all back in 2006 when it was developed to give viewers a peek behind the curtain and into the lives of upper-class women living in Southern California's ritzy Coto de Caza area. Loosely inspired by the ABC drama "Desperate Housewives," this reality show began with a five-person cast that included the OG of the OC, Vicki Gunvalson. Over the next 14 seasons, we followed Vicki's divorce from Donn Gunvalson, her tumultuous relationship with Brooks Ayers (the famous cancer faker) and subsequent relationship with Steve Lodge before she ultimately announced she'd be parting ways with "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in January 2020. Along the way, we met her friends and frenemies in a rotating cast that's included memorable personalities like obscenely wealthy Heather Dubrow (wife of "Botched" star Dr. Terry Dubrow), wacky Shannon Storms Beador (who also went through a contentious divorce in front of the cameras) and "Jesus Jugs" herself, Alexis Bellino (who also later split from her hubby, Jim Bellino… after the cameras stopped rolling). There were also those who weren't as popular — like the most short-lived (and widely disliked) cast member, Peggy Sulahian, another Peggy — Peggy Tanous, who lasted for just one season as a main and one as a guest — and Quinn Fry, who joined in the middle of season 3 and then tagged along as a guest for a few more years. "RHOC" also spawned two very short-lived spinoffs — "Date My Ex: Jo & Slade" and "Tamra's OC Wedding." Season 14 kicked off in October 2020 and chronicled the ladies living through the coronavirus pandemic, though fans weren't loving the cast that year. If fact, a whopping three cast members received the boot ahead of season 15 — Braunwyn Windham-Burke, Kelly Dodd and Elizabeth Vargas.

16. "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City"

How did a franchise with only a handful of episodes so far land on this list? If you don't know, you obviously haven't watched "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City"! This "Housewives" iteration, which launched in late 2020, is a breath of fresh air in the Bravo world as it gives a glimpse into different aspects of a city usually associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The diverse cast and some drama developing from the very first episode (including a cast member who's married to her step-grandfather!) provided for a very entertaining freshman season. And the arrest of cast member Jen Shah in early 2021 (while cameras were rolling for season 2) ensures this one is only going to get better as season 2 debuts in September 2021!

15. "The Real Housewives of New Jersey"

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" debuted in 2009 and includes one of the most famous people in the Bravo universe — Teresa Giudice. Fans have watched her go through a lot — including a year-long stint in prison and the end of her 20-year marriage. Ironically, after Teresa flipped a table during a season 1 altercation with then-frenemy Danielle Staub, she mended fences with Danielle and the two played a large part in season 10's most scandalous moment — the hair-pull between Danielle and Margaret Josephs. Though Teresa is the only original cast member still starring on the show, the series has featured plenty of beloved housewives over the years and has even resulted in two spinoffs — "Manzo'd with Children" and "Teresa Checks In."

14. "Vanderpump Rules"

Though "Vanderpump Rules" has faced its fair share of scrutiny, especially in 2020, the show still makes the list thanks to its wildly entertaining first eight seasons. Since 2013, audiences have been captivated by this inordinately good-looking crew of restaurant workers at Lisa Vanderpump's Sur. From Jax Taylor and Stassi Schroeder's complicated relationship to James Kennedy's "it's not about the pasta!" scandal to Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz's triumphant opening of TomTom with Lisa and Ken, one thing is for sure in the Vanderpump world — it's never boring! Though we still don't know what season 9 will bring — or even when it will air — we're sure the waiters and bartenders of Sur will ensure it stays interesting.

13. "Married to Medicine"

The next show on our list is a long-running Bravo series that's amassed a legion of diehard fans — "Married to Medicine." It debuted in 2013 and has since spawned two spinoffs, "Married to Medicine: Los Angeles" and "Married to Medicine: Houston." Part of the magic of the series is how it's retained original cast members — with a whopping five stars remaining from the first season. Dr. Jackie Walters, Dr. Simone Whitmore, Toya Bush-Harris and Quad Webb all continue to show off their busy lives as doctors or the wives of doctors in the Atlanta community. Season 8 debuted in March 2021 and chronicled the women's lives as they dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

12. "Below Deck Sailing Yacht"

Don't sleep on "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." The "Below Deck" spinoff debuted in 2020 with Adam Glick serving as the familiar face in the galley after appearing on two seasons of "Below Deck Mediterranean." The surly chef's rocky relationship with chief stew Jenna MacGillivray led to plenty of drama during the series' inaugural season, but the second season is where the show truly hit its stride. Captain Glenn Shepard (seen here) was the only returning cast member, but the entirely new crew served up a must-watch season thanks to demanding yacht guests and incestuous crew behavior that resulted in a love triangle and the very first "Below Deck" baby after second stew Dani Soares welcomed daughter Lilly in 2021 (Dad is reportedly Dani's boat-romance partner, deckhand Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux). If they continue to provide even half the drama of season 2, this third spinoff is set to rival the entertainment value of the original!

11. "Family Karma"

Despite only being in its second season, "Family Karma" is already a beloved staple on the network. This show is a perfect example of Bravo's unique reality TV storytelling as it lets viewers into the very specific world of the Indian community in Miami, Florida. It features a well-cast group of childhood friends, some of whom are still living with their parents and battling between adhering to their family's traditional lifestyles and a more American way of life. The second season is proving to be even juicier than the first as there's more focus on the parents than in the inaugural season, a move that's providing some serious intergenerational drama.

10. "Shahs of Sunset"

"Shahs of Sunset" — which follows the dramatic lives of a group of Persian friends in Beverly Hills — has been a binge go-to on Bravo since 2012. The show's featured four of the same original cast members over the years — best friends-turned-enemies Reza Farahan and Mercedes Javid, wildcard Golnesa Gharachedaghi and the romantically challenged Mike Shouhed — and continuously tracks all of the group's ups and downs from falling outs and restraining orders to marriages and babies. Season 9 debuted in 2021, proving the show can still entertain.

9. "Southern Charm"

Next up? A Bravo staple since 2014 — "Southern Charm." This ensemble reality show that chronicles a group of friends in Charleston, South Carolina, has continuously served up phenomenal television thanks to Thomas Ravenel and much-younger Kathryn Calhoun Dennis's roller-coaster relationship (and two kids together!) and the hijinx of the bromance of Shep Rose and Craig Conover. Though season 7 was the first without Cameran Eubanks, its October 2020 debut was still as charming as usual.

8. "Below Deck Mediterranean"

"Below Deck Mediterranean" takes the next spot because it brings us all the reality TV drama we need from gorgeous exotic locals in the Mediterranean. This spinoff of the original "Below Deck" started in 2016 and used chef Ben Robinson to bridge the gap between the two. He worked on the first season aboard the Ionian Princess where we were also introduced to chief stew Hannah Ferrier, who would star on the show for its next four seasons. Captain Sandy, another Bravo fave, took the yacht over beginning on season 2; polarizing deck crew member Malia White has also kept fans watching as she's popped up on the show on and off. After Hannah was dramatically fired from the boat on season 5 — she then went on to welcome her first child and get engaged — new chief stew Katie Flood took her spot for 2021's season 6. (She has "Below Deck Med" ties of her own — she once dated season 4 alum Jack Stirrup!)

7. "The Real Housewives of Atlanta"

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" is coming up on its 14th season! This third installment of the "Housewives" franchises debuted in 2008 with breakout stars NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak-Biermann kicking off the inaugural season. Though both women have since left the show, the series has continued to bring on new fan favorites. Songwriter and former Xscape member Kandi Burruss, who joined during season 2, continues to star, as does Cynthia Bailey, who joined during season 3. The show has made stars out of Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore and continues to be one of the wildest, most entertaining cities in the franchise. Our only complaint? It's time to give "friend of the cast" Marlo Hampton a peach!

6. "Summer House"

"Summer House" has been a sleeper hit that's grown on Bravo viewers since its 2017 debut. A hybrid of "The Real World" and "Big Brother" mixed with a dash of Bravo's own "Vanderpump Rules," this series actually launched as a crossover episode with the latter, with some "Vanderpump" stars stopping by the party house in Montauk to introduce audiences to the show. Since then, the cast's antics have continued to entertain, with one couple going from casual hookup to engaged and others slowly breaking up right in front of the cameras (paging Lindsay and Everett!). Newcomers Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner infused new life into the show beginning on season 3, and despite the coronavirus pandemic, the cast managed to film season 5 in the vacation home — and deliver one of the best seasons yet! Season 6 debuts in January 2022.

5. "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles"

The perfect hybrid of a quintessential Bravo show and HGTV real estate intrigue, "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" has become a beloved series on the network. We think this version edges out its spinoff that films on the other side of the country thanks to one man — Josh Flagg. The hilarious Beverly Hills-born agent has been a fixture on the series since season 2, and though he and the rotating cast infuse a little of their own drama and help guide us through the world of high-end Southern California real estate, the true stars are the insanely expensive and beautiful properties around L.A. The show has been running since 2006 and has resulted in three spinoffs focused on New York, Miami and San Francisco.

4. "The Real Housewives of Potomac"

In the Bravo fan community, the general consensus is that our next pick is severely underrated. "The Real Housewives of Potomac" is a relatively new franchise — it debuted in 2016 — but it has impressively retained the most original cast members. Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon and Karen Huger all continue to star on the show, allowing viewers to follow their interesting lives in this wealthy city near Washington, D.C. From a husband accused of infidelity with men to one of the most intense physical altercations we've seen on a franchise yet to some of the best confessional digs in the business, there are innumerable reasons to get hooked on this series. Fortunately for those new to the wonderful world of Bravo, this franchise is easier to get caught up on as it's only on season 6 as of 2021. And boy do we recommend diving into the craziness that is Potomac!

3. "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

Of all the franchises, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" invites Bravo lovers into a different level of wealth thanks to the over-the-top glamour of the 90210. For 11 seasons, fans have followed OG housewife Kyle Richards and a group of women that's included restaurant mogul-turned-Bravo superstar Lisa Vanderpump, soap star-turned-phenomenal pot-stirrer Lisa Rinna and dance music singer-turned-Broadway star Erika Jayne (aka Erika Girardi) over the years. With lots of cast movement since its 2010 debut, we've continued to be entertained by the ritzy residents of some of Los Angeles's most expensive neighborhoods — while getting relatable drama like family in-fighting between the Richards sisters, children getting into trouble (remember Bella Hadid's DUI, anyone?), Camille Grammer's marriage to TV star Kelsey ending before our eyes, and the loathed storyline of a rescue dog returned to a shelter. This franchise also gets extra points for helping launch careers for the ladies' kiddos as well — Yolanda Hadid's three children, Bella, Gigi and Anwar, are all successful models now, and Lisa R.'s daughters are often in the news (Amelia Hamlin, most recently, since she started dating Scott Disick in late 2020).

2. "Below Deck"

It's time to get to the OG version of "Below Deck." The show that started it all back in 2013 follows the happenings on a yacht run by Captain Lee Rosbach. More recently, it's become one of Bravo's highest rated series thanks to the twofold drama each episode serves up — the fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ultra-rich yacht renters plus the dramatic mingling of the lives of those working on these chartered yachts. Between temperamental chefs (Chef Ben, anyone?) and one of our favorite Bravo personalities of all time, chief stew Kate Chastain, this franchise edges out its spinoffs for delivering consistent crew drama and blessing us with Kate's hilariously quick quips to land in the runner-up spot.

1. "The Real Housewives of New York City"

It might have been the second installment in the franchise, but "The Real Housewives of New York City" takes the No. 1 spot on our list. Though original cast members Luann de Lesseps and Ramona Singer continue to bring the laughs and drama season after season, this show stands out thanks to its entire array of perfectly cast characters. Unlike some of the other "Housewives" franchises, "RHONY" has managed to continue to find women who quickly become just as iconic as the OGs (can you imagine the show without Sonja Morgan?). And even though fans were worried about a "RHONY" season sans Bethenny Frankel, season 12 was as entertaining as ever — thanks in part to the impeccable casting of new housewife Leah McSweeney. Whereas storylines drag on forever on certain shows (ahem, #Puppygate on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"), the ladies of New York keep things moving at a quicker pace and have us cackling in a way that other shows don't. Add to that amazing elements like Luann's cabaret career and Dorinda Medley's iconic lines, and it's easy to see why New York takes the top spot in our hearts for continuing to "make it nice"… even as it goes on without Ms. Medley, whom we've missed dearly on season 13.