Reality check
Bravo TV gets real with new unscripted series set in San Antonio
Are you ready for the Real Housewives of Bexar County? On April 11, Bravo Media announced that not only is the network expanding to seven nights of primetime programming, but it is starting production on a new show in San Antonio. Though details are scarce, the premise looks suspiciously similar to the popular reality TV franchise that brought the world NeNe Leakes, Ramona Singer, and Countess Luann.
The new reality show, or as the network’s release prefers to call it, "premium unscripted content," isn't confirmed as part of the Real Housewives. Instead, the series is green-lit under the working title Untitled San Antonio Project.
According to the release, the series “follows a tight-knit group of women and their families living in San Antonio, Texas, who are affluent, sophisticated U.S. citizens or recently naturalized citizens of Mexican descent. In their upscale and beautiful gated communities, these women will face a new set of challenges in adapting to U.S. culture while working to keep their roots alive and well.”
“Affluent,” “upscale,” “beautiful gated communities”? Sure sounds like Real Housewives to us.
Details, including casting, are still in the formative stages, but looking at one of the production companies involved, viewers shouldn’t expect a measured documentary. PGS Films is most known for bombastic shows on the National Geographic Channel, TLC, and TruTV, such as Branson Famous, Virgin Diaries, and Email Order Bride.
The new slate of shows does, however, add diversity to Bravo. Another new series called Mexican Dynasties is set in Mexico City and follows three wealthy families in the entertainment, beverage, and luxury car industries. The show promises to challenge stereotypes and showcase the revealing, luxurious, and over the top lifestyles in this cosmopolitan destination.”
Other shows on the slate include Welcome to Waverly, a Green Acres-style concept that drops a group of city dwellers in the rural U.S. heartland; a new show from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy alums Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia; and several other series centered around real estate and interior design.
Along with the rest of the new productions, Untitled San Antonio Project will debut in the fall. Exact premiere dates will be announced later in the year.
