The Real Housewives of D.C.

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Real Housewives of D.C. Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

These housewives are all about social politics and power.

Bravo Reality TV 2010
Rate TV

Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 16+

Based on 2 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that, like its many sister series, this installment of the Real Housewives franchise follows wealthy, privileged women -- this time, a group trying to secure their place in Washington, D.C.'s inner circle. Much of the talk centers on politics, networking, and material wealth, but race and race relations are also themes. Like its predecessors, the show features lots of catty behavior among the women, as well as plenty of drinking (wine, champagne, cocktails) and some strong language. The controversy surrounding "White House party crasher" Micheale Salahi's attendance at a state dinner without authorization is included in the show.

Community Reviews

Sebastian C.
Sebastian C. Adult
August 5, 2016
age 2+

Very terrible show

The same thing over and over across its 69 other series
Rosie Glough
Rosie Glough Adult
August 6, 2010
age 17+

shallow superficial total waste of time

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF D.C. follows five affluent women as they secure their place in the capitol's inner circle. There's second generation Washingtonian Mary Schmidt Amons; Lynda Erikiletian, owner and founder of T.H.E. Artist Modeling Agency; high-end realtor Stacie Scott Turner; British writer Catherine Ommanney; and model Michaele Salahi, whose well-publicized efforts to be close to President Obama made national headlines. From organizing political fundraisers to participating in civic activities, the women work hard at looking good and living well while walking the fine line between politics and high society.

Is It Any Good?

This installment of the Real Housewives franchise is best known for its "White House party crashers" controversy, thanks to Michaele and husband Tareq Salahi's well-publicized (and uninvited) attendance at a state dinner, which resulted in a federal investigation. But what really sets this iteration apart from the others shows is its focus on power and politics rather than just material wealth.

Thanks to a combination of higher education and the unique sociopolitical hierarchy they must navigate in D.C., the cast members of this show appear slightly more sophisticated than many of the housewives featured in Atlanta , New Jersey, and Orange County. But, like their fellow housewives, having money and the ability to spend it still plays a major role in their lives.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of the Real Housewives "brand." What's the appeal of these shows? What kinds of messages do they send about consumerism?

  • How does the show portray Washington, D.C.? Do you think everyone who lives there is interested in politics? Do you think shows like this one offer a real look into what living there is like?

  • The show's creators chose to feature a cast member whose public actions led to some very negative consequences. What are the pros and cons of that choice? Do you agree with it?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate