The Kardashians have had an incredible journey, moving past critics who once dismissed them as “famous for being famous.”
This celebrity reality TV family has been a staple on our screens since October 2007. Of course, back then, they were on E! Entertainment.
However, after 20 remarkable seasons and a few notable spinoffs in between, they moved to Hulu, which is housed under Disney+ in SA.
The reality series centres, and continues to largely focus, on the famous “momager” Kris Jenner and her daughters, Kim, Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian. Of course, Kylie and Kendall Jenner make it onto a few frames – but it is the three older sisters that steal the limelight.
Fans have watched them evolve into powerhouse entrepreneurs, build their families, get married (more than once in some cases – cough, Kim), go through painful breakups, scandals and milestones.
Rob used to feature more prominently at the start of the reality series, but he chose to keep away from the spotlight after doing “Rob and Chyna”, followed by a messy breakup.
His battle with his weight also impacted his mental health.
Before I get lost in memory lane, let’s look at season 7 of “The Kardashians”. When you look at the reality TV landscape, it’s safe to say that this celebrity family has set a benchmark.
While most shows tend to wane or get stuck in a repetitive vortex, this one hits different. It’s got the drama, but it served gracefully and, in Khloe’s case, with a resting bitch face.
There is something admirable about how, despite their disagreements, they still maintain that wholesome family bond.
Of the episodes so far, Kim takes the lead. Then again, if memory serves me well, she’s always been the drawcard.
The appeal of the reality show remains, despite the fact that major life developments often make headlines even before the show broadcasts.
This time around, word of her brain aneurysm became a talking point as well as Kim’s major TV role in Ryan Murphy’s “All Fair”, which, despite the harsh criticism, has been given the greenlight for a new season.
Talk about art imitating real life, playing a lawyer is definitely a dream come true for her, especially with her wanting to follow in her late father’s legal footsteps.
As much as she’s in the public eye, attending key social events like the Met Gala, it’s clear that her kids are her priority.
Her bond with North West, who is her biggest supporter, also comes through. In many ways, Kim is emulating Kris by championing her children’s passions.
The scenes with her taking Psalm for his voice-over role in “Angry Birds 3” are precious.
Despite everything she has going on in her life, she still makes time to check in on her sisters.
She’s the ultimate girl boss.
Khloé is stepping into her own era, launching her “Khloé in Wonder Land” podcast with Kris, Kourtney and her bestie Scott Disick all cracking the nod as guests.
Aside from cute moments with her kids, she is just living her carefree life.
Meanwhile, Kourtney appears to be in her own bubble with her blended family. She’s put some distance between herself and the family.
She demonstrates a deficit in emotional intelligence during her interactions with both Kim and Kourtney. In one scene, where Kim is opening up about her health scare, she interrupts her to ask if she’s ever eaten a date with butter.
Like what the actual…
Kourtney’s personality change is noticeable to everyone but her.
This season, Kris’s OCD has reached a new peak. And everyone is picking up on it, trying to help her get a grip on it in different ways.
She’s the ultimate mama bear, of course, celebrating her family’s win and championing them from the sidelines. There might be a few “I told you so” moments sprinkled in between, but she’s earned that right.
Kendall and Kylie’s appearances on the show aren’t anything to write home about.
So far, there have been two memorable events. One was Kris hosting Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson and Niecy Nash for a “Fatal Attraction” movie date night.
Paulson couldn’t get over how gorgeous Kris’s home was. And the fangirl moment between Kris and Close was adorable.
The other was Caitlyn Jenner, making a guest appearance as the family said goodbye to their old home, which held precious memories for everyone. It was a bit of a kumbaya moment, for sure.
The bottom line is that while you either love or hate them, “The Kardashians” know how to reel an audience in and keep them hooked.
Having set a clear benchmark over 27 seasons, this show offers a mix of everything. It provides aspirational content that is heartfelt, engaging and dramatic. Besides, it’s the closest viewers will get to the inner circle of this royal family of reality TV.
Rating: **** a standout series with exceptional qualities.