Ok, I’ll admit it.Maybe I have been wrong about reality television’s most famous family.The infamous TV clan, all with names that start with K, has pioneered the genre. Taking the mantle after the success ofThe Osbournes,Kris,Kim,Kourtney,Khloe,Kylie, andKendallhave ensured that their dynasty of series is always on people’s minds. While they may not be high-quality or life-changing, The Kardashians are entertainment. If you take them for what they are,The KardashiansandKeeping Up with the Kardashiansare guilty pleasure viewing.
The Kardashian-Jenners, as a reality television family, have been part of the media zeitgeist since 2007. When they first blew up, they received a wall of criticism for who they were and how they portrayed themselves. At the time,Keeping Up with the Kardashianswas adocu-follow series about a family that was well beyond our reach.Yet they gave us access to their world in a manner that almost made us feel as if we were part of their family. Of course, that sentiment couldn’t be far from true, but that was the appeal. Their first-world problems were entertainingly hilarious, but it was their accessibility as a family that made them relatable. As one show ended, another show began, and the access was still present, even if their success, fame, and notoriety became even further out of reach. But now, in its sixth season,The Kardashiansis still a show that maintains the family’s mission: entertain.
Why the Famous For Being Famous Family Is Still Famous
WhenKeeping Up with the Kardashiansfirst began, it was a series that documented the professional and personal lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Taking a page from its predecessor series, following famous families, parents, and siblings allowed the cameras to capture the action, for better or for worse. Because the series was a secret-less escapade into every aspect of their lives, viewers were privy to everything. Personal drama, love life, professional achievements, and complete and utter reality television fodder. But it worked. It was entertaining. Over the span of 20 seasons in 14 years, the show developed a following because viewers couldn’t get enough.They knew that if a headline was made, it was going to be presented in one shape or form on the show.
When the show and its spin-offsended their partnership on E!, the famous for being famous family was eager for more. So, they signed with Hulu for a retooled examination of their lives onThe Kardashians. It was the same show, yet different. Even though it was a continuation, in the same sense thatThe Braxtonsis a continuation ofBraxton Family Values, the tone was slightly different.The personalities were still the same, so why did it feel like a completely separate program?E! and Hulu certainly present different vibes. Was that why?
In 2022, Khloe Kardashian shared why the change came. “We wanted to be with someone that’s tech forward, so we’re with the times,”Khloé told Variety.“For us to be still on cable was just not so on brand for us.“Also, let’s be real, money talks. And Hulu, which is under Disney, had the budget to give the family what they wanted. Considered the “premium” version of the original series, the continuation series still racked up the views, withthe premiere becoming the most-watched series premiere for a streaming service in the United States within the first three days.
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On June 26, 2025, Blue Origin launched the first all-women crew into space.
‘The Kardashians’ Is True To Their Brand
The thing withThe Kardashiansis it’s not necessarily meant for new viewers. It’s a series dedicated to devoted fans. Even if it’s repackaged,The Kardashiansis truly the upgraded show of yore. They’re all just in the next stages of their lives. Andthatis why The Kardashians is not a boring show. The fanbase that has followed the women since the start has likely grown up with them, likely as young adults or individuals of the same age. Perhaps they’ve gotten married and started a family in a parallel timeline as the Kardashian-Jenners. They, too, may be at a stage in their lives where they may be a grandmother like Kris,who has thirteen of her own. Yes, the major difference is we’re not dating celebrities worth more money than we can ever imagine. The accessibility and lack thereof is what makes this family who they are. For some, the novelty has worn off.They may believe that they’ve worn out their welcome, but they’re just not going anywhere.
The Kardashiansdoes censor some major events and incidents. Let’s be frank, should the series touch upon some of the mind-boggling headlines, it could harm the integrity of the show and alienate its viewers. While some fans may want people like Kim Kardashian to take vocal accountability for the actions of the father of her children, that’s just not what the show is. The show could easily be considered a long-lasting ad for every product, endorsement, and campaign the family has, but again, viewers knew what they’re signing up for.Brand management is the Kardashian-Jenner brand.Watching boring people do mundane things through the lens of wealth is what the show has become. It’s like watching theBig Brotherlive feeds each summer. The die-hard fans want it!The storylines may be running thin.There is a reality that this reality show could be canceled at some point, but if the family is going to be in the public eye, they’re going to keep the cameras rolling. And there will be individuals watching intently, invested in every waking moment.
The Kardashians
