What it’s Like to be a Part of RHOBH

I get this question A LOT so let’s just get right into it…

WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE FOR MY FAMILY BEING ON TV??

Well, in regards to The Housewives, I think everyone in my family has a different experience— and of course it’s my mom (Kyle Richards) who is the most impacted after 12 seasons on a hit reality show—both for the bad and for the good.

Let’s talk about the good first. I know that because my mom has had this platform over the last decade+ it’s allowed her to pursue some of her biggest dreams. She’s written a book, opened a clothing store, launched a clothing brand, but most importantly, the platform has allowed her to pursue and get back to her true passions—being both in front and behind the camera.

Through the network she has built within the industry she’s been able to bring TV projects to the screen (American Woman and others in the works), and get back to her acting roots (most recently Halloween and The Real Housewives of the North Pole). And my mom herself will give credit where it’s due—she has said that she’s been able to do a lot of these things from the respect that she’s garnered being known as one of the OG Beverly Hills Housewives, and I truly believe she is just getting started.

As for the DOWNSIDE of the job… Knowing my mom personally and her close-knit girlfriends that have basically been surrounding her since I was born, my mom does not fight with her friends, nor does she partake in drama in her real life. In fact, the opposite, she’s her friends’ biggest supporter in every way. However, when it comes to being a Housewife, you know what you’re signing up for and basically she’s understood the assignment for the last 12 seasons— bringing the drama and, for the most part, giving the audience what they want: a great and juicy show. But that does not mean that it is not draining, exhausting, and perhaps surprisingly to some, a LOT of work. To have to always be ON, looking good, entertaining and funny, ready to bring the heat—even when you aren’t feeling great or up to it—and having to walk the fine line between trying to bring about the perfect amount of drama so as not to have an army of haters come after you. There are a lot of judgmental viewers out there and those hurtful comments can weigh heavily on your mental health.

So in actual reality, what my mom does is no easy feat and I have SO much respect for her and how she handles all of the pressure. And the way that she is able to balance her career AND her marriage AND being a mom (and dog mom), all so seemingly effortlessly. When in fact it’s not effortless and she puts in a LOT of effort every day into all areas of her life, which is why she’s so successful at all of them. She’s my superhero and biggest role model. 

I can say that for myself, I get to experience just as much or just as little as I want to in terms of being involved in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I’m the only one out of my sisters that have lived out of the house and on my own since I was 17 years old, so my life doesn’t get interrupted with a whole camera crew of people in my home six days per week, six months out of the year. My sisters, on the other hand, do have to deal with the cameras constantly around but thankfully I don’t think it phases them that much as they’re all just so used to it being a part of our everyday lives. If I don’t feel like filming or being on camera, I just don’t show up to events or to my parent’s house if I know it’s a RHOBH film day. But if I do agree to shoot a scene, then that’s my personal choice and I can mentally prepare prior by knowing what’s happening that day, plan my outfit, get a blowout—whatever it may be. 

So essentially, when it comes to RHOBH, I’ve been able to exist on the periphery of it, enjoying the benefits or the “perks” of being part of a family that’s on TV, while bowing out when I’m in no mood or just want to stay out of the spotlight and do my own thing. 

I’m still amazed though, at just how much people in the world truly love my mom and what a fan favorite she is, even despite some of the haters out there. It’s especially fun for me knowing that a lot of my favorite actresses and celebs out there are also fans of my MOTHER and know who our family is (like the time Rihanna recognized my sister Alexia out and about at the club?! Like Whattt?!).

There are FAR more people that love my mom than the latter and for good reason. She’s down to earth, authentic, relatable, an incredible wife and mother, and has an amazing head on her shoulders. And people see that. Almost everywhere we go, out to dinner, on vacation in the middle of nowhere, fans are stopping at our table to introduce themselves or to ask for a selfie with her or with the family. When I’m alone and I get stopped by a fan, I still get so surprised—I’m like turning around and saying “Who, Me?? Are you sure?” Lol. And I get confused because I often forget that we’re on TV and that some people actually know who we are. It’s definitely a bit of an out-of-body experience at times, but I always love meeting all of you who come up and introduce yourselves because you’re ALL part of our experience, and we are grateful for it and for each and every one of you that have supported us along this journey. THANK YOU.

xx Farrah