The Housewives

The Housewives
Genre	Reality
Created by	Stannon Vertersberg Christos Demetrius Constanza Vaela
Theme music composer	Ignacio Geltz DJ Bucha Tajuela
Country of origin	Nouvelle Alexandrie  Natopia  Craitland  Senya  Taktwinkel  Constancia (1701 AN)  Benacian Union (1701 AN}
Production
Running time	45 minutes
Release
Original release	1694 AN

The Housewives is a New Alexandrian and Natopian reality television franchise created and broadcast by Metropolis Television (MT) and NAT-TV, starting in 1694 AN with The Housewives of Lindström in Natopia. Following the initial and immediate smashing success of The Housewives of Lindström's first season, the show expanded to include The Housewives of Punta Santiago, later that same year. Each franchise documents the personal and professional lives of a group of influential and affluent women that live around a specific area or city, often reflecting situations that provide a sense of local culture and customs.

Since the initial success of Lindström and Punta Santiago, six other franchises have been produced in the cities of Parap, Chryse, Cherry Trees, Svorgas, Asterapolis, and Sankt Rosa, each being broadcast and produced in partnership with and by local broadcasters. The franchises in Lindström and Punta Santiago have led to several spin-off series; out of which the most successful is It's Momma's House, which has itself had a number of spin-offs on its own.

History

In early 1687 AN, the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Nouvelle Alexandrie launched a new channel, NBC2, devoted to more domestic entertainment programming. As part of this original, domestically-produced programming, NBC2 launched a glamorous, albeit short-lived comedy-drama mystery television series in Nouvelle Alexandrie that offered viewers a glimpse into the opulent lives of some of the nation's most affluent and influential women called "Les Dames de Luxe". The show featured a peek into the lives of the new elite socialites of the nascent Federation, then-called Alduria-Wechua (now Nouvelle Alexandrie), navigating their lavish lifestyles amidst personal and professional dramas. Despite its brief run of fourteen episodes, the show captured the attention of international audiences for its high production values, sharp wit, and an insider's view of the high society. The show became a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations about wealth, power, and privilege in contemporary society in Nouvelle Alexandrie, developing a cult-like following.

The success of Les Dames de Luxe did not go unnoticed by producers in Natopia over at NAT-TV, Natopia's largest private media company. With the Natopian Broadcasting Network (NBN), Natopia's state broadcaster, having secured syndication rights for "Les Dames de Luxe" in Natopia in 1693 AN, triggered a crisis in NAT-TV to compete with the popular program. In addition, Metropolis Television, a New Alexandrian broadcaster, had entered the Natopian market in 1690 AN and had launched a series of popular reality television series that captured Natopian attention. This led to NAT-TV CEO Lawrence Butterson to found a new division for NAT-TV to explore creating reality television programming. Initially, NAT-TV started with syndication of successful New Alexandrian reality TV shows, until Butterson hired Stannon Vertersberg (producer and writer for Natopia's News Today), Christos Demetrius (then working as senior producer and writer for NBN's NewsNight) and Constanca Vaela (then working as a special projects director for Metropolis Television in Nouvelle Alexandrie) to lead the new division. Butterson also leveraged NAT-TV's position as the second largest broadcaster and largest private media company in Natopia to form a partnership with Metropolis Television themselves later that same year, securing additional backing and a wider market for distribution. This resulted in the creation of Survive or Die: The Euran Green, a gripping, survival-themed reality TV show set in the treacherous and diverse landscapes of the Euran Green, and The Housewives, a show that documents the personal and professional lives of a group of affluent women residing in or around a certain city or geographic region. The presentation was wildly successful, resulting in Butterson ordering both shows and committing significant resources to developing and completing the projects.

At the start of 1694 AN, The Housewives of Lindström was released in Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia by Metropolis Television and NAT-TV, respectively. The show was a smash hit in both markets almost instantly, immediately resulting in the commissioning of a second installment later in 1694 AN, The Housewives of Punta Santiago, to capitalize on the growing success of both shows for Metropolis Television and NAT-TV. The stunning success of both franchises catapulted Metropolis Television as a major media company in Natopia and Nouvelle Alexandrie both, and expanded the reach of NAT-TV's programming in Nouvelle Alexandrie.

Expansion and International Growth (1700-1710)

In 1700 AN, the third installment of the franchise was launched with The Housewives of Parap, also becoming another stunning success quickly and catapulting its cast members into instant notoriety. Of particular note was a massive fight that broke out among the cast members towards the end of the season during a cast trip to Punta Santiago at the famous La Estrella de Punta Santiago restaurant.

Freshly off the stunning success of The Housewives of Parap, the Metropolis Television and NAT-TV partnership set off to spawn off the first three international installments of The Housewives: The Housewives of Chryse in the Benacian Union, The Housewives of Cherry Trees in Craitland, and The Housewives of Astérapolis in Constancia. Using the developed connections of NAT-TV abroad, partnerships were secured with broadcasters in the Benacian Union, Constancia, and Craitland with aim of airing in 1701 AN. However, just a few episodes into The Housewives of Chryse and The Housewives of Astérapolis's first seasons, the show sparked significant scandals in the Benacian Union and Constancia, respectively. This resulted in government interventions to end broadcasting of the shows quickly. NAT-TV then abruptly cancelled the shows, resulting in steep losses for the network. The Housewives of Cherry Trees was initially well-received but was met with what were considered "lukewarm" starting viewership numbers through CrTV. As the show continued broadcasting, Housewives of Cherry Trees has grown a special cult-like following in Craitland, as it prominently features the wives of major national footballers and other sport celebrities.

After the stunning failures and cancellations of The Housewives of Chryse and The Housewives of Astérapolis, Metropolis Television and NAT-TV focused on maintaining the existing franchises' quality and staying power, instead opting to develop spin-off series for many of the characters of different franchises who were already successful and were seen as able to carry a series to success. The first and most successful spin-off series is It's Momma's House was launched in 1702 AN, which centers around Mariela Lopez, an Aldurian soap actress and model from The Housewives of Punta Santiago.

Maturation and Format Evolution (1710-1720)

By 1710 AN, The Housewives franchise had entered a period of maturation. With the flagship shows in Lindström and Punta Santiago both entering their 16th seasons, viewer fatigue began to emerge as a significant challenge. Ratings for both shows experienced their first substantial declines, with Lindström dropping nearly 18% from its peak viewership. This prompted a major format revitalization effort led by executive producer Astrid Blackwell, who was brought in to refresh the franchise. The revitalization strategy included a significant cast overhaul for both flagship shows. In Lindström, only two original cast members remained after the Season 16 reunion, with six new personalities introduced for Season 17. The producers also implemented a more structured season arc focused on group travel destinations and themed events. This refresh proved successful, with viewership rebounding by Season 18.

In 1710 AN, the Housewives of Svorgas premiered on Fifth Channel in Senya, marking the franchise's successful entry into another international market. The Senyan adaptation distinguished itself with a focus on the entertainment industry and diplomatic circles, featuring the wives of prominent diplomats, athletes, and entertainment executives. The show's popularity in Senya helped offset the cancellation of It's Momma's House that same year after eight successful seasons.

The early 1710s also saw the first major cast controversy for the franchise when Clarissa Montebond, a fan favorite from The Housewives of Lindström, was abruptly removed from the show following a series of inflammatory remarks about the Dozan Bovic Church. The controversy sparked debates about the responsibility of reality television personalities and resulted in NAT-TV implementing more stringent vetting procedures and contractual behavioral clauses for all cast members across the franchise.

By 1715 AN, all three original franchises had successfully navigated their mid-life challenges and stabilized their viewership. Production budgets increased substantially, allowing for more lavish international trips and elaborate event staging. The franchise also began experimenting with extended season formats, including mid-season specials and "secrets revealed" episodes that featured previously unaired footage.

Division Period Adaptation and New Franchise (1716-1720)

The Division of the Natopian Empire between 1709 AN and 1716 AN presented unique challenges for the franchise, particularly for The Housewives of Lindström. During this period, the show had to navigate the complex political realities of an Empire that was being divided in half, including the political opinions of the cast members (which were very mixed and often heated). Rather than avoid this reality, producers integrated the political division into the show's narrative, creating compelling storylines around fractured friendships and divided loyalties.

The death of Emperor Nathan III in 1716 AN and the subsequent Natopian reintegration process was prominently featured in Season 22 of The Housewives of Lindström, with cast members attending memorial services and discussing the implications of reunification. This integration of significant national events into the show's narrative garnered critical acclaim and some of the highest ratings in the show's history.

Following the success of this approach, NAT-TV commissioned a new franchise installment, The Housewives of Dos Gardenias, which premiered in 1720 AN. This new addition to the franchise focused on the emerging cultural hub of Dos Gardenias. The show featured a diverse cast that included old money aristocracy, tech entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers, reflecting the city's unique position at the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

Franchise Maturity and Challenges (1720-1730)

The 1720s AN marked a period of both stable success and new challenges for The Housewives franchise. With four established Natopian and New Alexandrian installments and two successful international adaptations, the franchise had become a television institution. However, this maturity brought increasing production costs and heightened expectations from both viewers and network executives.

In 1722 AN, The Housewives of Cherry Trees faced its first major crisis when viewership dropped by nearly 30% during its 21st season. The decline was attributed to an aging cast and repetitive storylines. CrTV executives threatened cancellation unless significant changes were implemented. Producer Marlene Vexley orchestrated a bold revitalization strategy that included recruiting two prominent footballers' wives from rival teams, introducing a season-long charity competition element, and filming a controversial three-episode arc in Shireroth. These changes reversed the ratings decline, with viewership increasing by 45% for Season 22.

The Housewives of Parap experienced similar challenges in 1724 AN, when three cast members simultaneously announced their departures following contract disputes. The show's future appeared uncertain as producers struggled to find suitable replacements who could maintain the dynamic group chemistry that had defined the series. After a brief production hiatus, the show returned with a partial reboot that retained three original cast members while introducing four new personalities, including the controversial addition of former New Alexandrian Ambassador to Natopia Isabella Montoya. The revamped cast proved successful, with the "new era" of Parap receiving both critical acclaim and strong ratings.

In 1725 AN, the franchise expanded to Taktwinkel (now part of the Confoederatio Aemilia) with The Housewives of Sankt Rosa, featuring the wives of prominent industrialists and political figures. The Taktwinkel adaptation distinguished itself with a more reserved tone and greater focus on charitable endeavors while maintaining the core elements of the franchise format.

Further International Expansion and First Reboot (1730-1741)

The 1730s AN represented a decade of strategic growth and necessary reinvention for The Housewives franchise. As the original series approached middle age, producers faced the dual challenges of maintaining viewer interest in established shows while continuing to expand the franchise's global footprint.

In 1732 AN, The Housewives of Lindström underwent its most dramatic transformation to date. After 38 seasons, producers made the unprecedented decision to completely reboot the show with an entirely new cast. This decision came after two seasons of declining ratings and increasing production costs associated with the original cast's salary demands. The reboot, marketed as "Lindström: New Generation," featured eight women representing different aspects of modern Natopian society, including a tech entrepreneur, a military officer, a religious leader, and a demesnial politician. The risky strategy paid off, with the reboot attracting both new viewers and lapsed fans curious about the show's new direction.

The Housewives of Svorgas faced a potential cancellation crisis in 1735 AN when Fifth Channel underwent a complete change in leadership. The new management, seeking to rebrand the network with more "prestigious" programming, announced plans to end the show after its 25th season. This announcement prompted an unprecedented fan campaign to save the series, including social media protests and advertiser boycotts. After three months of negotiations, the network reversed its decision, instead agreeing to a reduced episode order and modified production schedule that ultimately preserved the show.

In 1737 AN, The Housewives of Punta Santiago experienced its own near-death experience when a major scandal involving cast member Valentina Fuentes and her husband's financial dealings with the National Orbital Development Corporation threatened to derail the entire production. Multiple sponsors withdrew support, and Metropolis Television executives considered cancellation. The show was saved by a creative restructuring that made Fuentes' legal troubles a central storyline, with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to her legal team and family discussions. This controversial approach resulted in the highest-rated season in the show's history. However, the approach did not work out well for Fuentes. Her husband and her were both found guilty of wire fraud and bribery and are each serving a prison sentence in Alduria.

The Housewives of Dos Gardenias distinguished itself in 1738 AN by introducing the franchise's first-ever male cast member, Jorge Veracruz, a prominent gay fashion designer and social connector know as "La Reina" in Dos Gardenian society. This groundbreaking addition generated significant media attention and helped the youngest Natopian franchise establish its unique identity within the broader Housewives universe.

The Housewives has become one of the longest-running and most profitable television franchises in Micras history. Plans for further expansion continue, with development underway for potential new franchises in other cities, such as Nouvelle Alexandrie's capital, Cárdenas.

List of Shows

Natopian and New Alexandrian franchises

Franchises of The Housewives that originated in Natopia and Nouvelle Alexandrie

Series	Abbrev.	Location	Network	Series premiere	Series finale	No. of seasons
The Housewives of Lindström	HoL	Lindström, Natopia	NAT-TV	11.II.1694 AN	-	47 seasons (as of 1741 AN)
The Housewives of Punta Santiago	HoPS	Punta Santiago, Nouvelle Alexandrie	Metropolis Television (MT)	5.XIV.1694 AN	-	47 seasons (as of 1741 AN)
The Housewives of Parap	HoPA	Parap, Nouvelle Alexandrie	Metropolis Television (MT)	17.IV.1700 AN	-	40 seasons (as of 1741 AN)
The Housewives of Dos Gardenias	HoDOS	Dos Gardenias, Natopia	NAT-TV	8.III.1720 AN	-	21 seasons (as of 1741 AN)

International franchises

International Franchises of The Housewives

Series	Abbrev.	Location	Network	Series premiere	Series finale	No. of seasons
The Housewives of Chryse	HoC	Chryse, Benacian Union	Benacian Home Service Network	5.I.1701 AN	16.II.1701 AN	1 season (3 episodes) Cancelled
The Housewives of Cherry Trees	HoChe	Cherry Trees, Craitland	CrTV	9.IX.1701 AN	-	39 seasons
The Housewives of Svorgas	HoSO	Svorgas, Senya	Fifth Channel	8.III.1710 AN	-	31 seasons
The Housewives of Astérapolis	HoA	Astérapolis, Constancia	Euran Broadcasting Union	8.I.1701 AN	27.IV.1701 AN	1 season (8 episodes) Cancelled
The Housewives of Sankt Rosa	HoT	Sankt Rosa, Confoederatio Aemilia	TAKI-TV	22.III.1725 AN	-	17 seasons

Spin-offs

Spin-offs of The Housewives

Series	Abbrev.	Location	Network	Series premiere	Series finale	No. of seasons
It's Momma's House	IMH	Amapola, Nouvelle Alexandrie	Metropolis Television (MT)	11.II.1702 AN	16.XII.1710 AN	8 seasons

See also

• Television in Natopia
• Television in Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Media of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Media of Natopia
• NAT-TV
• Metropolis Television
• The Housewives of Lindström
• The Housewives of Punta Santiago
• The Housewives of Svorgas
• The Housewives of Parap
• The Housewives of Chryse
• The Housewives of Asterapolis
• The Housewives of Cherry Trees
• The Housewives of Taktwinkel