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When I learned that Netflix was working on a reality TV show that follows a group of wealthy Asian and American friends around Los Angeles, at the Crazy Rich Asians, I was intrigued. Listen, i love reality show. I am passionate Real housewives observer and always will be, but Empire bling just wasn’t for me. The problem wasn’t entirely with the fact that I didn’t find anyone from the cast to be likable (OK, with the occasional exception of Anna), but more importantly, I just don’t think it’s the energy that we need for 2021..
If we’ve learned anything about television in 2020, it’s that people want substance-rich shows.
The show stars Kane Lim, the son of a Singaporean billionaire; Christine Alexandra Chiu, the founder of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery with her husband, Dr. Gabriel Chiu; fashion influencer Jaime Xie; “Superfamous DJ” Kim Lee; model Kevin Kreider; heiress to the “denim empire” Cherie Chan; socialite Anna Shay; producer Kelly Mi Li; and actor Andrew Gray, aka the Red Power Ranger. It features the group attending extravagant parties, expensive shopping, and traveling the world, and of course, there’s a lot of drama. While I understand this is a common basis for a reality show, the timing couldn’t be more wrong.
If we’ve learned anything about television in 2020, it’s that people want to watch shows with content. They want content that helps them escape their daily lives, makes them feel real emotions, and tackles important real-life issues head-on. Therefore, why shows like The queen’s gambit, Schitt Creek, and Umbrella Academy received such praise last year. Empire bling does none of that. I’m sorry, but who honestly wants to watch a show about rich people frivolously spending money and fighting with each other to be rich (see: #necklacegate) while facing a global pandemic? Please read the room.
Empire bling is also another example of the normalization of toxic relationships on television. From the first episode, the producers describe Kelly and Andrew as this clearly dysfunctional couple who are in an emotionally abusive relationship but just can’t seem to leave each other. We see Andrew constantly manipulating Kelly into believing that he really loves her and wants the best for her, even though his actions prove otherwise. At one point, he even berates Kelly for discussing their issues with his friends and tells her, “Because whatever happens between you and me, no one needs to know.” Viewers are then expected to sympathize with Andrew as he is shown praying dramatically on his knees in their therapist’s office (after the therapist kicks him out so she can talk to Kelly alone, by the way) and we learn about her childhood trauma.
If we demand that celebrities do more to support and speak out for important causes, we should hold television networks and streaming services accountable as well.
This manipulation and emotional abuse continues throughout the season, and yet at no point throughout the show are producers or Netflix warning viewers of potentially triggering content. It is downright irresponsible socially. I understand reality TV shows are meant to reflect things exactly as they are, but the producers could have taken this opportunity as a teaching moment. Instead of highlighting Kelly and Andrew’s relationship with the goal of making the final happy moment, it could have been a real opportunity to educate viewers on an issue rarely discussed on TV, which is far more important, if you ask. me.
After all, it is 2021, and if we demand that celebrities do more to support and speak out against important causes, we should hold the TV networks and streaming services accountable as well.
If you or someone you love is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or see the list of resources available online.
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