Users most often name Bethenny Frankel, Lisa Vanderpump, and Kandi Burruss as the most successful real housewives, though criteria like business earnings, fame, and cultural impact vary.
Bethenny is recognized for building the biggest post-show brand and negotiating high pay, while Lisa is praised for elevating the franchise and her long tenure. Kandi stands out for her self-made music industry background and writing hits like No Scrubs.
Other notable mentions include Yolanda Hadid for launching her daughters modeling careers, Denise Richards for being the most famous cast member at the time she joined, and Nene Leakes for transcending the Bravo network at her peak.
The Users consensus most often names Bethenny Frankel, Lisa Vanderpump, and Kandi Burruss as the franchise’s most successful Real Housewives, with others like Yolanda Hadid, Denise Richards, and Nene Leakes also frequently mentioned.
Bethenny — business success and fame
Viewed as the one who built the biggest post-show brand. "Bethenny for sure, she created the most from where she started."
Seen as someone who commanded high pay and translated TV fame into money. "How do they determine success? I believe Bethenny made the most $ as a result of being on the show."
Fans argue she improves the show and can negotiate big salaries. "Bethenny is someone who can command a higher salary because (IMO) she makes the show better."
Lisa Vanderpump — longevity and empire
Credited for elevating the franchise and spinning off businesses. "LVP... made this show franchise what it is today."
Many call her impossible to eclipse in fame within RHOBH. "No one can eclipse LVP."
Praised for entrepreneurship and activism beyond TV. "LVP also used the show to take action against the Yulin Dog Meat Festival."
Kandi Burruss — self-made and music industry success
Seen as self-made with real industry chops. "Add Kandi Burrus. She is self made."
Recognized for a music legacy that predates the show. "Kandi... 'No Scrubs' is more famous than anything else in the Housewives universe."
Fans point to business smarts and sustained earning potential. "Kandi, I mean, I guess I’m into music because duh Xscape"
Others people mention as “most famous” or successful
Yolanda Hadid — credited for launching model daughters’ careers. "Yolanda really did use RHOBH to launch Gigi & Bella to supermodel superstardom."
Denise Richards — noted as the most famous when she joined due to past acting. "Denise Richards is hands down the most well known person to be cast."
Nene Leakes — cited for transcending Bravo at her peak. "I would say NeNe Leakes became the most famous."
People on Users weigh fame, business success, and cultural impact differently, but most threads put Bethenny, Lisa Vanderpump, and Kandi near the top, with Yolanda, Denise, and Nene often in the conversation depending on the criteria.
Pros & cons
Pros
determined by multiple metrics like fame and earnings
features self-made women with outside careers
includes cast members who elevated their shows
shows how tv fame translates to business
Cons
success criteria vary heavily by user
debates often conflate fame with wealth
franchise spinoffs skew longevity metrics
Best for: fans of reality tv interested in the business and cultural impact of the genre
FAQ
Why is Bethenny Frankel considered the most successful?
Users argue she built the largest personal brand from her starting point on the show and translated her television fame into the highest earnings.
How did Lisa Vanderpump achieve her success?
She is credited with making the franchise what it is today, spinning off multiple businesses, and using her platform for activism.
What makes Kandi Burruss stand out from other housewives?
She had an established music industry career and wrote hit songs like No Scrubs before joining the show, making her entirely self-made.
Who is the most famous person ever cast?
Users generally point to Denise Richards, noting she was already a well-known actress prior to joining the franchise.
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