Roxanne 
Lisa Barlow is defending the legacy of The Real Housewives after critics questioned whether the franchise has contributed to bad behavior, drama and over-the-top wealth.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter celebrating 20 years of The Real Housewives, Lisa joined Kyle Richards, Teresa Giudice and other Housewives stars to discuss what the franchise has contributed to pop culture after two decades on television.
The women were asked whether Housewives has been a good thing for culture, especially as critics often accuse the franchise of promoting bad behavior and crass consumerism.
Kyle Richards admitted that people often focus on the mess, but she hopes viewers remember more than just the drinking, fighting and drama.
“People like to focus on all the bad behavior,” Kyle said. “We fight and get drunk and act silly. But I hope they remember more than the drinking and fighting.”
Kyle said she sees the Housewives as strong women who have survived major life challenges.
“We are all strong, capable and resilient women,” Kyle continued. “We’re survivors. We are great mothers. We’re loyal friends. We make our own way. That’s not a bad legacy I don’t think.”
Lisa Barlow also pushed back on the idea that Real Housewives is only about luxury and fighting.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star said the show connects with viewers because it reflects real-life struggles, even if those struggles are happening around designer clothes, expensive homes and glamorous trips.
“Our experience reflects the struggles that everyone goes through in life,” Lisa said.
Lisa then made the point that having money does not protect anyone from personal problems.
“People can get messy,” Lisa explained. “Money doesn’t spare you from problems with your husband or your friends or your kids.”
Lisa also made it clear that the Housewives are not claiming to be perfect examples for viewers.
“None of us claims to be role models,” Lisa said. “But we try our best, and what we do has meaning to people.”
According to Lisa, the impact of the show is bigger than critics may realize because fans often reach out to share how deeply they are affected by the women’s stories.
“We get thousands of letters and emails from folks who are moved or impacted by us in some way,” Lisa shared.
Teresa Giudice also reflected on her own Housewives legacy, pointing out that viewers have watched nearly every major chapter of her life play out on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
“I’m writing my seventh book now,” Teresa said. “My third memoir.”
Teresa said both the good and the bad parts of her life have unfolded in front of the cameras.
“There’s both good and bad that came with all that life,” Teresa said. “And everyone has gone on that journey with me.”
Teresa then summed up just how much of her life she has shared with viewers over the years.
“I gave birth on the show. I divorced on the show. I even went to jail on the show!”
Kyle then jumped in to point out just how rare Teresa’s reality TV journey has been.
“See? Who else could say that?” Kyle said. “She’s a Real Housewife of New Jersey. And she’s still standing, dammit!”
After 20 years, The Real Housewives franchise has become much more than a reality TV guilty pleasure. It has documented marriages, divorces, family fallouts, legal battles, businesses, friendships, betrayals and major personal reinventions.
