With Owning Manhattan’s premiere on June 28, 2024, realtor reality TV audiences have compared it favorably with Selling Sunset. Interestingly, both shows debuted on Netflix and have attracted an impressive number of audiences. Although many believed the real estate reality TV fatigue had set in, Owning Manhattan proved otherwise. However, combining high-stakes deals, larger-than-life personalities, and jaw-dropping properties keeps audiences hooked from episode to episode.
Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset offer a glimpse into the exclusive world of real estate, showcasing luxurious properties. Love or hate it, real estate reality TV will always be a staple in today’s entertainment industry. While each show has its own unique appeal, there are distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s how Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset compete with each other.
The East Coast vs. The West Coast
With both shows set in the United States, the major difference between Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset is the unique real estate market they each cover. In Owning Manhattan, the show takes viewers into the heart of New York City, where high-end real estate reigns supreme. The show follows a group of elite real estate agents as they navigate the competitive and cutthroat world of Manhattan’s luxury market. From multimillion-dollar penthouses to chic downtown lofts, Owning Manhattan offers a behind-the-scenes look at New York real estate’s glamorous and fast-paced world.
On the other hand, Selling Sunset transports viewers to the sunny hills of Los Angeles, showcasing the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles. The show provides a peek into the high-stakes world of selling luxury properties in the Hollywood Hills and beyond. The contrasting backdrops create distinct atmospheres that appeal to different audiences. For audiences looking to appreciate the hustle and bustle of New York City’s concrete jungle, Owning Manhattan captures it perfectly. More often than not, audiences of popular TV shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 and The O.C. may favor Selling Sunset to Owning Manhattan because of its location.
SERHANT. vs The Oppenheim Group
At the heart of Owning Manhattan lies the SERHANT real estate company owned by Ryan Serhant. The brokerage firm was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, it reportedly did an average $100 million sales volume within its first six months. SERHANT. boasts of being the #1 ranked sales team in New York City. With the company as the brokerage firm featured on Owning Manhattan, Ryan Serhant, who has reportedly made over $4 billion in sales, leads the team on the show.
The high-end real estate brokerage firm the Oppenheim Group is at the forefront of Selling Sunset. Twin brothers Brett and Jason Oppenheim lead the company and real estate agents on the show. The Oppenheim Group boasts over $3.5 billion in total sales and $500 million in active listings. The Oppenheim Group was founded over 130 years ago, representing five generations of real estate brokerage services, development, and management in Los Angeles.
The Agents and Drama
Anyone who has followed the realtor reality TV genre for over a decade knows it comes with its fair share of drama. Over the years, audiences have complained about the overexploitation and inclusion of “unnecessary” drama over showcasing the selling properties. In terms of the agents themselves, Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset feature dynamic personalities that drive the narratives forward.
Owning Manhattan introduces viewers to a group of savvy New York agents who are as ambitious as they are tenacious. Selling Sunset, on the other hand, puts the spotlight on the agents of the Oppenheim Group, offering a glimpse into their professional as well as their personal lives. Although Selling Sunset has enjoyed fantastic reviews for years, its continuous focus on its agents’ interpersonal relationships and drama has become tiresome to a section of viewers.
Understandably, although it has always been integrated into the show’s storyline, much of the fatigue (if any) from Selling Sunset can be fingered in its long, 7-season run. On the other hand, much of the positive reviews Owning Manhattan received have been because of its focus on selling properties rather than on its agent drama. Unarguably, it has its fair share of drama (cue in Jonathan Nørmølle), but Ryan Serhant keeps the team focused on making high-end property sales.
Jaw-Dropping Architectural Masterpieces
The premiere episode of Owning Manhattan welcomed audiences with a $250 million Manhattan Penthouse at Central Park Tower. After showing and commissioning his agents to find a buyer, he offered the winning agent a $10 million take-home cheque for the sale. It was a great way to get anyone hooked, even new audiences, to real estate reality television. However, this does not detract from the jaw-dropping properties Selling Sunset has shown throughout its run.
When it comes to the properties featured on each show, both Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset deliver on the wow factor. Viewers are treated to stunning architectural masterpieces, lavish interiors, and breathtaking views that epitomize luxury living. Whether it’s a sleek modern penthouse overlooking Central Park or a sprawling mansion nestled in the Hollywood Hills, each show presents a visual feast for real estate enthusiasts. In the end, in terms of entertainment value, Owning Manhattan and Selling Sunset both offer compelling storylines and captivating visuals. Also, check out Brie Tiesi’s Top Controversies on Selling Sunset.
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