Owning Manhattan meets The Real World
Netflix's real estate series harkens back to the best of MTV's original reality show
I will readily fight anyone who says MTV’s The Real World New York is not the greatest reality show in the history of television.
The OG, as the kids like to say, was a groundbreaking enterprise that since the early ‘90s has paved the way for shows such as MTV’s Road Rules, CBS’s Survivor and Big Brother, to Fox’s Joe Millionaire, and a whole list of hundreds of off-shoot reality/drama series.
Currently, my daughters are watching season six of Love Island, and the other night I couldn’t tell if they were getting attacked or fighting with each other based on the guttural noises and screams coming from the other room.
Which brings me to Owning Manhattan, Netflix’s newest real estate and “reality” series starring Ryan Serhant, owner/broker of Serhant., which is, as he likes to remind viewers, “the sixth largest brokerage firm in New York City.”
As I’ve talked about recently on my podcast, I’m contemplating getting my real estate license (I’m about 90-percent committed), having worked in a real estate adjacent industry now for the last two-plus years, which makes the fact Owning Manhattan arrives now, another possible example of God’s Providence in my life.
But first, to Owning Manhattan…
I’ve not consumed a “reality” television series in years. The last “reality” show I watched with regularity might be one that featured a former President, which makes Owning Manhattan unique, in that I binge watched all 8 episodes in just two days.
It was entertaining, most of all, but also added some drama, but not too much drama, and also let us into some of the “reality” of being a big time NYC real estate agent.
Serhant’s story is that he started in the city as an actor, hand model and had a brief role on As The World Turns (think Joey Tribbiani from Friends) before realizing his dream (and money) was running out. His pick-myself-up-from-the-bootstraps story, where he made $9,000 his first year in real estate, to becoming a star in the real estate and social media worlds, is a little far fetched for me — his father was a vice chairman for State Street Global Advisors, so it wasn’t like he was really down to his last dollar when he tells you his debit card was denied.
That being said, I really like Ryan Serhant, and he comes across as someone you would want to work with and work for, and has charisma for days.
Like The Real World, OM has a unique and diverse set of “characters” (and personalities).
Starting with…
Nile Lundgren
A former co-worker of mine used to joke about a woman who worked overnights, saying, “She look’s like she could be 19 or 44, and I’d believe either.” Nile carries the same energy.
He’s part used car salesman, part experienced, hardened, hustling city real estate agent. Even Serhant jokes about not knowing how old Nile is.
He brings strong Eric Nies vibes, helping and cheering on Jordan Hurt, a newer agent and Ryan’s former assistant, as he negotiates and closes a big sale.
Jordan Hurt
Ryan’s former long-time assistant, Jordan is now a blossoming agent. He’s The Real World Norm to Owning Manhattan. He’s the office gossip, and is skilled at getting the “tea.” Just don’t go to Mexico with him.
Chloe Tucker Caine
Where do we start with Chloe? She is probably the character you will sometimes love, and sometimes hate. Like some people’s relationship status: It’s difficult. She probably has the biggest transformation, both professionally and personally, throughout the show.
She’s a Broadway dancer, and a hungry agent. Her best friend also works at Serhant. and depending on who you listen to, she’s responsible for that.
Savannah Gowarty
Remember Julie? Sweet, innocent, country bumpkin Julie from Alabama. Enter Savannah. She’s from North Carolina and has moved to NYC to become a real estate Boss. Or maybe it’s Brat now. I don’t know, I think both are “weird.”
Savannah is the center of the show’s most dramatic moments, but it’s not her fault. Truly, it isn’t her fault. She just needs a chance, time with Ryan, and some damn leads!
Jonathan Nørmølle
Jonathan is all the sexy, modeling parts of Eric, mixed with the uncouth, foul-mouthed bad behavior of Puck, from The Real World Los Angeles.
Talented, but with a rebel streak, Ryan thinks he’s the one who can break the stallion Jonathan, and make him a star.
It’s just that Jonathan can’t help himself from screwing things up. And he never apologizes. He’s just sorry that it’s your fault.
Central Park West Penthouse
If you thought the first Real World loft was amazing, I mean, who could forget that fish tank(!), wait until you see the $250 million Central Park West penthouse, the tallest private living quarters in the world. The three-story space is its own character on the show, making multiple appearances throughout the season, and entangling even some of the best agents Serhant. has to offer.
Jessica Markowski
Pals around with troublemaker Jonathan. She is supposedly huge on social media and the ‘gram. To me, she’s a lipid, cold, blah person. She claims to be beautiful. I’m just not seeing it.
These are just some of the personalities you’ll find on Owning Manhattan, and based on Ryan Serhant’s track record, I’m sure there’ll be more seasons to follow, especially because we need to find out who buys that Central Park West penthouse.
The Serhant. Brand
As I’m prone to do, I ended up taking a deep dive into all things Serhant, including purchasing two of Ryan’s books: Sell It Like Serhant and Big Money Energy.
I’ll be honest, none of these are groundbreaking. They’re your typical business-self-help books that implore you to believe you too can have your very own Brooklyn brownstone or Upper East Side loft apartment if you would simply follow some easy rules of life. Namely, wake up super early every morning, hit the gym, hire a driver to take you around the city, have your meals prepared and delivered to you, hire someone to tackle all of those pesky emails, spend a half hour with your kid before they go to bed, and get to bed early so you can start things back up again in the morning.
Seriously.
That’s not to say that there’s not some positive and encouraging words from Serhant. Again, I like the guy! I’m just saying.
I’ve also watched a few episodes of Million Dollar Listing New York, which gave Serhant his big break, and a few episodes of Sell It Like Serhant, including one featuring a New Yorker trying to sell kitchen cabinets that entails a trip to Pennsylvania for some product knowledge.
The Lawn Guyland accents on this show is such a treasure for this Long Island boy who grew up in Carle Place.
Watch Owning Manhattan. Watch MDLNY. Watch Sell It Like Serhant. You will be entertained.
You just don’t necessarily have to buy it.