After an exhausting season of the Real Housewives of New York (and even more exhaustive reunion — that was only part one, people! There are two more to go…) no wonder Bethenny Frankel is getting the hell out of the Upper East Side. She’s taken a page from Ramona’s year of renewal and is preparing for the major milestones in her life – having a baby, getting married, expanding her business — all of which the Bravo cameras have captured on her new show Bethenny Getting Married?
While Bethenny is likable — she’s refreshingly blunt about herself and others — after watching this episode following part one of the reunion, it was difficult to stomach an entire hour of The Bethenny Show, especially considering the accusations she had slung at Jill: “The fame thing took you over.” Bethenny, you’re starring in your OWN reality show. Hello pot? You’re black.
But ’tis neither here nor there, PopWatchers, because at least for this one hour, we were relatively drama free! Ah, doesn’t everyone feel renewed? Welcome to Tribeca, where new roomies Bethenny and Jason (who looks even more attractive these days, no?) were working our their differences; Jason likes to be around people, Bethenny can be a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, Bethenny wants to keep the wedding small, Jason is a suppressed Bridezilla with a guest list upwards of 80 people, Bethenny only wants to have one child, Jason plans to sabotage baby number one’s sex to make room for number two, Bethenny does not want Jason anywhere near the gross realities of the delivery room, while Jason thinks giving birth is beautiful. The Felix and Oscar dynamic was entertaining enough, however at times I found myself thinking “Jason, why are you taking this from her?” But then I realized she is pregnant, and pregnant ladies get a free pass, just like second semester seniors and Chinese gymnasts (thank you, Blair Waldorf). So if she wants to have icing for breakfast Jason, by Jesus let her have some!
To help with all of her Skinny Girl endeavors, impending wedding plans and baby preparations, Bethenny looked to hire a new assistant. Jason disapproved of her hiring a male assistant who wasn’t gay, in fear that he would be interested in his fiancé. “What 24-year-old guy wants to hit this?” Bethenny unapologetically asked, belly protruding far past her waistband. He told her she was beautiful, but she hired a straight assistant anyway (Max, a punt returner from Syracuse who ultimately wins Jason over with a fist pound), despite vibing with my first choice, Nicholas. The way that Bethenny and the “Napoleon Dyanmite” candidate talked to each other about falafel reminded me of Pam and Kevin’s newfound friendship during her own pregnancy on The Office. In the words of Ms. Frankel, to a pregnant woman “food is porn.” Apparently 22-year-old men would agree.
Jason’s one request was a housewarming party with all of their friends (read: Jason’s friends). Though she was hesitant, Bethenny obliged, and recruited the help of her assistants for all the specifics. Businessman Jason had to travel to Orlando for a meeting ON THE DAY OF THE HOUSEWARMING PARTY but promised he’ll be back in time. Then…Snowpacalypse ’10 (never forget). With Jason’s flight delayed, Bethanny was forced to play hostess to his friends. She complained to new assistant Max (after soliciting a compliment from him by using my new favorite line, “If you’re straight you should be noticing…”). The night carried on without Jason, and we met his Best Man Riccio, who sweetly put up with Bethenny’s self-indulgent behavior (“and sometimes I don’t come from a place of guests.”) and just sat quietly on the couch. And look, Alex and Simon! Our favorite outer borough couple stopped by and terrified Bethenny with stories about how parenthood sucks your brain dry.
In the premiere episode, we met Bethenny’s first assistant Julie, as well as her friends Connie and Lauren, a fellow preggo who strongly resembles Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta and Lauri from Real Housewives of Orange County. It’s refreshing to meet a group of people who are most likely seeing and spending much more time with Bethenny than the other housewives, whose only real connection with one another rests in their Bravo contracts. But dare I ask, will we be seeing Jill Zarin? I’ll be taking bets for the finale…
The reason Bethenny Getting Married? will not wear your nerves thin is because it’s all about Bethenny. Real Housewives of New York consists of a group of women stuck in high school mentality, and there are plenty of those out there, but it really took a turn for the worse after season one. When each cast member became aware of the reality of their own reality show, the drama moved from real friendship troubles to accusations of planting stories in the gossip columns. Despite all of her business ventures and publicity, the most interesting parts of Bethenny Getting Married? are her interactions with Jason and her friends. She’s a funny woman, with an interesting way of life, and I’d rather watch someone’s unique take on normality, than a banal and boring take on things I can’t relate to.
What did you think PopWatchers? Do any other Housewives deserve their own show?
Bethenny?
Someone was either illiterate or drunk when deciding to put that on the birth certificate…
“Bethenny” is a perfectly acceptable variation on the spelling of the Biblical name Bethany. Someone who uses a completely unnecessary extra “N” in the spelling of own (nick)name could probably stand to lighten up a bit.
LOL. So true. +1000
Yeah what the heck Jenn?
While I don’t agree with Jenn about the spelling of “Bethenny,” I’ve got to defend the double-n in “Jenn.” I prefer it a million times over “Jen.” But it’s not at all unusual for people to add, remove, or change a letter in their kid’s name to make it different. It’s pretty petty to criticize the spelling of someone’s name.
Oh, Jennnnn don’t be silly.
LOL at the comment she made to Jason about Precious not even wanting to live in his old apt.
Yes! I laughed so hard at that comment because I feel the same way about my fiance’s old apartment!!
I like her, but I doubt I can watch a full-hour of her, week-after-week.
I kind of disagree with the pot calling the kettle black comment. In the reunion Bethenny admits to using the press to further her career, she accused Jill of planting stories in the press to sabotage the castemates whom she felt were getting opportunities she thought she deserved. Jill didn’t even deny the accusation, just kept repeating that they all had relationships with the press. I am looking forward to watching Bethenny’s show, she is really funny and Jason is really cute.
I thought it was OK, but it’s pretty obvious that she is a fame wh*re. And, I’m weary of hearing about the “awful” childhood she had. Was she raped? Was she3 molested? No. It appears she came from a dysfunctional family. Guess what – the majority of America did. I did like Max – he’s adorable. Peeing into a bucket is way over the top. She’s a little too desperate for attention.
Well, Most, you object to Bethenny appearing on her own show (“she’s a fame wh*re.”)? Should she have said “no” to Bravo’s offer? Is that what you would have done? I didn’t care for the peeing in the bucket business either, but that doesn’t make her a whore either. This season was boring to you? To each his own, but I’d wager you are in the distinct minority with that point of view.
Yeah, to me it was the difference between self-promotion and planting negative information about others.
Point goes to Coco. She is right. Jill was accused of sabotaging RHONY with behind-the-scenes talking to the rumor mill for a vendetta. Anyhoo, I love Bethenny! I love how “drama-free” it was. Bethenny really needs to think about co-hosting like on the Today Show or something. I think she will do an awesome job!(Plus, we all know Kelly is dying of envy that Bethenny got her own show. LOL)
True it wasn’t about the fame it was about it changing you for the worse.
I agree with you Coco. Plus Ramona and Alex both backed up Bethenny’s allegation pretty quickly that Jill was trying to sabotage things and I am wondering why they would just do that if it wasn’t true to some degree. Anyway, I loved the premiere and now I am a huge fan.
I too enjoyed Bethenny but an entire show of just her…I stopped at the half hour mark.
I don’t think having your own show is the same at trying to plant stories about other people to sabotage them. Bethenny got a show b/c people felt like they new her and related to her on the Housewives show. She is funny and cooky. I loved the show. I will be watching.
Bethenny’s point about Jill changing was Jill’s personality changed – Bethenny’s personality has never changed, she’s been the same since day one, with or without the fame.
given that it starts with her in her 6th month and we know she gave birth a month early and was married a month before that I can’t see this show lasting too long. To be honest I wish it were a half-hour show and not a full hour although I highly like the lack of bickering.
Loved loved loved the first episode. A breathe of fresh air, espeically after seeing the toxic reunion show. Love Bethenny’s humor and love how hot Jason is. Good luck to your new family Bethenny!
I wonder if her helpers are required to post positive comments on message boards. I’d guess yes..that way she can claim that “the people” have spoken, and Bravo was forced to listen. Taim is a good place, by the way- that dorky kid knows his falafel.
Perhaps, (although I’m merely her fan) since I know Jill hires people to do so. And on top she has hired 4 PR people?! But sometimes I can even spot Jill (as well as Kelly) commenting on these ariticle themselves with fake names. You can tell the nuance. (especially whatever Kelly writes, you know, because it is as irrational, and mean as she is on tv)
Her Fiance Jason is a graduate of the University of Scranton, where the Office is set.
Would love to see them road trip there.
I generally find Bethenny interesting, but this show was way too long. She seems like a decent person but this show was pretty boring. I may catch glimpses of it here and there, but I won’t be watching it on purpose again.
The show was boring. Jason is adorable and she is not but she is pretty funny. I think she works better in an ensemble cast like RHONY. Based upon what I saw last night, this show is a one trick pony and will not hold my interest. Sorry Bethenny. My Thursday nights will be spent elsewhere.
Man Cookie was cracking me up!!! When Cooks couldn’t decide who she should go to Jason or Bethenny or when Cooks snipped at the one asst. when she touched Bethenny. Love the show and so refreshing not to see Jill or crazy Kelly!!
That clip was probably my favorite 30 seconds of reality tv show of all time.
Cookie is adorable.
Cookie is my new favorite TV personality. Love her!
Good to know that Bethenny has sought therapy over the years… It’s clear that her biting humor is a cover. She is incredibly witty and smart, no doubt. But anyone who has suffered that kind of childhood has major issues (as she’s admitted). I hope she continues with therapy…don’t give up until you find the right match in a counselor. Bryn and Jason will thank you.