The Real Housewives reality television franchise is being expanded in Africa.
According to Variety, NBCUniversal Formats has partnered with Multichoice for several more African versions of The Real Housewives shows. The new versions will include Nairobi (Kenya) and Pretoria (South Africa).
Independent production company Provoco is filming the 14-part series in Pretoria, while the filming in Nairobi will begin in September.
Young Rich TV, owned by producer Eugene Mbugua, has been picked to produce The Real Housewives of Nairobi. The company is linked to other Kenyan reality shows, including Kyallo Kulture and Sol Family.
Ana Langenberg, senior VP, format sales and productions, NBCUniversal Formats, welcomed the expansion of the franchise in Africa.
“We are proud to build on the continued success of ‘The Real Housewives franchises across Africa. The way each version faithfully embodies the spirit of the city, people and rich cultures it showcases connects with audiences across the region and the diaspora.”
Nomsa Philiso, executive head of content, Mnet Channels, highlighted the African twist MultiChoice was putting on the franchise.
“This may be a global franchise, but our spin is authentically African; as a broadcaster, keeping up with our viewers’ tastes and preferences is important, and ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise meets our audience’s needs,” she noted.
The Real Housewives currently have shows in Lagos—the first Nigerian franchise instalment—Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. The Real Housewives of Cape Town made their debut in July.
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