In the past two weeks, Netflix’s reality shows Selling Sunset and Selling the O.C. both returned for their first seasons since the 2024 election. It’s a distinction the series seemingly would like you to ignore.
Since Sunset premiered in 2019, the frothy show and its spinoffs have served as escapism. Viewers are kept entertained by a fair share of house porn and the interpersonal drama between luxury realtors; the only times current events, such as L.A.’s mansion tax and the disastrous 2025 brush fires, are discussed on the show is when they affect the cast’s business. But with their 2025 seasons, the Selling franchise hits the same inflection point as the rest of the country: The bubble keeping politics out has burst.
