8 Shows About Rich People: Luxe Lifestyles and Dark Secrets

There’s something so addictive about watching rich people simply live their luxurious, drama-filled lives. And we’re not ashamed to admit that! Is it the unnecessarily large but minimally decorated homes? The way they drop $50k on a purse without batting an eye? Or how they do the worst possible things to their friends but claim it to be “all in the name of love”?

Honestly, it’s probably all of it. There’s just this universal fascination with the rich and famous that the world can’t get enough of. So much so that it became its own genre of TV; we’re no longer just watching stories, we’re watching lifestyles. Just listen to this episode of the Him & Her Show to see what we mean!

Whether it’s full-blown reality chaos or fictionalized luxury, we want it all. That’s why today, we’re sharing a list of shows about rich people that we’re unapologetically obsessed with. Plus, we’re gonna get into the real reasons we’re all drawn to this world that feels so… untouchable. And, spoiler alert: it’s not just about the money! Let’s get into it. 

8 Shows About Rich People: Luxe Lifestyles and Dark Secrets

Whether you’re here for fashion, chaos, or opulent fantasy, there’s a rec in this list everyone will enjoy. However, before we dive in, we need to discuss one other thing. Like why do we even care about watching rich people on TV??? It’s not often that someone watches Serena van der Woodsen buy the most expensive gown for her high school cotillion and thinks, “Ugh, relatable.” So, why are we SO connected to these characters and storylines?

We joked earlier about the money and the drama, and while there’s some truth to it, it’s so much deeper than that. Let’s get real about why we really like to watch rich people on TV.

Why Do We Like To Watch Rich People On TV?

It feels like free therapy with better outfits.

Here’s something you weren’t expecting: it’s relatable. In a weird sort of out-of-touch way, right? Yeah, okay, your favorite character may be crying about the wrong shade of a designer bag. But it makes you feel seen! And, a liiittlleee bit better about yourself, let’s just be honest. 

For instance, you may have spiraled about a lack of seasoning on your avocado toast (relatable, BTW). But at least you didn’t scream-cry over someone showing up to the Met Gala in a similar outfit as yours, right? Nonetheless, we love it, we relate on a smaller scale, and we click “keep watching.”

It’s a form of luxurious escapism. 

Life is exhausting; that’s just the cold, hard truth. We have bills, kids, situationships, jobs—it never ends. But when we turn on that TV show about the rich and unbothered, we get to momentarily check out of our lives and check in to someone else’s–someone who just happens to have everything they could ever want at their fingertips. 

Watching the rich live in their aesthetic fantasylands is like slipping into a cozy, immersive daydream. Sure, it’s not really your life, but it’s fun to pretend it is for an hour at a time.

The drama is unhinged but not our problem. 

We love watching shows about rich people for the same reason we’re all addicted to “Love Island”—the drama is JUICY. And look… sometimes the drama is about real-deal sh*t, and we get that. But most of the time, it’s about stuff like improper seating arrangements at galas, social hierarchies, and battles of inheritance. Like are you kidding??? Of course we’re tuned in!

Also, a super interesting little fun fact: watching drama in shows can actually release endorphins. So if you feel like you actually CRAVE those high-energy and intense moments, it’s not just in your head. Basically, go enjoy those vibes without the negative emotional labor–you deserve it. 

We can’t deny a pleasing aesthetic.

The drama may be meh, the characters may be insufferable, but those huge, gorgeous houses with perfectly placed decor? Give us more. Shows about rich people basically feel like a visual mood board in motion. The marble floors, vintage convertibles, one-of-a-kind designer dresses–we’re in awe. 

There’s also this underlying fascination with the unknown and unattainable. Like, what do you mean Kendall Jenner has a $40,000 gold bathtub??? Not that most of us can relate, but damn if we don’t love seeing it. 

Deep down, we’re all a little nosy. 

At the end of the day, there’s no shame in being curious–especially when it comes to the filthy rich. It feels like they live in a totally different universe from us at times, and it’s hard not to wanna peek behind that curtain!

Ultimately, we’re just being observant… right? Show us your perfectly organized closet and your new $1,000 anti-aging serum! We can’t get enough of it. 

What Are The Best Shows About Rich People?

Gossip Girl

Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix

You didn’t think we’d start this list off with anything other than “Gossip Girl,” did you? This show gives us the inside scoop on the Upper East Side’s most elite teens. Think: two-story penthouses, top-shelf champagne, and a level of drama that typical high schoolers wouldn’t dream of. 

Even Dan Humphrey, who lives in a Brooklyn loft but claims he’s poor, has this unattainable level of wealth. This series serves up a dish of loud luxury like we’ve never seen. Oh, and there’s Gossip Girl herself, who anonymously dishes the latest Upper East Side gossip like it’s her job. Can’t forget that part! 

If you end up loving it as much as we do, check out a handful of shows like Gossip Girl for a similar vibe! And, you can’t miss this GG-themed episode of Ride. And, check out this post where Chace Crawford dishes out his feelings on teen fame.

Dynasty

Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

You may have heard of the OG “Dynasty” from the 80s, but this reboot gives us even more glitz and glam. This show focuses on Atlanta’s two most affluent families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they fight for power and control.  

Between the interfamily feuds, dynamic power struggles, and give-and-take inheritance battles, you can’t help but get hooked. Not to mention Fallon Carrington’s boss babe energy! She’s the wealthy corporate queen we all dream of being.

Big Little Lies

Where to watch: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu

This hit HBO series based on the Liane Moriarty novel (which you can read more about here)

gives us major rich family energy. “Big Little Lies” follows a group of women as they navigate wealth, privilege, and hidden secrets.

If you love watching shows about rich people with a touch of murder mystery–this one’s allll for you. The dark comedy and central theme of friendship also make you forget that these upper-class moms are, well, upper-class. It’s the perfect blend of relatability and out-of-touch wealth!

Selling Sunset

Where to watch: Netflix

If reality TV shows about real estate aren’t really up your alley, we get it. However, “Selling Sunset” isn’t just about buying and selling homes–it’s actually considered a “docusoap.” Yeah, we get to see ultra-wealthy homeowners and lavish California properties, but the real drama lies in the Oppenheim Group office.

But what did you expect? Put a group of highly motivated and successful women in a room, and there’s bound to be some competition. If you thought this drama was solely work-related, though, you’ve got another thing comin’. From reputations and livelihoods to millions in commission, “Selling Sunset” dishes luxury and drama.

For more on selling sunset, check out these podcast episodes!

• How Not To Flip Out with Heather Rae El Moussa – No Guide For This
• Soaps, Real Estate, & Drama W/ Chrishell Stause – Not Skinny But Not Fat
• Christine Quinn On How To Own Your Narrative, Create Your Future, Be A Boss, & Selling Sunset – The Him & Her Show

The White Lotus

Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

The entire plot of “The White Lotus” is basically expensive resorts and rich people drama–everything we love at once. Okay, well, technically, that’s not the entire plot. There are unexpected twists, dark satire, anndddd typically a murder mystery in the very beginning. What more could you want???

It kind of relates to what we were saying earlier; we can’t help but lock in when rich people spiral. And if they do at a top-secret luxurious resort? Even better. Once you’re done binge-watching this series, check out shows like The White Lotus for some more recs! Oh, and check out Patrick Schwarzenegger’s thoughts about this series, because why would you wanna miss that?

Succession

Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

“Succession” is like if “Dynasty” had a touch more dark humor and complexity. Similar in status, different in depth. This series follows the Roy family, owners of a super-successful global media conglomerate. Simple, right? Except the founder faces health problems, and his four children claw their way to ownership. 

It balances the fun of watching rich people with a deeper look at what “more money, more problems” truly means. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for an immersive experience of the glamour and the dark side of luxury. If you want an inside scoop of “Succession,” check out Justin Lupe in this episode of The World’s First Podcast!

The Perfect Couple

Where to watch: Netflix

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to plan a wedding without a budget? Us, too–which is why we love “The Perfect Couple.” Amelia is planning her once-in-a-lifetime wedding to Benji Winbury, a man from one of the wealthiest families in Nantucket.

That’s until someone’s murdered, and the focus of the show completely shifts. TBH, that would give us those major bridezilla moments that Remi was talking about in this episode of Pretty Basic. But don’t worry–there’s still all of that extravagance and luxury each step of the way. The private beaches, giant mansions, and “rich person entitlement” won’t let you forget it.

The Kardashians

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Kardashians live and breathe luxury, which is exactly what makes their show so addicting. The best part? It’s not fictionalized. What you see is what you get–right down to the customized sports cars and multi-million dollar mansions. 

Beyond the glam, the series also gives us that peek behind the curtain that we all so desperately want. And, the whole gang has a knack for taking unrealistic standards and making them feel personal and relatable. We’re obsessed; what can we say?

For more Kardashian content, check out this episode of The World’s First Podcast. And, don’t forget to check out Khloe’s new Dear Media-produced show, Khloé in Wonder Land!

Who are we kidding? Watching shows about rich people is our guilty pleasure!

No matter what vibe you’re into, there’s one thing each series here has in common: they’re allll about rich people. From private jets and hidden beaches to designer items and exclusive events, we’re obsessed with all of it. 

Check out the Dear Media blog for anything from the latest pop culture updates to essential relationship advice. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-have products! Imagine binge-watching your new fave show in the “Valley Girl” bathrobe, face mask on, and “Men Could Never” mug in hand. Now that’s luxury, baby!