How a reality spin-off evolved from a vacation concept into a global franchise
In short: What began as a simple Peacock vacation concept has transformed into a sprawling international phenomenon. From luxury villas in Turks and Caicos to complex legal battles and diverse international iterations, the franchise has expanded far beyond its original American roots to unite women from across the globe.
The franchise originated when Peacock greenlit a limited series in February 2021, following women from various Real Housewives installments. Filmed within the Turks and Caicos at Triton Luxury Villa, the debut season launched on November 16, 2021. While stars like Cynthia Bailey and Luann de Lesseps anchored the first season, others, such as Vicki Gunvalson and Garcelle Beauvais, were unable to commit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the series grew, it branched into specialized themes. The second season, titled 'Ex-Wives Club,' focused on former cast members and premiered on June 23, 2022. However, the franchise also faced significant turbulence. A planned fourth season set in Marrakesh, Morocco, was indefinitely shelved after allegations of sexual misconduct by Caroline Manzo against Brandi Glanville led to a lawsuit filed in New York State Court on January 26, 2024.
The brand's reach has since expanded internationally. Showmax announced a South African iteration in March 2024, which was filmed in Jamaica and featured cast members from Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Pretoria. Further expansion followed with a Brazilian-filmed series announced in October 2025, uniting cast members from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Even an Australian spin-off was in development before Matchbox Pictures ceased Australian operations in February 2026.
Looking toward the future, the franchise continues to evolve. A successor series, 'The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip,' was announced by Andy Cohen to commemorate two decades of the franchise. This fifth season, titled 'Roaring 20th,' premiered on August 9, 2026, featuring returning stars like Gizelle Bryant and new additions like Lisa Barlow.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
- Also: Wikidata — The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa · CC0
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