On October 14, 2007, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” premiered on E! Chronicling the lavish lives and dramatic squabbles of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, the popular series is the longest-running celebrity docu-soap in TV history. While loved by fans as a “guilty pleasure,” critics consistently pan the show for its celebration of vapid self-absorption. Hate them or love them, parents Kris and Bruce (now Caitlyn) Jenner and their children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob Kardashian as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner, are now household names. Furthermore, the show has become an undeniable pop culture phenomenon and the Kardashian-Jenner business success continues to inspire women and men across the globe.
The genesis of the idea to create a reality-based show around the Kardashian-Jenner family originated with matriarch Kris and successful TV producer, Ryan Seacrest. They were inspired by the already successful reality show, “The Osbournes,” that chronicled the crazy shenanigans of rock star Ozzie Osbourne and his colorful family. After test taping the Kardashian family in their natural habitat – a Sunday barbeque in the backyard – Seacrest pitched the show to E! execs and the rest is reality TV history.
When the show first aired across the nation on October 14, 2007, viewers were drawn to the escapism, glamour and catfights that also became fodder for endless issues of gossip magazines. Centered around members of the Kardashian-Jenner blended family, each episode follows a similar structure. Amidst the constant backdrop of their privileged lifestyles, family members get into one or two minor conflicts that are usually resolved by the end of the episode. A Kardashian or Jenner family member usually wraps up the show with a heartwarming monologue about why family matters most. In a 2013 interview with V Magazine, Kim shared her thoughts about the appeal of her show, saying, “You can see that soap operas aren’t on the air as much anymore. I think reality shows are taking over that genre, but I think the draw to our show is that we are relatable.”
Between the original series, which now airs in 167 countries, and a bevy of spin-offs, including “Kourtney and Khloe in Miami,” “Khloe & Lamar,” “Rob & Chyna,” and “Life of Kylie,” and the slew of sponsorship and licensing deals, the Kardashian-Jenner family is collectively worth $450 million and counting. The fourteenth season premiered on October 1, 2017, and fans are just as excited as ever to keep up. The Kardashian-Jenner brand has become one of the most successful female-owned assets, and moreover, their success continues to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams…. as well as a whole new generation of Instagram influencers, looking to cultivate and monetize their “followers.”