“Bling Empire” is the new hottest reality show on Netflix as of right now! As soon as it released, it was trending #1 in almost every country! Filmed between 2018-2019, it’s a real-life Crazy Rich Asians with famous billionaires of Beverly Hills! From an oil heiress, to the heiress of a multi-million-dollar clothing empire, to owning Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, to being a world-wide famous DJ, these best friends show us a glimpse of their unbelievable lives. Shutting down Rodeo Drive to host an annual Chinese New Years party is not something an ordinary person can do, and flying to France in your private jet whenever you’d like is not a normal occasion. It may not be relatable but within the first few minutes, you’ll be hooked! This show produces the kind of drama that regular rich people can’t even buy. 

My sister and I watched this show together and we both enjoyed it so much! Asians on American TV have been misrepresented for too long. I, as a third-generation Asian-American, was very glad to see aspects of Asian-American culture throughout the show! The relationship between each cast member and their family, pressures within the Asian community, and growing up as a person of color in America in general are detailed throughout the series. This is the type of Asian-American representation that we need! Less stereotypes, and instead, seeing Asian Americans for who they really are, including their struggles and success. Season 2 demands are all over social media, coming from non-Asian-Americans as well.

Obviously fighting over having one of the most expensive diamond necklaces in the world is a situation most people will never experience, but it’s something new and exciting. “Bling Empire” doesn’t hesitate to show real-life uncomfortable situations behind each billionaire, such as toxic relationships, dealing with loss, marriage, and confusing family circumstances. They acknowledge the fact that no one has a perfect and amazing life all the time, no matter how much money. 

Three of my personal favorites from the show are Kim Lee, Kevin Kreider, and Kelly Mi Li. Kim Lee, aka the Asian Kim Kardashian, is a famous DJ, accumulating around 50,000 people per show. She’s known for her looks, her talent, and her wild personality. Throughout the show, she searches for her dad, who she disconnected with after her parents’ divorce when she was eight. Her bond with her mom however is hilarious, sweet, and supportive, which reminds me of my own relationship with my mom! Kim accepts herself as unique and doesn’t let anyone walk over her because she’s a very strong woman. 

Kevin Kreider, a Korean adoptee from Philadelphia, wasn’t born into money like the rest of his friends. He’s a well-known model who has built a name through hard work and ambition.  Throughout the show, he searches for his birth parents and connects with his friends. At one point, Kevin says, “If you’re not rich, at least have rich friends.” Kevin practically carries the show with all of his funny comments and actions. He’s the most relatable out of all of them and I can tell he is a caring individual.

Kelly Mi Li is the ex-wife of Lin Miao, a man who ran one of the largest cyber scams in American history. She explains,”In my twenties, I was married to a Chinese guy, and we lived a privileged, outrageous lifestyle…You know, seven cars, four houses. I think at the time we were spending, like, 400,000 [dollars] a month on our black [American Express card] until one day the government showed up and took everything from us, and my ex-husband was arrested.” She had no idea who Lin Miao really was and spent almost a decade just enjoying her luxurious lifestyle. After her marriage ended, she started dating Andrew Gray, an actor and former Power Ranger. Throughout the season, they convey their rocky relationship and frequent fights,  including a time where they are broken up and dealing with being single in LA, only to find themselves working through it and getting back together. Kelly definitely gives people multiple chances and isn’t one to break a heart in an instant. She believes in change and has a lot of hope, which I think is a very positive mindset to have! 

I recommend this show to anyone who is interested in reality shows with lots of drama, real life struggles, and relationships between different kinds of people!