‘Bling Empire: Season 2’ Review
Bling Empire returned to Netflix on May 13, over a year after its impressive debut in 2021. The reality TV series gives audiences a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of ultra-rich Asians and Asian-Americans in Los Angeles, California. The cast ranges from heirs to entrepreneurs to people who are just plain rich—and following their glamorous lives is all too addicting. Specifically, we get to witness their party-filled lifestyles, egregious spending habits, and all the luxurious items they own. However, what may draw in audiences even more than these aspects is the classic drama that really gives this show a real-life Crazy Rich Asians feel.
The cast consists of almost all of the same members from season 1, including Kane Lim (Singaporean property agent), Christine Chiu (philanthropist), Kim Lee (DJ), Kelly Mi Li (entrepreneur), Anna Shay (socialite), Kevin Kreider (model), and Jamie Xie (model). Unfortunately, season 1’s most popular couple, Cherie Chan and Jessey Lee, who were married in February 2022, only make a few appearances throughout the season. However, there are two new faces in this season: Mimi Morris (social media influencer) and Dorothy Wang (reality star).
Morris was born in Vietnam. After moving to the U.S., she became a model, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Her husband, Donald Morris, the CEO of Morris Group International, also makes appearances on the show.
Wang has appeared on other reality TV shows, such as Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills, and is the daughter of Roger Wang, a Chinese American businessman. She is a billionaire, licensed real estate broker, and entrepreneur. She owns Fabuluxe, a jewelry line, and Rich and Bubbly, a champagne brand.
Although some may be disappointed with the absence of Cherie Chan and Jessey Lee, the second season brings new growing romances into the picture that will keep audience members hooked. The new faces add to the entertainment as we see them connect and interact with the cast we’ve already gotten to know. This season gives us an opportunity to be even more up-and-personal with the cast, both physically and emotionally. From personal romance and conflicts to physical surgery, Bling Empire: Season 2 has a lot to offer. It’s entertaining from beginning to end, and its cliffhanger ending only hooks audiences in more as they wait eagerly for a season 3.
This season offers an easy and fun escape into the world of material luxuries, sexual tensions, and petty drama. While this follows the formula for all reality TV dramas, Bling Empire separates itself by presenting a cast that doesn’t have a mean or rude agenda driving many of their actions. Mostly, they’re just having fun spending inordinate amounts of money. This show seems to be less about competing with others and more about living life to the fullest. Although many cannot relate to this cast’s vast amount of wealth, they can relate to the idea of making the most out of their days. It’s just fun to escape into a world where that idea is ridiculously exaggerated by large amounts of money. There are many things that separate this cast from everyday people, but there are also some problems they deal with that are universal to many, such as family or relationship struggles. That always makes for an even more enjoyable viewing experience.
Another fun aspect about this season is just how binge-worthy it is. Each of the eight 40-minute-long episodes has the same format, which allows them to blend seamlessly for an easy binge in one day or one night. It’s also lighthearted and mindless, so it’s the perfect show to relax to after a long day of work or running errands. If you haven’t checked out the first season, that’s alright: you don’t necessarily need to in order to enjoy the second season.
Aside from new romances and new cast members, season 2 gives us new drama, especially between Kreider and Lim, as hinted at in the trailer. Further, Wang revealed that there has been drama between her and Lim for over a decade: thus, her addition to the cast heightens the drama even more. With many characters connected over these conflicts and tensions, it’s hard to discern who exactly is causing the drama. That kind of complicated plot is even more exciting to watch; it’s unrealistic for drama to come from one “villain,” so this is something Bling Empire does very well.
Shows like this are the perfect escape: there’s something so seductive about inserting yourself into the world of the rich and glamorous, even if it’s just through a TV show. Although we may feel separated from these people in many ways, there is something inherently comfortable about that. We don’t always want to be so focused on reality, and even if Bling Empire is “reality TV,” it does not represent the reality many people know. However, while this season shows us elaborate parties, fashion, cars, and insane shopping, the cast still feels like real people. I couldn’t find myself relating to every moment, but there were various times I felt at least some kind of connection to cast members, even just with the desire to truly live my life to the fullest.
Even though season 2 only just ended, there have already been rumors for the next season, as Christine Chiu teased E! News. Season 2 of Bling Empire left many roads untraveled, especially with the cliff hanger at the end. Stay tuned for more from this addictive cast!
Bling Empire: Season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.