Review: Binge or Cringe? The Third Season Of ‘Bling Empire’ Flashes Ten New Episodes On Netflix

Netflix’s third season of Bling Empire surprised fans by arriving only a few months after season two was released. The reality docusoap is the first American reality TV series with an East and Southeast Asian cast living in the United States. The series focuses primarily on the glamorous lives of wealthy East and Southeast Asian Americans as they navigate relationships, careers, friendships, and betrayal. The new season brings insight into season two’s drama-filled cliffhangers.

A lot happened last we saw the LA Bling Squad— a group of multi-millionaires living lavishly and complaining about first-world problems. Many of the unresolved storylines from the previous season continue into this season right at the start. Storylines like Andrew’s surprise return to Anna’s doorsteps minutes before the final credits roll, Kevin and Kim’s potential romantic relationship, and Christine dealing with the mysterious vague message claiming Anna wants to “end” her.

What The LA Bling Squad Is Up To Season 3

Season three does not shy away from shaking things up, feuds, glamour, and surprise celebrity cameos, like Mila Kunis (That ‘70s Show) and Chrishell Stause (Selling Sunset). The cast of Bling Empire competed against the cast of Selling Sunset on Celebrity Family Feud in 2021. This season begins where the last episode left off, with Andrew’s surprise visit and his attempt to jump back into the inner circle with Anna’s good graces after his tumultuous breakup with Kelly. While the series showcased this moment as a shocking reveal by ending the final episode of season two with Andrew’s surprise return, it ultimately doesn’t lead anywhere. The bigger plot points this season revolve around Kim’s and Kevin’s will-they-won’t-they relationship (they still don’t) and Christine and Anna’s feud instigated by Kane.

Christine and Anna have had an old-money versus new-money feud since season one. The rivalry intensified when Christine received a weird message last season stating Anna’s plans to “end” her. The message is vague and mysterious— In true soap opera fashion, we never truly learn who it was from, only that it was a magazine editor connected to someone in the group (Jamie) who was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The issue also causes strain on Christine and Kane’s relationship. His storyline this season is about not getting involved in the drama, only instigating it. Kane is the character who provides a lending ear but is also known to have a nature to gossip. But his gossipy nature moves the show’s drama forward, so viewers can’t be against him too much. The season also empathizes with Kane when his story dives into his body image issues when he discusses his body and face modifications towards the end of the season and decides against double-eyelid surgery.

Kim and Kevin continue to pursue each other when the other is not interested. By the end of the season, Kim reveals she is not interested in a romantic relationship with Kevin but shows jealousy when he begins dating an old girlfriend. Christine is also at the center this season with her fertility journey and competing on Dancing With The Stars.

Meanwhile, the show dives deeper into Kevin’s past. He was born in South Korea, adopted and raised in Philadelphia, and has been attempting to reconnect to his biological roots. A major highlight is watching Kevin reconnect with his roots when meeting a cousin from his birth family. Christine and Kevin also grow closer as friends as they feel left out by the rest of the group, and even travel together to Paris for Fashion Week by the end of the season to get away from LA and heal.

A central theme this season is healing. Every character, in their way, seems to be healing and moving forward from past issues. Instead of cliffhangers like in season two, this season concludes with a promotional trailer for the upcoming spin-off series Bling Empire: New York.

Was It A Binge Or A Cringe?

Season three is a soft-binge. Fans of the show seem split about the third installment of Bling Empire. Many find the season focuses a lot less on their extravagant lifestyles and more on the over-produced, seemingly inauthentic drama and feuds. But many praise the character shift of Christine, who previously acted as the series villain but took on a more fan-favorite role this time. This season does not shy away from the drama and feuds introduced in season two, but since it was only a few months ago, it feels more like a second half to season 2 than a stand-alone season. The show began as a look into the rich and glamorous lifestyle but has evolved to become more of a plot-driven soap opera. Still, the season provides what it promises— Drama.

Who Will Like It: The series is produced by Jeff Jenkins Productions, best known for producing other reality shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians and its spin-offs. This series shares many productions stylistic similarities with other Jeff Jenkins Productions that its fans will be quick to spot it.

Season three of Bling Empire has remained on Netflix’s Top 10 list since its premiere on October 5. However, there has been no word if or when season four will be released, but the spin-off series Bling Empire: New York was announced earlier this month, so fans can expect more feuds and drama on the East Coast soon. While the first two seasons of Bling Empire consisted of eight episodes, the newest season is its longest with ten episodes. All episodes of season three are now streaming on Netflix.