Real Housewives Of Orange County Cast Season 1

Welcome to the OC, Bitches! (The OG Edition)

Ever wondered where the reality TV obsession with wealthy housewives began? Look no further than season one of The Real Housewives of Orange County. This is where it all started. Prepare for a wild ride back to 2006!

Forget fancy yachts and international vacations. This season is raw. It's real, well, as real as reality TV gets. Get ready for a simpler time, when drama was served with a side of gated community gossip.

Meet the Original Housewives

The original cast is iconic. We're talking Vicki Gunvalson, the OG of the OC, working hard and playing even harder. There’s also Jeana Keough, a former Playboy Playmate navigating motherhood and a real estate career.

Then we have Jo De La Rosa, the young girlfriend of Slade Smiley (remember him?). Rounding out the crew are Kimberly Bryant, a mom concerned about the dangers of Orange County's sun, and Lauri Waring, a single mom trying to make a new life for herself. What a crew!

Why Season One Still Slaps

The charm of season one lies in its simplicity. The drama is authentic. You can tell these women are truly navigating their lives, without the self-awareness that later seasons bring.

Think awkward dinner parties. Picture disagreements over childcare. Imagine navigating relationships, all under the California sun. It’s strangely relatable, even with the Laguna Beach backdrops.

The fashion is…interesting. Let’s just say early 2000s trends were a choice. Get ready for low-rise jeans, chunky highlights, and questionable accessories. It's a total time capsule!

The Drama is Delicious

Don't expect any table flipping just yet (that's coming later in the franchise!). However, expect plenty of passive-aggressive shade. Expect emotional moments, and expect to become strangely invested in these women’s lives.

From Lauri's struggles to make ends meet, to Jo's relationship drama, you'll find yourself rooting for some housewives, and shaking your head at others. Everyone has a favorite. Who will yours be?

Remember Slade Smiley? He may be one of the most hated "Housewives" characters of all time. He certainly makes an impact.

It’s More Than Just Reality TV

Season one of RHOC is a cultural artifact. It shows a snapshot of a specific time and place. It inadvertently documents the rise of the reality TV genre.

It's fascinating to see how the franchise has evolved. Comparing season one to later seasons is like watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis. The change is dramatic!

This is the genesis of an empire. So, pop some popcorn, grab your favorite beverage, and prepare to be transported back to the early days of reality TV gold. You won't regret it!

Ready to Dive In?

If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, a glimpse into the lives of some very interesting women, and the origin story of one of the biggest reality TV franchises ever, season one of The Real Housewives of Orange County is calling your name. Prepare to be hooked. Seriously.

Stream it, binge it, and prepare to judge (we all do it!). You'll be saying "Who are you to get me wet?" in no time. You've been warned!