Bravo's "The Valley" features a reality drama series, minus the table-flipping.
A new Bravo reality series, which recently finished its first season, has a distinctly different feel than many of the network's other shows featuring "Bravolebrities." Unlike the episodes filled with table flipping and glass throwing, "The Valley" centers around a group of friends in their 30s dealing with everyday issues like relationships, parenting, and professional life.
Taking place in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, the cast includes familiar faces Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute, from "Vanderpump" as well as newcomers Nia Booko, Danny Booko, Michelle Lally, Jesse Lally, Jason Caperna, Janet Caperna, Jasmine Goode and Zack Wickham. Each member of the group seems to be currently experiencing an early mid-life crisis.
Although it's still messy -- because it is Bravo, after all -- there's less chaos from overindulgence in cocktails.
Brian Moylan, a Vulture writer who covers Bravo shows and wrote "The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives," became a fan of the series. He moved from recapping weekly episodes under the "Vanderpump Rules" banner to creating a separate column for "The Valley."
"For a while, Bravo's had a problem in the middle. They do really well with young adults partying and with women in their 40s and 50s. This is the first time they're covering new ground," Moylan told CNN.
"The Valley" viewers have been keeping tabs on the cast's real-life updates, including the breakup between Taylor and Cartwright and the impending divorce between the Layys. Other cast members don't shy away from discussing more serious issues like infertility and postpartum depression. This frank approach has led to the show feeling more honest and relatable.
The network has confirmed that a second season is underway.
"They must keep some elements that attracted viewers in the first place, like following Danny and Nia as they navigate parenting," Moylan explained. "The show is focusing on child-rearing in a way that's not all about fighting and drinking."
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The first season of "The Valley" provided an entertaining departure from Bravo's typical reality drama series, focusing on everyday issues rather than table flipping and glass throwing. Fans of the series, including Brian Moylan, appreciate the frank approach to real-life updates and serious topics, which makes it more honest and relatable.
