It’s wild to think we’ve made it to Season 9 of Selling Sunset and the drama still hasn’t run out of steam. Actually, it’s more explosive than ever, thanks to the rotating cast of OGs and fresh blood that mix in old feuds with new revelations. In between selling the most swanky, lavish, eye-wateringly expensive homes you can imagine, of course. The commissions alone are enough to make you gasp and to keep the O Group on their A-game.
Some of this season’s clients include JoJo Siwa, who’s selling her bedazzled mansion and looking for a fresh start, and Delta Goodrem, who wants a home-from-home whenever she’s in LA. The glimpses into how the other half lives are just as luxurious as ever; the attention to detail and beautifully lit shots that zoom through each room will fulfill all your nosiest desires. I don’t think enough applause is given to this aspect of the show, honestly.
But we all know what we’re really here for: The interpersonal chaos. You can’t help but feel like shooting the messenger is the name of the game this season—whether it’s sharing secrets, sending flowers, or Cupid herself. Bre and Chelsea’s friendship is decidedly on ice after S8’s cheating drama. Jason and Brett are forced to make some difficult decisions after an epic fight between Nicole and Chrishell, forcing the others to take sides and play even more petty politics. Mary is shaken up after intruders break into her home, and some of the other realtors appear to use it as an opportunity for more sabotage, while others rally around her.
Meanwhile, besties Emma and Chrishell clash over Emma’s relationship with her boyfriend, Blake. And a new arrival to the brokerage—Sofia Vergara’s cousin and adoptive sister, Sandra—opens up a power vacuum for everyone to tell her their side of the story…and she’s quick to ask the hard-hitting questions. From last year’s Girlsgiving to this year’s Galentine’s Day, S9 takes us through a real winter of discontent, filled with big events that add to the pressure—would you expect anything less?
When the realtors stop making nice and the claws come out, it’s popcorn-worthy. And the editing—oh, the venomous, snarky, delightfully unhinged editing—turns each fight into a showdown. Kudos to the editing team for some comedy-gold storytelling. Still, no matter what team you’re on, the show does make sure to show those sweet moments of connection and friendship in between.
One particularly emotional moment springs from the devastating fallout of January’s Southern California wildfires, which happened halfway through the making of S9. It’s heartbreaking to hear the stories of those affected, but refreshing to see the ways the O Group moved to help their community, including helping one client and her young daughter find a lease while they rebuild what they lost.
Selling Sunset S9 is an emotionally charged one for sure, whether it’s pushing hurt feelings or heartfelt bonding to the forefront for maximum effect. And, if you’ve made it this far, you’ll be eating up every second of it—nobody does drama like the O Group.
Rating: C+
Level of Enthusiasm: 67%