Review: What we Thought About Owning Manhattan, plus Everything we Know About Season 2

If there’s one real estate reality TV show that deserves a second season, it’s Owning Manhattan! Amidst the sea of Selling Sunset, Buying Beverly Hills, and Selling The OC, this Ryan Serhant-fronted series offers a refreshing perspective on New York’s luxury property market. The agents feel more genuine, the homes appear more hospitable, and the focus is firmly on the hard work involved. Read our review of Owning Manhattan and discover the many reasons why it’s the reality TV show you should be binging this week.

Our review of Owning Manhattan 

First off, let’s talk about Ryan Serhant. The silver-haired, rock-hard-ab-flaunting CEO of SERHANT is distinctly different from the likes of Jason and Brett Oppenheim or Daniel Daggers. Serhant has built his firm from the ground up and even starred in the comPetitor series, Million Dollar Listing. His experience with largescale production teams and an even bigger workforce is evident (he heads a team of 350 agents to be precise), making him a smooth protagonist that’ll definitely remind you of Andy Cohen mixed with a hint of Ryan Reynolds. A megalomaniac he might be, but he doesn’t shy away from it in any capacity. Instead, he uses it to motivate his team and inevitably, himself.

Serhant’s no-nonsense presence serves him well in avoiding drama and favouritism, while still bringing diversity to his real estate entourage. “Right now, we are the number six brokerage in New York City. But I don’t wanna be sixth at anything. I bet my entire life, my house, and every single dollar I have, ‘cause I am self-funded here, on the success of this Business. So, it has to work,” he asserts, taking viewers into his Brooklyn mansion, which he shares with his wife, Emilia Bechrakis. The same house also featured prominently in their 2021 Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles spinoff, Ryan’s Renovation. 

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Real estate that’s actually real

One of the standout features of Owning Manhattan is its portrayal of homes. In spite of New York being notoriously expensive, the houses — from Brooklyn brownstones to Greenwich apartments — feel real and livable, unlike the impersonal palaces often seen in other real estate shows. The show also reveals bits about the rental market in New York as well as commercial real estate, parts that other franchises have shied away from, perhaps in an attempt to steer the brand image in a particularly niche, luxury market.

However, the show does not shy away from showcasing extravagance, like the USD 250 million trophy penthouse in Central Park Tower. With a build up of 17,545 square feet, 11 bathrooms, a ballroom overlooking the park, and a curved glass staircase, this property is a major highlight. Initially assigned to agent Kayla, the task of selling this mammoth apartment showcases the high stakes of New York’s real estate market. Owning Manhattan also offers viewers a peek into some of the most unbelievable apartments, including an apartment rented by Bad Bunny for USD 150,000 per month as well as a USD 10.5 million home in The Plaza overlooking Central Park and 5th Avenue.

The cast and competition

The cast of Owning Manhattan is composed of a dynamic mix of personalities. From veteran seller Nile to successful Brooklyn real estate expert Tricia Lee who works alongside her fiancé Jeff, the agents at SERHANT are diverse and driven. Other agents with screen time include Jess T, Jess M, and Jordan H, who humorously notes, “The office is 100 percent like a Lifetime movie. Don’t you need a little bit of crazy to do real estate in New York?”

Characters like Jade (who totally looks like Ariana Grande), with her army of inner childwork therapists, astrologers, and shamans, Chloe with her no-nonsense attitude, and social media expert Nile all bring a unique flavour to the show. Their personalities and coNFLicts are captivating, making the series addictive. Serhant also does not hesitate to fire agents when necessary, peppering the show with a much-needed dose of drama.

However, unlike other shows where drama overshadows professionalism, Owning Manhattan focuses on the hard work and competition within the office. Serhant encourages his agents to step up, creating a competitive, yet professional environment. This is a refreshing change from the backstabbing seen in shows like Selling Sunset and Buying London. The agents in Owning Manhattan are serious about their work, often arriving in flats instead of the typical 6-inch stilettos, which is groundbreaking for sure!

Fashion, an important metric of judgement for this genre of television viewing, is yet another aspect that separates Owning Manhattan from the rest of the gang. From tailored suits in pop colours and quintessential denim and blazer combos to rhinestone-encrusted dresses, the show has it all. The vibe is young, leaning on the casual Gen-Z, social media savvy side of sartorialism. Jonathan, the 26-year-old dripping in neck tattoos mentions in his snipPet, “My brand is celebrities, Instagram models; it’s crypto guys.” Coating the statement with a little more ego, he adds, “90 percent of real estate brokers in New York make less than 40k…. 40k is… I mean, my… my watch is five times that.” The aesthetic is more quiet luxury rather than dopamine dressing, which definitely appeals to its own set of buyers in the world of fashion.

A familiar, yet unique format

While the format of Owning Manhattan may be familiar, it stands out due to its unique blend of personalities and genuine focus on real estate. The show opens with stunning shots of Manhattan before moving inside Serhant’s multi-floor Brooklyn townhome. Serhant’s philosophical musings, such as comparing cemeteries to wasted potential, set the tone for his relentless drive to succeed. “I’m one of the top, if not the top, real estate brokers in the world, and I do over a billion dollars in sales every year,” he boasts, highlighting his achievements.

At SERHANT’s SoHo HQ, agents celebrate their big sales by autographing a wall, showcasing a competitive, yet supportive atmosphere. The show captures the high stakes of the industry, especially when Serhant gives his agents the challenge of selling the USD 250 million penthouse. The mix of experienced agents and newcomers creates a dynamic environment, as they all compete to win the massive commission.

In the end, Owning Manhattan is a must-watch for fans of real estate reality TV. With its focus on genuine personalities, high-stakes real estate, and the dynamic leadership of Ryan Serhant, it offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre. Whether you’re drawn in by the lavish properties or the captivating drama among the agents, this show has something for everyone. If Netflix greenlights a second season, it promises to be even more cutthroat and entertaining.

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Is Owning Manhattan coming back for season 2?

As for the future of Owning Manhattan, Netflix has yet to confirm a second season. However, the finale hints at more to come. “We have filmed some things that we weren’t able to continue with by the time shooting ended,” Serhant told Entertainment Tonight. “[They] didn’t make sense for season one. I think [they] are primed for season two and are intense, to say the least.” Serhant’s ambition is clear: he aims for the show to become the most watched real estate reality TV show globally, mirroring his goal for SERHANT to be the top brokerage in New York.

“I’ve done this for a long time now and I do like telling stories,” Serhant says. “I think that the life that we lead is pretty unique over here on this little island that we live on.” This sets the stage for what could be an even more thrilling second season of Owning Manhattan.

Watch the show here

(Main Image: Netflix; Featured Image: Instagram/Owning Manhattan)