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Selling Sunset season 8 review: Scandals, secrets, and showdowns

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Sep 13, 2024 / 5251 Views

Evan Walker

Netflix’s Selling Sunset season 8 continues to serve up its signature cocktail of glitzy real estate, catty clashes, and outrageous personal drama — only now, the stakes seem to be even higher. This season pulls no punches as old rivalries resurface and new cast members shake things up at the Oppenheim Group. From accusations of infidelity to emotional confrontations over past traumas, the reality TV staple attempts to keep viewers hooked, even if some of the plotlines feel like déjà vu.

As the drama builds to almost operatic heights, the question is: has Selling Sunset outstayed its welcome, or is it just getting started on its latest roller-coaster ride of chaos? Our Selling Sunset season 8 review dives deep into the latest instalment’s biggest moments and why it still has viewers buzzing.

Selling Sunset season 8 review: Here’s the full tea

The season opens with a sweeping shot of a USD 38 million mansion, the kind of property that only the super-rich could dream of — or buy. Chrishell stands before a mirror, musing, “The L.A. real estate market is unpredictable, to say the least… Last year was definitely challenging, but we’re not giving up.” With this lacklustre pep talk, viewers are thrust back into the high-stakes world of luxury listings.

Quickly, though, the drama veers from real estate to interpersonal chaos, as Chrishell and Jason discuss the fallout from last season. Bre is noticeably absent, still angry over a feud involving Chelsea, who slammed her unconventional co-parenting relationship with Nick Cannon. Jason, in his usual blasé style, admits, “I haven’t spoken to Bre,” before introducing Alanna Gold, a self-described “former nerd” who admits, “None of my new co-workers would have even talked to me in high school.” And just like that, the die is cast for another season of alliances and antagonisms.

Newcomer Alanna quickly finds herself thrust into the chaotic web of the O Group, and it doesn’t take long for her to be drawn into a competition for a USD 30 million Manhattan Beach listing. Chelsea, dressed in what some might call an office-inappropriate dress, shrugs off the criticism with a promise: “I’ll wear a turtleneck if that’s what it takes to get the listing. Has anyone on this show ever worn a turtleneck for real?” Alanna, Mary, and Chelsea all vie for the deal, but when the owners opt for a split listing between Chelsea and Mary, neither is particularly pleased, setting the stage for future catfights.

Bre drops a bomb on Chelsea’s marriage

The drama doesn’t stop at Chelsea’s fashion faux pas. Episode 3 serves one of the season’s juiciest storylines as Bre drops a bombshell about Chelsea’s marriage. “A friend I’ve known for a couple of years, Amanda, asked to go to lunch,” Bre explains, her voice carefully measured. “She told me that her friend, who she’s still very close with and sees, lives at the W Hotel in Hollywood, and that he saw your husband with some girl…” Amanda apparently has “receipts” in the form of text messages, detailing how Chelsea’s husband was spotted “making out” with another woman at the hotel. It’s like throwing gasoline on an already raging fire.

Chelsea is blindsided and furious — not just at her potentially unfaithful husband but at Bre for making the private public. Chrishell and Emma, sensing a storyline that’s spinning out of control, confront Bre in a later episode. “Can you clarify if the scene with Amanda was set up by you?” The conversation quickly deteriorates, with Bre snapping, “Now I’m starting to get really f–cking pissed.” The fallout is swift: Bre skips a lunch with Emma and Chrishell and unfollows them on Instagram. The lines are drawn, and the battle rages on. This moment is a significant highlight in our Selling Sunset season 8 review, showing just how intense and personal the drama has become.

Nicole’s scandalous accusation about Emma

In a season full of jaw-dropping moments, Nicole’s incendiary accusation about EMMA’s alleged fling with a married man may just top the list. Midway through the season, during a dusty day trip to Alanna’s Old West-style desert town, Nicole decides to let loose a rumour she claims to have heard from a ‘reliable source.’

“I did hear from a reliable source that Emma has likely had relations with a married man,” she whispers conspiratorially. The tension builds as Nicole continues, “If Chelsea’s going through what I think she’s going through, it’s pretty messed up that Emma would act so righteous about it.”

Emma’s response? Dead silence — at least at first. When Nicole finally drops this gossip bomb on Bre, her reply is sly and cutting: “Not a husband snatcher…” The insinuations fly, and gloves come off. Suddenly, Nicole is cast as the season’s new villain, sparking a firestorm of social media backlash even before the season’s debut. Chrishell, ever the group’s self-appointed truth-teller, labels the whole situation “a damaging lie,” taking to Instagram to defend Emma.

Mary and Chelsea’s heated rivalry

selling sunset season 8 review — Mary and Chelsea have a go at each other during Amanza’s birthday party. (Image: Netflix)

While Bre and Chelsea’s feud simmers, another unexpected rivalry erupts between Mary and Chelsea. The clash begins when Mary is dubbed “the biggest pot-stirrer in the office” during a fan Q&A. Chelsea doesn’t mince words, later texting Mary, “Keep my f–cking name out of your mouth.” Naturally, Mary confronts her, leading to a shouting match at Amanza’s 47th birthday bash that could put a Real Housewives reunion to shame. Mary’s husband, Romain, even steps in to defend his wife, which only escalates the tension. Never one to back down, Chelsea comes back harder, raising her voice over the clinking of champagne glasses and party music.

However, in a rare show of vulnerability for the series, the two manage to put aside their differences in episode 4 during a tearful exchange. “I feel closer to you now,” Chelsea confesses, after they both share stories of childhood traumas and past betrayals. This heartfelt moment gives depth to an otherwise shallow season and reminds us why these relationships continue to draw us back — messy as they are. It’s moments like these that add layers to Selling Sunset season 8, keeping the audience engaged.

Bre confronts her past with ex-husband Johnny Manziel

Bre meets with her ex-husband, Johnny Manziel. (Image: Netflix)

Bre’s story isn’t all about mud-slinging and rivalries; it also delves into her complicated past with her ex-husband, Johnny Manziel. In an unexpected turn of events, she meets with him to help find a new home, resulting in a cathartic conversation about their failed marriage. Johnny admits, “I was a lost, depressed kid running around the Hollywood Hills getting drunk every night and living in a nightclub. And a lot of time behind your back probably.”

Bre retorts with a sardonic laugh, “Oh, you spent a lot of time with someone else on their back, but yes it’s fine.” The exchange is surprisingly candid, providing one of the season’s more raw and authentic moments amidst the otherwise scripted drama. This subplot adds an unexpected emotional depth we felt had to be mentioned in our Selling Sunset season 8 review.

Niko’s death and the aftermath

Mary and Jason break down over Niko’s death. (Image: Netflix)

Our Selling Sunset season 8 review would not be complete with only confrontations and Scandals; there were genuinely heartfelt moments, too. One such moment is the death of Niko, the beloved 18-year-old dog shared by Mary and Jason. In a tear-jerking scene, the two exes hold a funeral, complete with Niko’s ashes turned into tattoos. “I feel like part of me is gone,” Jason confesses as he breaks down, and for a moment, the usually superficial show hits a deep emotional note.

Yet, even Niko’s funeral isn’t safe from drama, as it quickly devolves into another showdown about Chelsea’s husband’s infidelity. Mary sums up the debacle: “I was appalled by the behaviour. This was supposed to be a time to mourn, not a time to fight.” Indeed, the clash feels both disrespectful and inevitable, given the season’s explosive dynamics.

Alanna Gold: The new sheriff in town

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Alanna’s introduction as the O Group’s newest agent initially seems like a breath of fresh air. Raised in a rural Canadian town and boasting ownership of an entire Western-themed desert town, Alanna brings an unexpected mix of humility and quirkiness. “I own a functioning Old West town in the desert called Pioneertown,” she says nonchalantly. Her debut might seem overshadowed by the ongoing wars among the veterans, but Alanna’s ability to quickly adapt to the treacherous real estate battlefield suggests she’s no pushover. Though she loses out on the Manhattan Beach listing, her perseverance and professionalism — qualities in short supply this season — mark her as one to watch.

Selling Sunset season 8 review: Should you watch it?

With all the glamour, gossip, and drama that Season 8 of Selling Sunset brings, the central question still remains: Has Selling Sunset overstayed its welcome? While the core fanbase may remain invested in these over-the-top storylines and designer-drenched disputes, the cracks in the foundation are beginning to show. The same rivalries, the same backstabbing, the same formulaic tension — it’s starting to feel like we’ve been on this merry-go-round a few times too many. And with several cast members like Chrishell openly expressing their frustration with the producers, one has to wonder whether this glamorous drama is nearing its final curtain call.

For now, however, Selling Sunset still provides enough punchy one-liners, jaw-dropping real estate, and scandalous subplots to keep its loyal viewers entertained. After all, what’s another ride on this high-drama carousel when the stakes, properties, and heels are higher than ever?

(Main and Featured Image: Netflix)