Owning Manhattan is a groundbreaking Netflix reality TV series centered around real-estate mogul Ryan Serhant’s mission to elevate his company, SERHANT., in the competitive world of NYC luxury real estate. The show, premiering on June 28, 2024, offers an inside look at the drama and cutthroat competition as agents navigate high-stakes deals.
Serhant, who gained fame from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing: New York, introduced what he calls a new format for real-estate reality TV—elevated reality. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter
, he stated, Serhant is the first to claim that his series is a new format for real-estate reality TV.
The Owning Manhattan series stands out due to its impressive production value featuring orchestral scores, quality editing, and drone footage. However, Serhant’s approach has sparked discussions about authenticity versus entertainment value. As he narrates his journey through first-person storytelling—a nod to Ferris Bueller—his charismatic style and dramatic flair draw viewers deeper into the high-gloss world of NYC real estate.
The story of Serhant’s rise is not without its roots in earlier reality TV. His entry into the realm began with Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing: New York, but it goes back even further to his 2006 victory on InTurn, an internet competition aimed at finding a new soap opera star. Serhant’s knack for blending personal narratives with professional achievements creates compelling television moments.
In terms of content, viewers can expect high-end properties featured prominently. Each episode showcases the agents’ personal and professional struggles as they vie for prime real estate. Ryan himself finds joy in the challenges, noting, “Not everyone makes it to the finale,” reflecting the intensity and competitive spirit that defines the series.
This season introduced audiences to a mix of seasoned professionals and fresh faces eager for fame and fortune in NYC’s luxury market. The dynamic between experienced brokers and social media-savvy newcomers adds layers to the show’s drama. Notably, Jordan Hurt exemplifies this tension when he asserts, When people were racing out of NYC, Ryan was investing in and taking over Manhattan.
The show’s format encourages structured drama more than spontaneous conflicts typically seen in reality TV. Critics have noted that while Serhant’s narration helps maintain control over the storyline, it risks appearing scripted. Yet, this style underpins the elevated reality concept that Serhant passionately promotes.
The veteran agents, despite being less central to the drama, play crucial roles in highlighting professional milestones and transactions amidst the chaos. The balance between personal flair and business acumen frames much of the series’ narrative arc.
As Ryan’s ambitious project unfolds, fans are left pondering whether Owning Manhattan will continue its reign on Netflix. With a cliffhanger ending in season one and increasing viewer engagement, odds favor renewal. However, as new players like Selling Sunset‘s spinoff gear up for New York debuts, Serhant’s distinctive blend of drama and sophistication will be critical in solidifying its legacy in real-estate TV.
