For some, the Real Housewives is a means to achieve their 15 minutes of fame, but for other cast members, it has been a vehicle to break free from traditional roles expected of women and take financial control of their lives.

"They're finding their independence through the show," Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted, told Newsweek . "It's given a lot of them the ability to fulfill a dream or to evolve into something and realize their full potential."

When Real Housewives started filming, Andy Cohen didn't believe it had what it takes to become a success. He didn't even think it was worth putting "Orange County" in the title because he didn't see it expanding to other areas. So, highlighting the location wasn't necessary, and it felt clunky.

Nearly 20 years l

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