Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Selling Sunset’ Season 5 on Netflix, The Latest Glitzy Installment of the Addictive Reality Series

It’s hard to believe Selling Sunset has been delivering soapy reality show greatness for some three years now; the glitzy, gaudy series has gifted us with ridiculous mega-mansion porn, inter-office romance, and bestie backstabbing action (to name only a few high points). We’ve sat by patiently for a followup on some serious cliffhangers, and the wait is finally over. The Los Angeles-set real estate series is back for a fifth season, and there’s no shortage of drama for all our leading ladies (whether they’re in the office, at the club, or on vacation). 

SELLING SUNSET: SEASON 5: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: An airplane lands on a scenic runway.

The Gist: Selling Sunset‘s fifth season kicks off in beautiful Mykonos, where couples Mary and Romain, Brett and Tina, and (yep, the rumors are true!) Jason and Chrishell soak up the sun and spend time away from the prying eyes of Hollywood. Amanza and some other pals make an appearance to celebrate Chrishell’s birthday, and even with a little drama on the trip (couple fights, brother fights, etc.), they all seem to have a dreamy time. It’s blissful! They’re in love! Chrishell used to only dig tall dudes, but not anymore! Brett in particular seems relieved that the news about Jason and Chrishell is finally out; being one of the keepers of this explosive secret was apparently eating him alive. When we finally get a glimpse of the rest of the gals’ reactions, it’s not hard to see why he was so stressed about it, either. Back at the office, Emma and Heather seem surprised and mildly delighted by the news, while Davina makes disapproving faces and Maya wonders if they’re going to have a baby. (Jason’s never been able to commit before! There’s been a lot of “daddy” talk lately!). They’re not the only ones with feelings about this coupling, either.

Christine is back in town from her own vacation, ready to dive back into work in the form of a brokers’ open. She befriends the lovely Chelsea Lazkani, which she takes as a sign to continue to keep her guard up against the Oppenheim bitches and move on. Though she claims to be focused on herself and getting her feet wet again in the real estate world, Christine can’t help but wonder if Chrishell has been getting so many listings because of her relationship with Jason. With the new couple halfway around the world, it’s only a matter of time before she tells them about her feelings face-to-face. (Or, knowing Christine, tells everyone except them, and then lies about it).

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Selling Sunset might delight fans of other real estate series like Million Dollar Listing, Million Dollar Beach House, and Selling Tampa.

Our Take: Selling Sunset is a constant. There’s something oddly comforting about just how reliable it is in nature; beautiful (if frequently tacky) houses, ample lip filler, and endless (often totally pointless) drama. It’s so much fun, an easy escape into a world where the kinds of problems people face have to do with multi-million dollar homes and worrying about whether or not personal news gets leaked to the press. In its fifth season, the series has really found its stride, understanding each of its characters and setting them up for exactly the kind of reality TV greatness we come for. Christine Quinn, ever the picture perfect reality villain, might even manage to work her way back into our hearts this season, actually receiving something of a redemption arc (or whatever redemption means for someone like Christine). We’ve added a handful of new faces over these past four seasons, and Selling Sunset does occasionally struggle to give all of them the screen time they need. (Heather’s bit about using essential oils to ward off toxic people made me laugh out loud. More Heather, please). Despite this difficult balancing act, however, Selling Sunset is as entertaining and addictive as ever.

Much of the first episode deals with the group’s various reactions to the revelation that Jason and Chrishell are dating; from mild amusement to utter shock and disapproval, each of the members of the Oppenheim Group have some kind of opinion about this shiny new (surprising) relationship. There’s nothing like an unexpected coupling to shake things up for a reality TV family, and given that Chrishell has been such an endless source of drama for the group (whether she’s at odds with Christine, having her divorce aired publicly, or stealing BFFs), it seems perfect that she’s at the center of this scandal, too. Selling Sunset‘s fifth season kicks off at a leisurely rate, letting our pals enjoy their time in Greece and showing a few houses stateside before shit gets real again. We can’t wait for them to pick up the pace.

Sex and Skin: None.

Parting Shot: Christine gives Maya quite the look after implying that she hasn’t been getting as many listings because she’s not “fucking her boss”.

Sleeper Star: The addition of someone as sparkly as Chelsea Lazkani is a welcome one. From the moment she first appears in that fabulous green ensemble, it’s obvious that she’s made for reality TV, dazzling with her million-watt smile and immediately disarming Christine with her warmth. It’s always fun to shake things up with the addition of a new cast member, and Selling Sunset wastes no time giving Christine a new gal pal sure to breathe new life into the series. I can’t wait to see more of Chelsea (and what else she’ll be WEARING) this season.

Most Pilot-y Line: “I just love looking down at people,” says Christine, marveling at the view from the brokers’ open. She is nothing if not on brand.

Our Call: STREAM IT. Selling Sunset remains as addictive as ever, delivering an indulgent, entertaining fifth season decked out in all the blonde hair extensions and six-inch stilettos you could possibly hope for.

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines, hogging the mic at karaoke, and thirst-tweeting. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.