Money and Fame Don't Shield 'Real Housewives' from Criminal Charges

The popular reality TV franchise has become a window into the U.S. justice system, offering lessons on how factors like social class, age, and race can impact criminal cases.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:31am

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The 'Real Housewives' reality TV series has become infamous for its characters' legal troubles, with cast members frequently facing criminal charges. A new university course, 'The Real Housewives of Criminology,' examines these cases to illustrate core concepts from criminal justice theory and practice, comparing the experiences of the wealthy 'Housewives' to those of the general public.

Why it matters

As more people, especially young adults, consume news about crime and punishment from streaming platforms and social media, the 'Real Housewives' franchise provides a relatable way to explore how factors like social class, age, and race can impact people's experiences with the justice system.

The details

The course requires students to analyze footage from 'The Real Housewives,' read criminological research, and even delve into the Housewives' own memoirs. This culminates in a 'Final Reunion' where students embody a Housewife character and answer questions about their criminal cases.

  • In 2023, a story on NPR highlighted how the Bravo Network franchise was becoming more like a true-crime TV series.
  • Jen Shah, a cast member from 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,' was recently sentenced to six years in federal prison for her role in a nationwide telemarketing scheme.

The players

Jen Shah

A cast member from 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' who was sentenced to six years in federal prison for her role in a nationwide telemarketing scheme.

C. Clare Strange

The professor who developed the idea for 'The Real Housewives of Criminology' course.

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What they’re saying

“I realized that these scenes illustrate core concepts from criminal justice theory and practice as well as any textbook.”

— C. Clare Strange, Professor

“While money and power can often go a long way in fighting a criminal conviction, sometimes they fall short when the harm to victims or society is too great, or the pattern of behavior is too obvious.”

— C. Clare Strange, Professor

What’s next

The judge in Jen Shah's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her out on bail.

The takeaway

This course highlights how the 'Real Housewives' franchise can provide a relatable way for students to explore the nuances of the U.S. justice system, beyond the sensationalized headlines, and understand how factors like social class, age, and race can impact criminal cases.