Atlanta is a hotbed for reality shows, and the luxurious, ritzy Buckhead community is a prime backdrop for many of them.
The shows often are focused on women, who say they are wealthy and Atlanta socialites. Often, the show centers on the women's arguments, physical altercations and overall conflict, which make for good TV, but what does it do for the image of Atlanta and specifically Buckhead?
Buckhead Patch asks, "Are reality shows tainting Buckhead's image?" Leave your comments below.
The unofficial "Mayor of Buckhead" Sam Massell says that none of the shows have affected the image or reputation of Buckhead."Most people that watch those kind of shows are comfortable with that lifestyle... The result is foolishness. I think the audience treats it that way," Massell said about the shows.
The new Lifetime network reality show, "Pretty Wicked Moms," is about a group of Buckhead area moms who are in competition about their children. Another reality show, "Big Rich Atlanta" from the Style Network was taped largely at the Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, 18 miles away from Buckhead. However, for "taping purposes," the country club was called the "Buckhead Country Club."
Additionally, there is "Married to Medicine," a reality show about women married to Atlanta doctors or who are Atlanta doctors themselves, some of whom live in Buckhead. Almost 2 million people tuned into the first episode of the show in March where the women argued and dramatically left a gathering hosted by the show's "Queen Bee."
The reality shows' attention and spotlight on Buckhead to a national audience "is not something that we seek," Massell said. "Notoriety can be damaging as well as supportive... There's no question you build an identity based on coverage by the media. That identity can be foolish, it can be fearful or it can be fine."
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