You know how much I adore Netflix‘s BLING EMPIRE, so for the mic to be dropped at the end of Season Three that an upcoming New York-set Series is on the way, left me in agony that there would be a wait for this!
We met Socialite Dorothy Wang in Season Two of the Los Angeles-set branch of the Series. Finally Kane Lim has met his match, and it seems everybody loves him. Dorothy has never cared for his friendship, despite his insistent hopes to win her approval. We were so intrigued by her and now she’s off to begin a new life in New York, single and ready to mingle with a new pool of potential love interests after purchasing a gorgeous new loft apartment in the City. She doesn’t really know anyone here and neither do we! We meet some really interesting new characters to the mix, all well-to-do Socialites including Social Media Fashion Influencer Tina Leung; Tycoon and Model Power Couple Stephen & Deborah Hung; Wellness industry executive Richard Chang and his girlfriend Vika; Jewellery Major Player Lynn Ban and husband Jett Kain; plus also aspiring Actor Blake Abbie.
If you’re looking for dueling Queen Bee energy like the Los Angeles branch of the series, there isn’t so much of that here but there certainly is a bit of drama. For one, the ladies and Blake seem to disapprove of the way Richard treats Vika, medalling in their love life. What this new Series manages to capture well is the bond between this group of friends who in are just getting to know each other and Dororthy is our eyes into this new world, while she too is trying to just fit in and find love herself.
This Series goes a layer deeper exploring some past traumas some of the Cast are copying with and we even witness a panic attack unfold live. The Series seems to hint at some trouble brewing between Lynn and Jett after 26 years together as the latter expresses some interest in wanting to do his own thing after supporting Lynn all these years in her venture. And Blake who prefers to avoid labelling his sexuality, is copying with cultural pressure to continue his family’s legacy, while coping with the loss of his father. So the themes here in this New York spinoff are a bit darker, drawing the audience in further. While it doesn’t have the same shiny veneer its predecessor does, BLING EMPIRE: NEW YORK all the same explores what a combination of privielege and Asian heritage and cultural values mean to this fascinating group of people. It tooks a bit to hit its best stride, but it gets there and we’re ready for a Season Two.
BLING EMPIRE: NEW YORK arrives on Netflix January 14, 2023.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com