Million Dollar Listing New York

Of all the series about real estate, this is my favorite. It's a combination of big deal details and the personalities behind them.

Buyers and sellers of real estate in New York City are demanding. Those who transact prime real estate are, of course, very successful business people or those who have inherited fortunes. You might say they are spoiled, but they expect deference, superior service and, above all else, results. They usually get what they demand because they have the leverage in negotiations. Real estate brokers and agents who cater to them must possess a unique set of qualities.

Among the qualities needed for high rolling in real estate are a thick skin, a quick mind, an ability to think outside the box (creativity), a healthy ego, and the ability to schmooze. Empathy doesn't hurt either.

This show features a cast of real estate agents who earn top commissions for dealing with the rich and the famous and for selling their multi-million dollar listings.

The appeal of the series comes from its focus on luxury properties, including the details of their appointments---from the vast expanses of marble to the twenty-foot ceilings. From the custom features like pools or a 24-hour doorman. If you have walked around the City and wondered what was behind the doors of those posh addresses that line Central Park, this show is for you.

Over the last eight seasons, MDLNY has focused on the businesses of a handful of agents, and has shown their behind-the-scenes machinations, both business and personal. The two main "characters" have been Frederik, a sometimes churlish and petulant Swedish-born gay man, and Ryan, a heterosexual go-getter who is not a metrosexual.

The show's focus on its main "actors" makes it a primer for those who would enter the world of luxury real estate. These agents possess certain traits in common, like the ability to make fun of themselves and to take large risks. They are nearly monomaniacal in their pursuit of the big deals. They display a childishness at times that can be endearing or annoying. They take things personally, which makes them determined to avoid past mistakes. And they have their geographical areas of expertise, though they all have a wealth of knowledge about NYC in general.

In the course of the show, we have seen them marry and have children, changing their perceptions of life and softening some hard edges of their personalities. Would I like them if I met them? I don't know, but I enjoy watching them negotiate the pitfalls of business transactions (like zoning restrictions or buyers who are never satisfied) and personal interactions (like spouses who deserve attention and consideration).

If you like watching shows where you dislike the personalities of the "stars" then you may like this. Personally, they came across as people I couldn't stand trying to have a conversation with, and for that reason, the show isn't enjoyable to watch.

Real estate is just the backdrop to a show about personalities whose names you'd forget except for the producer's need to repeatedly flash their named on the screen - but ultimately, they're memorable only because they're obnoxious and self-centered and seemingly proud of both of these character flaws.

This one is worth skipping.

House Hunters on steroids....I watch mostly to see the fabulous NYC condos and town homes on offer to the rich and overly particular (not that I blame them at these prices). Unfortunately, we don't see enough of the properties. Three sleek, polished young men who are top Manhattan realtors raking in millions, apparently still don't have enough and have sold themselves to the Bravo network for even more money. At least two have had acting experience, which is helpful to them, since nearly every scene is clearly scripted and probably has little to do with reality. The problem is, their "supporting players" - developers, brokers, clients, etc., do not have an acting background, making some of the scenes awkward at best. Others seem to relish the idea of hamming it up with gusto on television. There's plenty of drama, of course, as we are brought (reluctantly on my part) into the realtors' personal lives and relationships. This offers lots of opportunity for angst, manufactured and otherwise, and terribly moving moments of Self-Discovery and Self-Actualization....can we just get back to the five-million-dollar condos, please? I confess that despite my cynicism, I'm addicted to this show and its glowing tribute to narcissism. And yep, I'll be back for the new season when our three heroes return rested, freshly botoxed, and ready to perform for the cameras again. I recommend this show for those who enjoy this kind of thing - and know how to take it with a BIG grain of salt.

I just love this show! A little bit of harmless drama, and gorgeous scenery (including the men, the real estate, and New York). I'm thrilled about the current new season, but also enjoy re-runs! Thank you, and keep up the good work!!!

I really love the show, however I do think they need 5 agents on season 9. They barely have enough air time to show the process of each agent selling the properties. It feels kinda forced that they added that new agent Kristen on the show. As a long time fan, i think all they need are Ryan, Fredrik, and Steve and have Luis back as a recurring if he wants to.