Now reaching the 20th and final season, the Kardashian-Jenner family has been a household reality TV name across the world as millions of people have tuned in to watch “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” The TV show started in 2007 after the famous sex tape of second-eldest daughter Kim Kardashian was released, thus starting the entire Kardashian franchise.
The reality TV show also includes mom Kris Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner and six children: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner. The show also includes spouses, other extended family members and eventually children of the original six siblings.
As the show is coming to an end, it is a good time to reflect on one of the most famous families in the world and how they came to be so widely beloved— and widely hated.
Since the show aired, many people came to hate the Kardashian-Jenner family because of their quick rise to fame, their exorbitant and wealthy lifestyle, their constant use of plastic surgery and body and face altering techniques, their over-sexualized social media presence, and much more.
Their lifestyle is a very extravagant one; each child having mansions in L.A., Beverly Hills, New York, Cleveland and more. Private jets and thousand dollar handbags are no biggie to the family, as well as over-the-top million dollar parties for their two-year-old children. It’s a lifestyle not many people understand and never will understand, so it is easy to view the family as a symbol of greed and material items, with no care of money.
One of the biggest criticisms is, of course, that the show was started because of the popularity of Kim’s sex tape. The family is known for being very open about sexuality on their show and on social media, often making sexual innuendos to each other.
However, the family, especially sisters Kourtney, Kim and Khloe, have promoted sex positivity and still encourage people to not be ashamed of that aspect of one’s life. In one episode, the sisters visit Planned Parenthood to learn about the services offered and how it encourages everyone to be sex positive and to practice safe sex.
One of the biggest focuses that happened on the show was Caitlyn Jenner’s transition. In a two-episode special, the family dives into Caitlyn’s life, showing raw recordings of the family coping and learning how to move forward with Caitlyn. This huge shock to the world opened the door for many transgender people to become fully comfortable with who they were meant to be, as well as bringing more attention to the transgender community and the discrimination that often comes with it.
The show followed Caitlyn’s transition and how it wasn’t an easy road for the family, portraying the truth of the emotions and obstacles that come with a family member’s transition.
Although criticized for not having any talent, the family is successful through business, as each child has either their own company or career. Khloe has a clothing line called Good American for women and men of many different body types. Kylie has a successful makeup line called Kylie Cosmetics and was named one of the world’s youngest billionaires by Forbes. Kendall has created for herself a career through professional modeling, both cover and runway, and now represents and models for huge brands such as Versace and Chanel.
In the episodes depicting their international travel, the family takes time to immerse themselves in the culture and learn about that culture’s traditions and customs. The family can be seen trying new foods, dressing in cultural appropriate attire, learning traditional dance and more.
Even though the Kardashian-Jenner family does document their experiences with plastic surgery or body altering surgery, the family is very open about body struggles and body positivity, in no way shaming others for how they want to present their body. The girls talk about the importance of fitness and clean eating to promote body changes, not just changes brought by plastic surgery.
The Kardashian-Jenner family has definitely had their moments in terms of questionable morals, situations and lifestyles. However, the family does spend time on the show dealing with and acknowledging issues such as homelessness, poverty, gun violence, racism and other prevalent issues in the world today.
With the final season currently airing, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” has provided viewers with a raw look into one of America’s most famous families. It has presented and dealt with situations that are relevant in today’s world, while being supportive of everyone’s lifestyle choices.
Overall, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” is a light-hearted, but still realistic, show that highlights the love and support within a close-knit family.
Macy Berendsen can be reached at macyberendsen@stthomas.edu.