A long, long time ago, “The Real Housewives of Orange County” premiered on the cable channel Bravo with the idea that five women would open their lives and expose their ‘reality’ filled with money, family, work and bling. The surprise success of Orange County has established a franchise filled with spin-offs in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Every season the stories get crazier, the fights get wilder and the women get louder. With the Atlanta Housewives third season starting and the beginning of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” set to premiere October 14, it begs to question - is enough finally enough? Are we on Bravo "Housewives" overload?

Unfortunately, the quick answer is no. However, the increase in cities has caused this loyal viewer to pick and choose which series to follow. The recent “Real Housewives of D.C.” was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe one could tell it wouldn’t be special when one of the women, Mary, introduced herself with the following, “I don’t make money. I spend money.” Really Mary, that’s what you wanted your introduction to be week after week? In her defense, she was very likable in the two episodes I watched. However, therein lies the problem. I only watched two episodes- the season premiere and finale. This pop culture fanatic couldn’t miss the finale titled “Party Politics” which showcased the alleged (have to be politically correct, but we all know what happened) White House party crashers Tareq and Michaele Salahi commit the unthinkable. Overall, the season and finale in particular was disappointing because we didn’t learn anything new. On the bright side, D.C. housewife Cat had a clever line when she described the Salahis as “so plastic, not fantastic.” Maybe the two-part reunion will bring some answers and much needed war of words. Or maybe, it’s too late and we are moving on.

That moving-on process could include “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” which kicked off season three on October 4. I’ve been looking forward to the on-screen craziness of Housewives NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak. They made up, but we know that won’t last long. Isn’t it funny how in one season, one can accuse the other of choking them, but next season be the best of friends? This season appears to be just the way us Bravo fans like it. Two new housewives join the cast and leave quite the impression. Based on this season’s trailer, we can expect in-your-face verbal attacks, divorce talk, police and much more. 

The truth is I could write about the Housewives franchise week after week. “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will include Camille Grammer struggling with her failing marriage to "Frasier" actor Kelsey Grammer, and Adrienne Maloof, whose family runs the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and owns the NBA Sacramento Kings - the season certainly looks engaging. New York just began filming season four and Orange County is wrapping up production of season six.  In addition, E! News reports “The Real Housewives of Miami” has been shot and is ready to air. 

It is going to be a challenge to continue making each city and each season unique to the viewer. Bravo, please don’t make the mistake of giving us too much of a good thing where we just get so overwhelmed and tired of it all, we shut you out for good.  (Think “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” or “Deal or no Deal”) With the current ratings, maybe I’m the only one with Housewives fatigue. I’m trying to keep up but it may be time to slow down. 

Reach reporter Mike Vulpo here.

[Editor's note - an earlier edition of this article incorrectly listed Adrienne Maloof's family owning the NHL Sacramento Kings - they actually own the NBA Sacramento Kings. The correction is reflected in this re-published version.]