Following the popularity of “Selling Sunset”, Netflix has introduced another real-estate reality series. Titled “Buying Beverly Hills (BBH)”, the eight-episode programme revolves around The Agency, a property company founded and owned by Mauricio Umansky, husband of Kyle Richards of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fame.

Similar to “Selling Sunset”, the series treats viewers to extravagant homes, a fair share of conflict between the agents, and, of course, expensive cars and lavish lifestyles.

In the opening scene, Mauricio describes himself as an agent who has “sold more US$20-million homes than anybody else in the country”, and The Agency as “the best global real-estate company in the world”. It’s an impressive introduction.

Joining him at work is his stepdaughter, Farrah Brittany, and daughter, Alexia. Thirty-three-year-old Brittany – a child from Richards’ former marriage whom Mauricio has helped raise since she was five – is a senior agent.

Alexia, meanwhile, is a 25-year-old junior agent new to the company who wants to prove she is more than just Mauricio’s daughter.

The other senior agents are the impeccably dressed Jon Grauman, and the comical Ben Belack, who promotes himself as a “Beverly Hills Super Realtor” in his various marketing materials, much to the amusement of his colleagues.

Then there’s Melissa Platt, Brittany’s best friend, and Allie Lutz, who is attempting to balance work with being a wife and mother of three young children.

And joining the lineup of junior agents are Joey Ben-Zvi, who has known Alexia for more than 10 years; Sonika Vaid, a former “American Idol” finalist; and Brandon Graves, an ex-professional dancer – all of whom are attempting to break into the property industry.

‘BBH’ vs ‘Selling Sunset’

In the battle of real-estate-themed reality shows, it’s hard not to compare “BBH” with “Selling Sunset”: both involve beautiful people in beautiful clothes selling beautiful houses in Los Angeles. One key difference pertains to the owners of the agencies.

In the five seasons of “Selling Sunset”, the Oppenheim Group was helmed by 45-year-old twin brothers Jason and Brett Oppenheim. Rich, successful and single, they are the ultimate eligible bachelors who frequently come under fire from the agents about their inability to commit to long-term relationships.

Mauricio, in comparison, is a refreshing change. Despite being only slightly older than the Oppenheims, he comes across as more fatherly and, throughout the episodes, seems to genuinely want to coach and guide not just his daughters but the other agents as well.

Along the same lines, he allows the senior agents to hone their own leadership by grooming the younger ones.

Compared with “Selling Sunset”, “BBH” also features less cattiness among the agents and more healthy competition to bring in business. While some viewers might actually prefer more drama, this is hopefully something that will continue in future seasons.

Hit or miss?

The series touches on several interesting themes, such as the challenges of different age groups working together. For instance, there is tension early on between senior agent Belack and junior Ben-Zvi.

Belack initially views Ben-Zvi as an entitled millennial who only got the job thanks to his connections with Alexia. Describing Ben-Zvi as someone who talks too much, he references his own experience of working with Mauricio: “Do you think, if I am in a room with Mauricio, I am talking? I am asking questions, listening, watching.”

As the series progresses, however, he warms up to Ben-Zvi. Given the estimation that millennials will make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, this scenario could be more common in the coming days!

The series also sees Mauricio addressing the topic of succession planning. Although he hopes his children will take the reins someday, he acknowledges he may have to look elsewhere if they are not ready – another issue commonly faced by family-run businesses.

If there’s a downside, it’s that although most of the homes are spacious, “BBH” seems crowded with too many players.

The series could benefit from having fewer agents, and more screen time to see how they find property leads and face challenges in closing deals. After all, it can’t always be sunny in Beverly Hills!

And fans of reality shows may also think it’s a darn shame Kyle Richards doesn’t make a physical appearance, apart from one video call with his daughter Brittany.

Nevertheless, “BBH” manages to keep viewers entertained throughout all episodes, most pertinently through its tantalising glimpses into luxurious and ostentatious Beverly Hills homes. It’s certainly a must-watch if you’re into this sort of thing.

‘Buying Beverly Hills’ is streaming on Netflix.