Meet Real-Life Crazy Rich Asians On Netflix's New Show "Bling Empire"
It’s been a good three years since the hit rom-com Crazy Rich Asians took the world by storm. If you’ve been waiting for the sequel, which has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic, perhaps there’s something else that can satiate you in the meantime.
Bling Empire is a new show on Netflix that also features a wealthy group of Asians—except they are real-life people based in Los Angeles and not just onscreen characters.
Ready to make this frivolous series your next Netflix binge? Here are six facts about the show that you should know:
1/6 Yes, it’s an actual show featuring real-life crazy rich Asians
The cast of characters is indeed a group of super-wealthy Asians and Asian-Americans who have amassed their fortunes in various ways. They are real-life friends who agreed to star in this show together—so it’s not a group of random people who are just getting to know each other before the cameras.
Read also: 10 Signs You're A Crazy Rich Asian
2/6 There's a Singaporean on the show
Just like Crazy Rich Asians, the show has a connection to Singapore too. For those who spend enough time on the 'gram, the name Kane Lim should sound familiar. The Los Angeles-based Singaporean who stars in the series once said in a 2018 interview with national broadsheet The Straits Times, that he “identifies” the most with Crazy Rich Asians character Astrid Leong in terms of how they both conduct their shopping sprees. In one memorable scene from the movie, Astrid famously walks into a jewellery store to purchase a pair of million-dollar gem-encrusted earrings.
The real estate developer and investor has over 143,000 followers on Instagram, where he keeps his followers constantly updated with photos of his lavish and luxurious acquisitions.
3/6 Watch them go all out on shopping, parties and drama
No reality series is complete without some ferocious drama—there's even a love triangle in this. Unsurprisingly, the show is being compared to other drama-filled reality shows such as Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Selling Sunset so expect a similar vibe. Now, don’t blame us if you can’t get enough of their lifestyles—which, other than gossip and secrets, also includes ultra-luxury cars, lots of bling, over-the-top parties (and photoshoots), couture gowns and more.
4/6 This season starts off with eight episodes
We know the drill: reality TV can be so satisfying in an inexplicable manner. You can either choose to binge-watch all eight in one sitting or treat yourself to one episode a day. Will there be a second season? One will have to wait and see.
5/6 It’s a multigenerational cast
The extremely affluent cast members aren’t just a bunch of Gen Zs or millennials. Prominent Asian-American socialites Anna Shay and Christine Chiu are also featured in the series alongside younger co-stars such as 22-year-old fashion influencer Jamie Xie and model-DJ Kim Lee.
If you ask us, Shay is one good reason to watch Bling Empire. She was fiercely private prior to the show but viewers will now get a look at her stunning Sunset Boulevard mansion, which gives you a clearer idea of the heiress’ fortune. However, she did grab headlines back in December 2020 when she listed the sprawling home for sale.
See also: Crazy Rich Asians Author Kevin Kwan On His New Book, Sex And Vanity
6/6 One member sticks out from the rest
Meet Kevin Kreider, a Korean-American living in Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming a model. And no, he’s not actually rich, but it was part of the plan. The show’s creator Jeff Jenkins told The Oprah Magazine that Kreider had got to know the other members for a full year before filming began. He’s now part of the crew and has even become best friends with one of the cast members—but you’ll have to watch the show to find out who it is.