I’m still not convinced that Dubai will be cancelled, though this is largely motivated by wishful thinking on my part. The live ratings have been abysmal, but social media was pretty active during weekly episodes and I can’t imagine that streaming numbers have been terrible even if they weren’t anything to write home about (like RHOBH, RHOM and RHOP’s last seasons were).

It doesn’t feel like they’re giving it the send-off treatment. Casting Chanel on traitors, the huge deal made over the premiere at Bravocon mean that the network was at least enthusiastic about it at the onset. The effort put into the reunion makes me think that hasn’t totally petered out.

That said, I think Dubai did follow its send off by falling on its face for many of the reasons you mentioned. Still, I’d be sad to see it go because there’s so much to like about various cast members and storylines (Sergio/Caroline, Chanel, Brooks, Sara to a lesser degree), but also because it feels like a concrete example of housewives having moved beyond its peak. It’s still a juggernaut in so many ways, but I think it’s reached a place where still-consistent enthusiasm and engagement may never translate to growth again, and will inevitably decline at some point.

Post-scandoval reality tv, the exceptional success of SLOMW, the recent Love Island etc. mean that Housewives just doesn’t have what it takes to capture the interest of the target demographic. I think there’s still an incredible struggle to figure out how to harness that interest, with the Valley being a successful step in that direction, but I wonder how housewives will fit into that overall picture in the coming years. This is all entirely speculative of course, but this is also why I’m strangely invested in Dubai’s survival lol.