Calabasas, a suburb of Los Angeles nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains on the far western edge of the San Fernando Valley, is often seen as the epicenter of reality TV. Home to the Kardashians, who introduced the world to its luxurious McMansions and high-end strip malls, Calabasas is now the setting for Netflix’s latest series, “Calabasas Confidential.” The producers hope to uncover new stars among a group of young adults, aspiring for at least one to achieve fame akin to Kylie or Kim Kardashian. However, judging by the eight episodes of the first season, such success appears unlikely, although the initial prospects of the Kardashians were equally uncertain.
The premise of “Calabasas Confidential” revolves around a group of young adults returning to their hometown after college, rekindling past relationships and rivalries. The challenge, however, lies in the believability of this setup. Unlike a family or workplace, the cast of “Calabasas Confidential” lacks a natural connection. With time, they might form genuine bonds both on and off camera, but for now, interactions feel contrived, with an ensemble so large that it relies on celebrity connections and expansive homes for cohesion.
The most engaging storyline in “Calabasas Confidential” is one driven by genuine emotion. Jemma stands out not because of fame or influential family ties, as some of her peers do, but due to her authentic feelings of hurt and anger towards her high school ex, Dylan. Known as “Douchebag Dylan,” he has embraced a cowboy persona, complete with Stetson hats and toothpicks. When Dylan begins dating one of Jemma’s close friends midway through the season, her sense of betrayal provides much-needed momentum to the story.
Dylan and Jemma are just two among the 14 cast members on “Calabasas Confidential,” with many others struggling to leave a mark. The sunny backdrop of Calabasas features prominently, with coffee shops like the local chain La La Land receiving notable screen time. Preston, the son of basketball legend Scottie Pippen, enjoys baking and driving a Cybertruck, while Hercy, related to rappers Master P and Romeo, aspires to play NCAA-level basketball. Suede, a 25-year-old YouTube star with rumored connections to Drake, serves as the elder stateswoman, though her critique of someone living in the Valley on a show about Calabasas reveals the superficiality of her involvement. Her participation seems contingent on the presence of a camera crew.
Among the few memorable supporting characters after watching the entire season are those like Emma and Emilie, who blend into the background, and newcomers who make dramatic appearances at midseason parties. One such party features a chain-wearing new character who kisses Emilie, seemingly to create drama. Characters often lament the immaturity and high school-like nature of their conflicts, ironically highlighting the show’s focus on reuniting a high school peer group.
“Calabasas Confidential” aims to join the ranks of other Los Angeles-based reality shows, such as those featuring the Kardashians, “Selling Sunset,” and “The Hills.” The show attempts to capture the transition to adulthood in Los Angeles but lacks the familiarity that shows like “The Hills” had in following Lauren Conrad’s journey.
When cast members discuss past grudges and loyalties, it’s difficult for viewers to connect, as they were not part of those experiences. Watching “Calabasas Confidential” is akin to attending someone else’s high school reunion—awkward greetings among strangers, with added social media drama. For those who missed their own reunions due to the pandemic, this show does not evoke a sense of missing out.
All eight episodes of “Calabasas Confidential” are now available to stream on Netflix.
