Since its debut in 2022, the “Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL)” has established itself as a captivating reality TV series that delves into the lives of prominent Lagos socialites, earning a reputation for its intense, unpredictable drama and constant reinvention. The show skilfully leverages its dynamic cast and their larger-than-life personalities to offer a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing complexities of human nature.
For the third season, the returning cast members are Laura Ikeji and Mariam Timmer. Carolyna Hutchings also makes a stunning comeback from season one, and three new women, Dabota Lawson, Sophie Momodu and Adeola ‘Diiadem’ Adeyemi join the cast of RHOL.
With three episodes out already, I set up the perfect scene with a dark room, comfy pillows and high expectations to enjoy the show, but I was not impressed. Before you judge, let me explain:
Different cast, same career

The “Real Housewives of Lagos” brings together women from different walks of life and different career paths. We’ve had a Lawyer, a fashion designer, an actor, a doctor and entrepreneurs. However, in the third season, three women, Laura, Dabota and Diiadem are all in the cosmetics business. Diiadem and Sophie double as influencers, and Laura and Sophie have a solid foothold in the clothing business.
While these are amazing careers, having women with similar interests limits diversity in content, events, and conversations on the show. Remember Tiannah’s eccentric fashion show from season one? Iyabo’s cultural event celebrating decades as an actor, and without leaving out the remarkable Dr Rommel’s botox party from season two? These events and many others gave us a glimpse into the lives of women in different spheres. The lack of diversity makes the ongoing season somewhat stifling in content.
Authentic or filtered personalities?

Either all the cast members live boring, quiet lives, or they put on a persona for the public. In the case of the former, the show’s organisers could have done better with the casting. In the case of the latter, viewers in Showmax’s comment section and I agree that this isn’t what we signed up for.
Meanwhile, in previous seasons of the show, the women have been unapologetically authentic about who they are and always spoke their minds. While this may have earned them a few “haters,” the fact remains that they were 100% authentic from the jump. However, we’re three episodes into the new season, and I am still wondering when these women will give the viewers what we signed up for— authenticity.
Is forced drama the new content?
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While I believe Mariam is an intelligent woman, I can’t help but conclude she was paid to spark drama this season. We’ve seen her try to spark unnecessary drama with the cast on different occasions and fail repeatedly.
Also, if I had a penny for every time Mariam asked the single woman on the show, “Who is your boyfriend?” I’d be rich. If forced drama is the way to go this season, apologies to the cast, we might as well crown it the most boring season yet.
Although we’re only three episodes in— which is not an excuse as we’ve seen in previous seasons —hopefully, we will see the unfiltered versions of the women in the upcoming episodes of the Real Housewives of Lagos and finally get what we, the viewers, want.