Entertainment

'RHOC' Was So Different In Season 1

by Emily Lackey

If you ever find yourself, like I did recently, sitting through a marathon of The Real Housewives of Orange County, there will be a few things that completely shock you. For one, there have been a lot of housewives over the years, and only one of them is still around in the current season. Vicki Gunvalson is the only housewife that you might recognize if you haven't been watching since the beginning. The rest all disappeared after a season or two. But the other thing you might notice is that this show looked way different in its first season than it does now. The lighting wasn't quite as good, the shots were grainier, and I'm almost 100 percent sure that none of the housewives had their hair and makeup professionally done on the regular like they do now.

No, when the first ever iteration of The Real Housewives aired in 2006, these wives looked a lot different from how they look now. And they acted a lot different, too. For one, the show seems more like a legitimate documentary than fodder for female drama. The cameras follow the women around their kitchens and out to drinks as they meet new neighbors and let loose with old friends. The real drama didn't start until later seasons when festering anger would erupt on camera and at the reunions.

So, enjoy these amazing throwback moments from the first season of The Real Housewives of Orange County. It was a purer time in housewife history then, and you won't believe how far these women (and their drama) have come.

1. The First Ever Intro And Tag Lines

In the first season, they weren't tag lines so much as they were soundbites from the actual episodes. I kind of like that better though, don't you? It's so much more natural.

2. Vicki’s First Woohoo Moment

OK, some things clearly never change.

3. The First Appearance Of Slade

Ahhh, Slade. Remember this guy? Some things that were majorly different: Back in Season 1, Slade actually had money, and Jo de la Rosa was his kept woman. My, how the times have changed.

4. When Jo Flirted With Jeana’s Son

I mean, who wouldn't want to flirt with big hunk of man meat now? But, back then, he was in high school.

5. When They All Wore The Same Shirt

Gotta love that O.C. style. Pretty much every housewife at some point during the season was spotted in this exact top.

6. Vicki Wasn't The Center Of Attention

Even though she tried her best to insert herself there.

7. Briana Was The Voice Of Reason Even Back Then

Clearly, she did not get that from her mother.

8. Lauri’s Son Finally Got Released From Juvie

One of the most heartbreaking storylines from the season was the trouble Lauri's son continuously found himself in.

9. Vicki Was Still Married

But, even then, it wasn't a strong relationship.

It's amazing how much has changed in the 10 seasons the show has been on the air.

Image: RealtyTVGIFS/Tumblr; Giphy (7); Bravo