Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
When we talk about streaming culture, we’re usually enthusing about what’s new, but one of the best things about streaming is how it’s made old and obscure cult hits available to a new generation. Presenting Cult Corner: your weekly look into hidden gems and long-lost curiosities that you can find on streaming.
It’s hard to explain why this is the case, but there’s something deeply cathartic about people fussing over square footage and paint color for homes you’ll never be able to afford. Thankfully for us and how weird humanity is, reality TV has swept in to fill that void, enriching our lives with hundreds of over-the-top house buying, selling, and flipping shows. Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ sees our deep undying love for televised home improvement and raises it another level.
Created by Kulap Vilaysack, the semi-scripted comedy parodies one of the highest rated and most expensive property shows ever to hit television, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listings. On its own, Million Dollar Listings is an insane watch, pairing Bravo’s notoriously over-the-top personalities with genuine concern over tile placement and kitchen space. However, Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ takes excessive wealth mockery a step further, perfectly mimicking the original’s dramatic cuts and faked drama. The result is one of the most delightfully in-the-know shows on streaming.
If you don’t religiously watch Bravo dramas or house hunting sagas, Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ still watches as a fun comedy. The show is packed with silly moments, dumb feuds, and comedian cameos. Season One features appearances from Adam Scott, Jason Mantzoukas, and Matt Besser just to drop a few names, and Season Two is packed with even more guest stars, including Casey Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, and Paul Rust. However, if you’re addicted to dumb reality television, then this show is almost a work of art. Unlike other reality TV parodies like The Hot Wives of Orlando, Propertie$ rarely goes completely off the rails, instead sticking to strict mockery of its source material. This Seeso original also excels in giving Paul F. Tomkins a much-needed spotlight.
Tompkins has always infused the projects he’s been a part of with an invigorating mix of positivity and energy. From his role as Mr. Peanutbutter on BoJack Horseman to his time on Mr. Show and Drunk History, Tompkins is always a ray of delightful wackiness in whatever show or movie he’s in. The comedian has deserved his own series for a while, and his role as the grumpy head of the real estate firm, Dean Rosedragon, gives him a platform while grounding the show. Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ is not revolutionary television. It won’t change the way you think about the world or comedy. However, it is an incredibly fun and silly watch. Isn’t that what we need right now?
