Sounds Like A Cult

Episode: The Cult of Bravoholics

Hosts: Amanda Montell (A), Reese Oliver (C)
Guest: Steven, creator of Faces by Bravo (B)
Date: November 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the phenomenon of "Bravoholics"—the superfans of Bravo’s sprawling slate of reality TV series (like Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Project Runway, etc.). Amanda and Reese dissect whether the Bravoholic fandom constitutes a "cult," explore its rituals, hierarchies, and lingo, and bring on Steven of @FacesByBravo for an inside look at this fervent community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: What Makes Bravo Fandom Unique?

• Amanda and Reese are self-proclaimed Bravo laypeople but are fascinated by the persistent requests to cover the cult-like Bravo fandom.
• Bravo started as a highbrow arts network but pivoted hard to reality TV with shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Real Housewives, creating a space that's “for the girls and the gays” ([09:45]).
• The current fanbase is multi-layered and intensely devoted, with the network itself recognizing and elevating certain super-fans.

The Anatomy of Bravoholics

• Bravoholics Defined ([20:38]):

  • There’s a broad base of viewers, then a subset of creator-Bravoholics, who the network invites to events (like BravoCon), hosts panels, and amplifies.
  • The network actively fosters this “creator economy,” letting creators say things Bravo as a brand couldn’t.

• Community and Ritual ([29:57]):

  • At BravoCon or online forums, Bravoholics connect via inside jokes, catchphrases (“She by Sheree: spring/summer joggers!”; “Turtle Time!”).
  • Shared language fosters exclusivity and camaraderie:
    • “It's like hearing two Scientologists talk in the wild.” – Amanda [27:24]
    • “At BravoCon, when you get that many Bravoholics together in one space, it is insane.” – Steven [29:57]

• Power Dynamics ([24:23], [35:41]):

  • A multi-tier community: Bravo (network) → Creators → General Fans.
  • Creators jockey for status, recognition, network proximity, and sometimes even manipulate show narratives.
  • Andy Cohen (executive producer) is the de facto spiritual leader, but power also comes from podcasters, Instagram accounts, and even the algorithm:
    • “If Bravo went away, your account would go away… you’re in this codependent relationship with Bravo.” – Amanda [47:32]

• Ritual, Status & the Cost of Membership ([41:24], [45:37]):

  • Engagement is highly addictive, with Instagram algorithms punishing breaks and constant content expectation.
  • BravoCon VIP tickets go for $1,500+ and sell out in seconds ([45:42]).
  • Creators—and fans—can lose sight of boundaries, investing vast time, money, and even ethics for proximity to their idols.

The Cultiest Behaviors and Red Flags

• Zealotry & Drama ([43:26], [44:24]):

  • Infighting over content theft and status (“someone else did… I just posted that!”).
  • Drama from the shows bleeds into fandom: “They’re creating their own drama… they want to be part of it.”
  • Worst-case scenarios involve creators planting storylines for cast members to use on the shows, damaging reputations and even affecting show production ([48:24]).
  • Exit costs: Stepping back means loss of community, validation, and online status.
    • “It's totally addictive… it's easy to get lost in the sauce.” – Steven [41:24]

• Identity and Self-Reflection ([38:23]):

  • For marginalized fans, Bravo gives an alternate “church”—ritual, belonging, a shared language, and even saints (the Housewives themselves).
  • The fandom is acutely self-aware of its own “cultiness”—and, at times, the moral ambiguity of its idols.

Sociopolitical & Cultural Ties

• Fandom reflects broader social divides. [32:27]

  • Preferences for certain franchises (OC vs Atlanta/Potomac) often reflect political-identity lines, which can be red flags for inclusion/exclusion.
  • Show “leaders” (cast or creators) sometimes face real-world consequences (firings for extremism, legal issues).

• Celebrity Proximity as a Modern Religion ([37:43]):

  • “The difference is that if you try hard enough, one of these housewives might enter your life… Religious worship has extended to IRL Media Feed Figures. We're living in a loneliness epidemic, I guess.”
  • Social media has collapsed the distance between ordinary fans and reality TV “gods," for better or worse.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “Some people go to church on Sunday. I watch Real Housewives of Potomac.” – Steven [26:52]
• “It is a prolapsed butthole of power dynamics.” – Amanda [12:29]
• “Shared language divides people into insiders and outsiders—which is fun. Everybody loves to be on the inside of an exclusive group.” – Amanda [29:23]
• “You are in your own Bravo World.” – Steven [29:57]
• “It’s so immersive, like it’s a world. And that is really cool.” – Amanda [40:33]
• “If Bravo went away, your account would go away.” – Amanda [47:32]
• “You're really tied to one niche area… very codependent.” – Steven [47:55]

Guest Insights: Steven of Faces by Bravo

• Steven is a nurse who turned to Bravo, and the Bravoholic creator space, as a hobby.
• He’s been fully embraced by the network, being profiled, given event access, and asked to co-host podcasts – highlighting Bravo’s willingness to “bless” its digital disciples.
• Steven details the way follower counts, network recognition, and connections to cast members drive creator behavior—with rewards and infighting alike ([25:44]).
• He describes burnout, high engagement costs, and how stepping back results in social-media penalty and loss of connection ([41:24]).

The Cult Test: How Culty Are Bravoholics?

“What’s Cultier?” Game ([50:03]):

• Bravoholics vs. Swifties: “I think they're equal.” – Steven
• Bravoholics vs. Love Island Fans: “Bravoholics.”
• Bravoholics vs. Elon Musk Bros: “Bravoholics.”
• Bravoholics vs. Bachelor Fans: “Bravo’s just a little more culty.”
• Bravoholics vs. Potterheads: “Bravoholics.”
• Bravoholics vs. Nurses: “Nurses!” (with a laugh)

Cult Category Assessment ([52:15]):

• Amanda & Reese agree: The Cult of Bravoholics is mostly “Live Your Life,” with a watch your back edge—especially if you confuse fandom with actual godly living:
  • “Self awareness is the key. Amazing. Well, that is our show.” – Amanda [56:06]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & History of Bravo: [02:16] – [10:34]
• Bravoholics and Fandom Hierarchy: [18:07] – [25:44]
• Lingo and Rituals: [27:04] – [30:07]
• Power Hierarchies & Creator Status: [24:23] – [35:41]
• Cultiest Conflicts/Drama: [43:26] – [45:22]
• Costs of Fandom: [45:37] – [47:32]
• Guest's Reflections & Burnout: [38:48] – [41:24]
• What’s Cultier? (Comparative Game): [50:03] – [51:27]
• Final Assessment: [52:15] – [56:06]

Final Thoughts

• The Bravoholic fandom is a potent blend of ritual, hierarchy, exclusive language, and genuine connection—enough to tip the scale into "cult-like" territory, but usually more playful than pernicious.
• Still, competitive status-seeking, creator burnout, and the tendency for real-life drama to mirror onscreen chaos are real, “culty” costs.
• Ultimately, Amanda and Reese conclude:
  • “It’s a Live Your Life… but with a spike of watch your back sprinkled in.”
• Bravoholics may love their drama and community, but a healthy level of self-awareness is the best safeguard against getting in too deep.

Where to Find Steven:

• Instagram/Twitter/TikTok: @FacesByBravo
• “And at your local Los Angeles emergency room. I'm just kidding!” – Amanda [51:49]

Closing Wisdom:
“Stay culty, but not too culty.”