Bringing the Real Housewives to the Cream City: A Bucks-Fueled Adventure in Milwaukee

When the showrunner of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" pitched a girls' trip to Milwaukee, it was a surprising move that ultimately paid off in unexpected ways. The decision to take the cast to the Cream City was driven by a personal connection, a desire to explore a new setting, and the allure of the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. As the episodes unfold, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process, the bond between a TV executive and a Bucks executive, and the potential for a future return to Milwaukee.

Unlocking the Charm of Milwaukee for the Real Housewives

A Surprising Pitch and a Familiar Face

When "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" showrunner Lori Gordon proposed a girls' trip to Milwaukee, it caught the attention of NBCUniversal's Noah Samton, SVP of Current Production. Samton, who had been visiting Milwaukee for years to see his longtime friend, Bucks president Peter Feigin, was immediately on board. The decision had nothing to do with the city's previous hosting of "Top Chef," but rather Samton's personal connection to the Cream City.

Tapping into the LGBTQ+ Scene

The primary driver for the Milwaukee trip was cast member Whitney Rose's desire to host a party at This Is It!, a legendary LGBTQ+ bar co-owned by drag superstar Trixie Mattel. The connection to Mattel and the bar's significance as one of the oldest in the country made it an appealing destination for the show. The previous season's visit to Trixie Motel in Palm Springs also set the stage for this Milwaukee excursion, further cementing the narrative.

Embracing a New Environment

Samton saw the Milwaukee trip as an opportunity to take the "Housewives" out of their comfort zone in Salt Lake City and immerse them in a different setting. Removing them from their familiar social circles allowed the cast to have "a lot of fun" and let new stories unfold. The change of scenery was a strategic move to inject some fresh energy into the season, which was already off to a strong start.

Securing a Bucks Game

For Samton, one non-negotiable element of the Milwaukee trip was a Bucks game. As a longtime friend of Feigin, Samton knew the perfect person to make that happen. Feigin's enthusiastic daughter, a devoted "RHOSLC" fan, further cemented the decision to include the Bucks experience in the itinerary.

Navigating the Logistics

Planning the Milwaukee trip was a collaborative effort between the production team and local partners. Scouting trips, coordination with the Bucks and Fiserv Forum, and managing the logistics of a large crew and cast all came into play. The production team worked diligently to capture the essence of the city and the cast's experiences, ensuring the episodes reflected the authentic journey.

A Seamless Bucks Integration

The Bucks' involvement in the "RHOSLC" episode was a seamless integration, with Dustin Godsey, the team's chief marketing officer, greeting the cast and Feigin providing a behind-the-scenes tour. The production team's coordination with the Bucks' own operations ensured that the filming did not disrupt the team's activities, showcasing the city and the arena in a positive light.

Potential for a Return to Milwaukee

Samton expressed a desire to bring the "Housewives of Salt Lake City" back to Milwaukee, though not necessarily in the immediate next season. The cast's enthusiastic reception and the city's excitement about their presence have left a lasting impression, and Feigin even suggested a concert as a potential addition to the itinerary for a future visit. The Milwaukee trip has proven to be a successful venture, and the possibility of a return visit is an enticing prospect for both the show and the city.