Netflix’s “Buying London” Becomes the Latest Sensation: Will There Be a Season 2?
Reality TV enthusiasts, brace yourselves because “Buying London” has become the latest sensation on Netflix. The show offers a peek into the extravagant lives of London’s elite, guided by the charismatic Daniel Daggers, one of the city’s most prominent real estate agents specializing in high-end listings. Known in the industry as “Mr. Super Prime,” Daggers navigates the high-stakes world of luxury property, making multi-million-pound deals look like a stroll in Hyde Park. Since its premiere on May 22, the show has hooked viewers with its mix of opulence, drama, and the occasional jaw-dropping price tag. The question is, will “Buying London” be back for season 2? Read on to find out more, as well as our review of “Buying London” season 1.
PrestigeOnline Rating: 3/5
Genre: Reality TV, Unscripted Drama.
Cast: Daniel Daggers, Rasa Bagdonaviciute, Reme Nicole, Oli Hamilton, Lauren Christy, Rosi Walden, Olivia Wayne, and Juliana Ardenius.
Director: Unspecified
Run Time: 280 minutes
When and Where to Watch: On Netflix from May 22.
Compared to other reality TV shows in 2024, “Buying London” has carved a niche for itself. While shows like “Selling Sunset” and “Million Dollar Listing” have long dominated the genre, this British counterpart adds a new sauce to the mix. Mixing the old-school charm of London with the modern-day indulgence that reality TV audiences crave, the show makes lofty attempts at creating a wholesome franchise. But not all the reviews have been glowing; in fact, the show has faced its fair share of criticism.
Our review of “Buying London”
Netflix’s latest reality TV venture, “Buying London,” attempts to bring the glamorous property drama of “Selling Sunset” across the Atlantic, setting its scene amidst the historic neighborhoods of London. As a keen follower of real estate shows, I was eager to deep dive into this series and see how it measures up against its very popular counterpart.
Right from the opening shots, it’s clear “Buying London” has spared no expense in showcasing some of the most luxurious properties in the city. The series opens with aerial views of the city’s iconic landmarks, zooming in on a gasp-worthy townhouse in Mayfair. The visual feast continues as Daniel Daggers, the real estate mogul at the heart of the series, introduces us to the property using VR goggles — a quirky, almost cringey touch that sets the tone for the show’s blend of high-end real estate and high-stakes drama.
The cast of “Buying London” features a mix of ambitious agents and supporting staff, each bringing their own drama to the series. Daggers, who keeps referencing himself as “Mr. Super Prime,” leads the team. He’s a seasoned professional with over GBP 5 billion in property sales under his belt, having branched out to form his own agency, DDRE Global. Watching him navigate the complexities of the luxury market and his own office politics is particularly engaging. His hands-on approach and willingness to directly address conflicts within his team provide some of the series’ most compelling moments.
Rasa Bagdonaviciute’s journey is another highlight. Her emotional vulnerability and ambition make her a relatable and sympathetic figure amidst the polished exteriors of her colleagues. Her ongoing feud with Lauren Christy, while sometimes over the top, adds a much-needed element of tension to the narrative. Ultimately the biggest professional conflict on the show is between the two women, but there’s also plenty of tension between Oliver, a former alcoholic playboy, happily married to his wife Vivi, and Juliana, who does not shy away from flirting with him unapologetically. While things are mostly kept PG-13, there are hints that season 2 of “Buying London” might take it a step further.
Apart from the few tiffs, the show spotlights properties that are nothing short of breathtaking. From historic townhomes to sprawling estates that resemble “mini-Hogwarts” on the outskirts, the series provides a captivating look at London’s most elusive properties, spread from Kensington to Chelsea, Belgravia to Mayfair, and St John’s Wood to Highgate.
Despite the formulaic concept of the show, “Buying London” has quickly become a topic of conversation, and not always for the right reasons. Critics have been less than kind, with some reviews downright scathing. According to a review on Mashable, the show has been “absolutely slammed,” with viewers and critics alike criticizing its portrayal of wealth and luxury. The primary gripe seems to be the show’s tendency to glorify excessive spending and the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous, often at the expense of more relatable content.
The Guardian’s review does not mince words, calling “Buying London” “probably the most hateable TV show ever made.” This strong statement underscores a general sentiment of frustration and disdain from some corners of the viewing public. The review criticizes the show’s lack of substance and its apparent obsession with showcasing wealth for wealth’s sake. The characters, often portrayed as out-of-touch and superficial, do little to endear themselves to the audience.
Despite these criticisms, there are still elements of “Buying London” that draw in viewers. The show’s production value is high, with stunning shots of London’s skyline and some of its most exclusive properties. The real estate segments can be genuinely fascinating as they offer a glimpse into a world that very few people are privy to. Daniel Daggers himself is a compelling figure, whose on-screen persona and expertise in the luxury market make for engaging viewing, even if his lifestyle can seem a bit over the top.
However, the overall reception has been mixed at best. While some viewers enjoy the luxury-lathered escapism the show offers, others find it grating and out of touch. The show is being hailed as polarizing, one that has drawn strong reactions from both ends of the spectrum. This kind of division can be a double-edged sword, generating buzz but also potentially alienating a significant portion of the audience.
Season 2: Renewal and other details
Despite the mixed reviews, there is a buzz about “Buying London” being renewed for a second season. However, no official confirmation has been made by Netflix yet. If the show does return for round two, fans can expect more high-stakes deals, spectacular properties, and, of course, plenty of drama. Considering his pivotal role in season 1, it’s highly likely that Daniel Dagger will be part of the cast again, along with most — if not all — of the other characters including Lauren Christy, Rasa Bagdonaviciute, Reme Nicole, Oli Hamilton, Rosi Walden, Olivia Wayne, and Juliana Ardenius.
A lot went down in season 1, especially in the final episode where Lauren was torn about staying at DDRE Global. Her relationships with her colleagues, especially Rasa, started to weigh heavily on her. Things got even more interesting when rival agent Alex Bourne took Lauren out to dinner, trying to persuade her to leave Daniel’s firm and join his. Naturally, when Daniel found out about this, he was not pleased and desperately tried to convince Lauren to stay.
So, in the second season, we’re eager to see if Lauren sticks with DDRE Global (although we have a pretty good hunch about it) and to watch the drama unfold both in and out of the office. Come on, Netflix, give us more!
Netflix seems confident in the show’s potential, considering it bet on expanding the franchise, all the way over to London. The success of similar shows like “Selling The OC, Selling Sunset,” and “Buying Beverly Hills,” suggests that there is a dedicated audience for this type of content, one that appreciates the mix of glamour and real estate wheeling and dealing.
Will “Buying London” address some of the criticisms it faced in its first outing? Or will it double down on the elements that garnered both praise and ire? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The “Buying London” buzz is not going away anytime soon.
At the time of writing, Buying London has an IMDb rating of 4.1/10.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is “Buying London” Season 2 expected to be released?
The release date for “Buying London” season 2 has not been officially announced yet.
Did Lauren leave DDRE?
“Buying London” season 1 ended with Lauren feeling torn about staying at DDRE Global; this will likely be addressed only in season 2 (if the show is renewed). Based on her Instagram profile though, it appears that she’s still working for DDRE as it’s tagged in her bio.
(Main and Featured Image: Netflix)