Denise Richards, the star of the upcoming reality series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, opens up about the challenges of parenting under the public eye and her efforts to maintain harmony within her family. Set to premiere on March 4, 2024, on Bravo, the show captures Richards' daily life alongside her daughters—Sami, Lola, and Eloise—and her husband, Aaron Phypers.
Richards reflects on her past experiences with reality TV, acknowledging the heightened scrutiny she faced during her notorious marriage to Charlie Sheen and raising two daughters amid tabloid attention. Now, the stakes feel even higher as she navigates the often turbulent waters of family life, saying, “Being a parent in the public eye and in Hollywood is really hard. I’m trying to just keep the family together and these girls make it so f------ hard.”
Denise’s eldest daughter, Sami Sheen, has made headlines through her choices and experiences. Sami, who turned 20 this year, faced challenges adjusting to life with her mother. Last year, after some tumultuous events, Richards noted the strain on their relationship, admitting, “Honestly, I have a strained relationship with her and it’s very difficult.” Yet there are moments of affection, as seen when Sami publicly expressed her love for Denise on Mother’s Day, prompting Denise to respond, “Thank you Sami for an amazing Mother’s Day. It means a lot to me.”
The family dynamic is also enriched by the contrasting personalities of Richards' daughters. Lola, born to Richards and Sheen shortly after the couple's tumultuous divorce, is described as soft-spoken and faith-oriented, embracing her identity through her podcast, titled “Heavenly Bonded.” Richards shares, “We couldn’t be more different,” as Sami acknowledges their different paths, celebrating their sibling bond.
Younger sister Eloise, adopted by Richards and Phypers, adds another layer to their family saga. Following the timely intervention for her rare health issue, Eloise has grown to be seen as the family’s glue, helping bridge the gaps created by interpersonal conflicts. “It was very difficult to diagnose, she went through a lot,” Richards remarked, showcasing her dedication and love for Eloise. Though not yet fully verbal, Eloise's presence is cherished by her sisters, each finding ways to connect with and support her.
Richards’ new series also shines light on her blended family with Phypers, who formally adopted Eloise. Their partnership flourishes amid the challenges of co-parenting and uniting families, with Denise expressing joy over her cordial relationship with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and his ex-wife, Brooke Mueller. “Charlie is always invited to holiday dinners,” Denise revealed, highlighting her commitment to keeping family ties strong, stating she has “an open door” policy for family gatherings.
The show's trailer indicates it will feature notable guest appearances, including Brooke Mueller and friends from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Richards expresses her enthusiasm about these familiar faces joining the fun, hinting at engaging dynamics and perhaps some dramatic flair, considering past tensions with certain cast members.
With its unique combination of familial love, personal challenges, and the occasional celebrity cameo, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things promises to capture the bittersweet essence of Richards' life as she navigates the chaos of parenthood and celebrity culture. This upcoming project reflects her resilience and capacity to share authentic narratives, making it much more than just another reality show.
Fans can tune in weekly after the premiere, as new episodes roll out every Wednesday on Bravo. Denise Richards may be back on reality TV, but her story this time is one of connection, growth, and the genuine ups and downs of family life.