Denise Richards is making her much-anticipated return to Bravo with the premiere of her new reality series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, which aired on March 4, 2025. The show dives deep not only across her onscreen persona but also showcases her colorful family dynamics with her husband, Aaron Phypers, and daughters Sami Heans, 20, Lola Sheen, 19, and Eloise Richards, 13.
Richards, known for her varied career spanning acting and reality television, has crafted this new series as part of her life’s realities after her tenure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. This time around, viewers will get to see her family life up close and personal, reflecting on how they navigate the rise and chaos of modern celebrity status.
The series premiere highlighted moments of familial interactions and conflict, starting from the intricacies of blended families, like Denise’s explanation of her living situation — three condos rented and her family living somewhat separately. “I got pregnant with Lola when Sami was six months old, and I filed for divorce from their dad when I was six months pregnant,” Denise explained on the show, recounting her complex family history. “It’s very confusing,” she added on the first episode, as parts of her life unravel onscreen.
Richards opened up about her daughters’ relationships, focusing on the recent discord between Sami and Lola, which erupted over friend groups and ex-boyfriends, sparking what has turned out to be quite the sibling rivalry. “The reason why I wanted to do a family environment is because Sam and Lola have not spoken for a long time,” Denise mentioned, trying to mend the rift during family gatherings made more complex by their blended family ties.
The premiere featured delightful moments like Richards hosting BBQs with her children, ex Charlie Sheen’s son Bob, and his mother Brooke Mueller, showcasing the complex relationships shared. Reflecting on the importance of family connections, Denise shared, “There’s a lot of history there. Her sons are my daughters’ brothers. We are a big, blended family,” demonstrating how the interrelations among the children and former partners create layered dynamics.
But the rich narrative isn't purely familial bliss. Richards candidly discussed the financial strains she faces. Allegedly, her foray back onto reality television is, at least partly, driven by necessity. A source told The U.S. Sun: “The only reason she’s doing the reality show is the same reason she’s doing her Only Fans - she needs the money.” This has certainly added some urgency to the narrative arc of the series.
Compounding her challenges, Richards was blindsided when former husband Charlie Sheen halted child support payments after a judge ruled zero child support was owed following the permanent custody arrangements made earlier. After exiting Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards struggled to maintain her financial footing. “Bravo let her go from RHOBH, and suddenly all her biggest incomes were off the table,” the source added, painting the portrait of her financial obligations and need for income.
This complex backdrop of celebrity, family rivalry, and financial strain makes for compelling television as Richards aims to regain narrative control over her life. “It’s not all perfect, but I want to share who I am with the world,” Richards said, expressing her desires to convey authenticity, as well as her gratitude for the platform she is provided.
Richards' daughters, particularly Sami, are stepping onto the adult stage with their narratives as well. Sami Sheen’s bold steps to participate on platforms like OnlyFans have also caught media attention, leading to mixed reactions. “You know how much I got made fun of?” Sami remarked during initial talks about her presence online, as Denise expressed solidarity by joining the platform too. This is just one of the many areas the show is set to highlight about their adventures as young women with once-illustrious parent figures.
Denise Richards offers fans not just her own reflections but insight from her daughters’ journeys, too. The series promises to blend heartwarming moments and inter-family drama, maintaining the familiar family format many viewers appreciate.
Concluding this premiere, viewers are led to anticipate more interactions between past co-stars and how this larger narrative plays out within their relationships, including reconnections and fresh challenges as she navigates blending her family dynamics. Denise Richards & Her Wild Things airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. Expect laughter, thrills, and insight as they navigate reality through their unique lens.