Netflix’s latest reality offering, Selling the City, invites viewers to explore the high-stakes world of luxury real estate through the eyes of some of New York's finest female agents. Premiering on January 3, 2024, and produced by the same team behind Selling Sunset and Selling The OC, this new series showcases both stunning properties and interpersonal drama.
At the center of the show is Eleonora Srugo, who leads her team at one of the city’s most renowned brokerages, Douglas Elliman. Known for her impressive track record—including closing the top deal of 2023 at $75 million—Eleonora’s commanding presence is augmented by her unique leadership style, which favors collaboration and empowerment among her team of women.
"New York City is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world," Eleonora asserts, setting the stage for the fierce competition and dramas to come. Known for being gritty and competitive, Eleonora positions her team to rise above the challenges inherent to the city's real estate market. "This is a little different. We’re a little grittier, and a woman is leading the team," she states, illustrating her connection to the city and the business community.
The ensemble cast features Abi Godfrey, Gisselle Meneses Nunez, Jade Chan, Jordyn Taylor Braff, Justin Tuinstra, and Steve Gold. Each brings their own personality and professional flair, adding layers to the series' storyline. Viewers watch as these agents navigate various high-stakes deals, with emphasis on their friendships and rivalries.
Abi, who is the youngest and newest member of the team, often showcases her less predictable nature. Gisselle, with her bold approach, describes herself as "a high-stakes chess game in stilettos," emphasizing the combination of style and strategy needed to thrive. Meanwhile, Jade often finds herself at the center of conflicts, clashing with Eleonora over various professional disagreements.
Throughout the season, these interpersonal dynamics become increasingly complex. One prominent conflict occurs during tense lunches where casual conversations about commissions turn heated, illuminating the thin line between friendship and professional rivalry. Eleonora, irritated by Jade’s remarks, emphasizes her priority: finding the right home for her buyers rather than solely focusing on high commissions.
This series shares much of its DNA with other entries of the Selling franchise, showcasing attractive, competitive agents vying for top-dollar sales. Yet Selling the City also brings unique elements to the table, particularly the theme of sisterhood among the agents and the pressures they face being both friends and competitors. Liz Kocan, writing on Tudum, encapsulates the show’s essence: "Selling The City offers some new, refreshing office dynamics and drama, set against the backdrop of luxe Manhattan penthouses."
Another compelling aspect is the cast’s professional backgrounds. All primary members hold active real estate licenses, underscoring their legitimacy and commitment to the craft. Eleonora has been with Douglas Elliman for over 15 years, and her dedication is matched by her colleagues, several of whom also boast impressive sales histories. This focus on professionalism separates Selling the City from many of its predecessors, as agents navigate their careers with ambition and respect.
Season one features intense moments not only surrounding sales and open houses but also personal histories and relationships. Notably, Gisselle’s past with prominent figures like actor Michael B. Jordan introduces another layer of tension, particularly when competition for his business results in clashes with fellow agents. Gisselle comments on her history with Jordan, affirming, "Don’t forget I have known this person for years as well," indicating the intricacies of their social and professional relations.
The series concludes with previews of unresolved tensions and hints of future collaborations as cast members express their desire for growth and success. Jade notes, "I always, always, always want the best for her and want the best for us," referring to her complicated friendship with Eleonora, showcasing both the loyalty and the rivalry intrinsic to their relationships. The question lingers whether this camaraderie can hold through the business pressures they face.
Despite the drama and competition, Selling the City reflects many of the fundamental themes of modern real estate businesses — ambition, resilience, and the complexity of personal dynamics within professional settings. Audiences can only hope for more captivating seasons as they tune in to watch these women carve their paths through the ever-evolving New York City real estate market.