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Karen Kemmerle’s Top 10 of Everything in 2018

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Claws

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2018 is a year I am glad to see pass in so many ways. The news has been perpetually soul-crushing and the future uncertain. An unexpected solace has been reality TV which I could always count on to be wildly entertaining and, surprising to naysayers, totally empowering.

While I would have loved to have gushed on and on about Ethan Hawke’s amazing year (Juliet Naked, First Reformed and writing/directing Blaze?!), the delicate nuances of Josh Hamilton’s performance in Eight Grade, and the sheer madness that was Skyscraper, I had to choose. So here are my 10 favorite moments/shows from this year, and be warned that reality TV is front and center.

10

'My Big Fat Fabulous Life' Season 5

I have long been an admirer of No Body Shame founder, reality TV star and all-around badass Whitney Way Thore. Whether she’s bringing awareness to PCOS, dancing up a storm or dealing with the drama of adult-ing, Thore is funny, charming, and fearless in every situation. Season 5 of My Big Fat Fabulous Life was more raw and authentic than ever– filled with heartache (Whitney’s boyfriend Avi was a serial cheater/manipulator! Buddy struggled with addiction), drama (Whitney’s failed 8K attempt! Todd and Whitney’s feud over Big Girls Dance Class!), and laughter (Whitney’s friendship with Nada! The birth of Ashley’s baby!). With her eclectic friends and family by her side, there isn’t anything Whitney Way Thore can’t do.

Where to stream My Big Fat Fabulous Life 

9

Porsha’s Butt on 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'

We’re only a few episodes into this season of Real Housewives of Atlanta, but Porsha’s butt already deserves its own storyline! From twerking at the Swagg Boutique to make Nene feel better, to shaking that thing for her fiancé, to making a grand entrance at Cynthia’s Bail-y-que, Porsha knows how to work one of her best ass-sets.

Where to stream Real Housewives of Atlanta

8

Tariq's Rap On '90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days'

With each new season, 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days just gets better and better. While each couple had a standout moment (cut the steak on the bias, Jesse!), the highlight for me was the rap Tariq wrote for Hazel to accompany his proposal. Despite protests from their families and several red flags along the way, Tariq follows his heart and pays tribute to their love during a memorable sequence on the beach—relying on a dinky portable speaker. While Hazel seems stunned at first (and honestly, who wouldn’t be), she ultimately accepts. I’m definitely rooting for them!

Where to stream 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days

7

The Bad Boyfriends of 'Floribama Shore'

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Floribama Shore is one of the most woefully underrated reality shows on television. While Decider’s Claire Spelberg was right to call out this season’s breakout star, I myself was entranced by two of the worst boyfriends I’ve ever experienced: Kortni’s unhinged PCB local, Logan, and Candace’s hot tempered ex-con, Gator Jay 231 Southside God—yes, that is his preferred moniker. While these dudes were bad news for Candace and Kortni (but great TV!), there was a silver lining. What you may ask? Both ladies emerged from relationship hell with the realization that they deserve partners that make them feel safe and cherished.

Where to stream Floribama Shore

6

Kim Kardashian Calls Out Kourtney’s therapist on 'KUWTK'

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Kim Kardashian did NOT give a f*ck on season 15 of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and the show benefitted immensely. From being sassy behind Tristan Thompson’s back in Khloe’s delivery room to her obsession with Celebrity Family Feud, Kim wasn’t afraid to live her true life while prepping for the arrival of her third child. My personal favorite Kim moment was when she broke the fourth wall while venting with Khloe about Kourtney’s new therapist stirring up drama. Don’t mess with the bond between these sisters!

Where to stream Keeping Up With The Kardashians 

5

Westerns!

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While I love reality TV, I also happen to love westerns. Luckily, 2018 brought me an abundance of both. I cherished every episode of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, the gripping saga of the Dutton family and their struggle to maintain and grow their ranch. I poured over each chapter of the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix, re-watching my favorite segment “The Gal Who Got Rattled,” which pits a tragic Zoe Kazan and a steady wagon train leader, Grainger Hines, against a band of Comanche on the open plain. I hope 2019 offers more of the same!

Where to stream Yellowstone

4

Taraji P Henson’s 'WWHL' Drag Show

Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen is the most innovative late-night TV show out there. While there are dozens of moments I could include in this list, nothing made my heart sing like the drag show held in honor of guest Taraji P. Henson. Taraji’s face as she moves from surprise to laughter to happy tears as various queens honor her iconic characters (my personal favorite: Hidden Figures’ Katherine Johnson) was a joy to behold.

Where to stream Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen

3

Andy Garcia

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As someone who had pictures of Andy Garcia from The Godfather Part III in her dorm room, I felt incredibly vindicated and protective of his resurgence in 2018. Thanks to his scene stealing turns in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Book Club, Hollywood realized that audiences appreciate love between people over 30! While romancing the likes of Diane Keaton and Cher, Andy Garcia proved that relationships, like fine wine, get better with time. Just like him!

Where to stream Book Club

2

Kathryn Dennis of 'Southern Charm'

All hail Kathryn Dennis! Fans of Southern Charm were first introduced to her as an impetuous 21-year-old swept up in a love affair with Thomas Ravenel, which produced 2 children and endless drama. Her trials were many– struggles with substance abuse, custody battles, and the viciousness of the Charleston social scene–but Kathryn emerged victorious. Season 5 of Bravo’s best reality show saw Kathryn establishing relationships with old (and new!) friends, building a home for her two children and maintaining her dignity in the face of incredible adversity.

Where to stream Southern Charm 

1

'Claws'

The sophomore season of TNT’s outrageously sexy Claws shows no sign of a slump! A provocative mix of comedy, drama and crime thriller, this show features one of the most thrilling ensembles on television. With Niecy Nash holding it down with a fiery, sultry and surprisingly earnest performance, the show is allowed to explore absurd highs (Polly’s strip club madam! Jenn f**king her husband back to life!) and devastating lows (Zlata’s affair with Desna’s gangster fiancé! Virginia getting shot!). As insane as the drama gets, Claws is anchored by its richly drawn characters and the bonds, however strange, they share.

Where to stream Claws