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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Ain't No Party Like an OC Party

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During the go-go, greed is good ‘80s, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and host Robin Leach became the symbol of American opulence. It was hard not to aspire for 'champagne wishes and caviar dreams.' Of course these days, there are countless shows featuring the upper crust flaunting their wealth. And like a car wreck, we wretch at the sight of such blatant materialism while secretly keeping our eyes glued to the TV set.

So given our fascination with the uber-rich and our voyeuristic tendencies, it’s no surprise that Lifetime is now jumping on the bandwagon and launching another reality show celebrating such extravagance. Top This Party: Orange County, premiering on January 4, follows in the footsteps of Laguna Beach and Newport Harbor recognizing our fine neighbors to the south (or at least that upper 1%). Part Desperate Housewives of Orange County, part My Super Sweet 16, it will follow party planner Brian Dobbin around as he puts together over-the-top fiestas for local residents ranging in cost from $100,000-$250,000.

According to the hostess featured in the pilot episode, “the show's premise essentially boils down to showing "how we're just so rich we can spend huge amounts of money.”

Um, right.

No word on whether residents in Santa Ana, Garden Grove, or any other place in OC not named Newport Beach will be featured on the show.

And yes, I will be watching Lifetime on January 4.

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