"Shahs of Sunset" – A new reality show about Iranian/American community in Los Angeles

It seems we're getting our own "SEX & THE CITY" produced in Beverly Hills, by Ryan Seacrest....

Born and raised in Atlanta, Ryan Seacrest has been the heart and soul of television and in radio for many years

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California's vibrant Iranian-American community is getting its own reality TV show -- its stars spending, squabbling and showing off in what looks like a cross between the gossipy "Real Housewives" series and splashy "Keeping up with the Kardashians".


"Shahs of Sunset", premiering on cable TV channel Bravo on March 11, follows six "passionate socialites" in their 30s who try to juggle their careers and social lives with family and tradition.



Four of those taking part in the show work in real estate in Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Hills and other pricey areas of Los Angeles. Most enjoy a lavish lifestyle where expensive cars, huge mansions, gold jewelry and shopping are a must, judging by a short promotional trailer for the new series.


Among the cast is one of the few openly gay men in southern California's Iranian-American community, Bravo said.


The series is thought to be one of the first on U.S. TV to document the lives of young Persians whose parents fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, or who settled in California as young children.


An estimated 500,000 Iranian-Americans live in the Los Angeles area -- the largest Persian community outside Tehran -- and some 20% of the population of Beverly Hills are of Iranian descent.


"From outings on Rodeo Drive to traditional Persian feasts at home, this series celebrates the unique lifestyle of a group of friends who have worked hard for what they have and are not afraid to flaunt it," Bravo said.


"Shah's of Sunset" is produced by Ryan Seacrest, host of "American Idol" and the producer of the popular "Keeping up with the Kardashians", about Armenian-American socialite sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney, and its spinoff series.

A scene from the trailer of "Shahs of Sunset"

The Iranian-American community is against making of the series.  They think it will harm their status. Cameron Yadidi, a prominent lawyer in Iranian community is trying to bring an injunction, a legal order, to restrain the show from being produced. Follow Yadidi on Facebook. 


In Everything there are two sides. Siamak from Radio Javan has other point of view. He says: Why are we getting upset at Ryan Seacrest and Bravo anyway? They do what they do best. They bring entertainment to television. And now that we are the entertainment, instead of knocking the people on the show down, we have an opportunity to take a look in the mirror. If you are unhappy with what you are watching, go out and do something in your life that is going to bring the community together first, and then collectively make a difference in our community. Go and be an example of our culture at work and school and nightclubs. Don't hate the people you are going to watch on TV. Recognize that this is just television and entertainment at it's best. If we were any different in people's eye than we are on TV, then we have nothing to worry about. But the sad truth is that most people will compare what they are going to see on TV and what they see at clubs or online media and it's going to be the same. You want them to think differently? What are you doing to break the stereotype that is about to be magnified on TV?


A petition:
Cameron Yadidi has launched a petition on facebook.  Here is what it says: 
The show is designed to racially discriminate against Iranian Americans living in the USA. Iranian Americans are hard working group of immigrants who have always strived to do their best for families and the country they live in (USA). This show clearly gives a wrong message about the hard working Iranian Americans and discredits them in many different ways, shapes, and forms. Also, this show does not truthfully show the life style of majority of Iranian American. This is not a "Reality Show". This is clearly a scripted show and is designed to racially profile Iranian Americans and attract hate, jealousy, and danger to the Iranian American community who has given a lot to the USA in the past 30 years.
NOW! YOU BE THE JUDGE...