When you think of reality TV, it's almost impossible not to picture the Kardashian-Jenner clan. This family became household names in 2007 with the premiere of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Fast forward to 2024, and they’re still a major presence on TV, continuing to dominate the celebrity landscape. But have you ever wondered about the story behind the show's title and how it was received by the family?
Kylie Jenner was just a kid—only 9 years old—when Keeping Up with the Kardashians first hit the airwaves. In a candid interview with British Vogue, Kylie reflected on her early experiences with the show. She admitted that she can’t recall a time before their home was flooded with cameras and paparazzi. However, she does remember a specific moment of concern about the show’s title. Kylie and her sister Kendall were both taken aback when their mom, Kris Jenner, revealed that the show would be called Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Kylie shared:
“I do remember the moment. My mom came into the living room and announced the name of the show. She’s like, ‘Hey, it’s going to be called Keeping Up with the Kardashians.’ And I remember Kendall and I were like, ‘Don’t you think that’s a handful?’ She was like, ‘I’m fighting for this because it’s so important that our name is in the title of the show. So that we can never get replaced.’”
It’s interesting to think about how Kendall and Kylie felt about being overshadowed by the “Kardashian” name, especially since Kendall often identifies more with her Jenner side of the family. Despite this, it turns out their main issue with the title wasn’t the Kardashian name itself, but rather its length. The sisters thought the name was a bit unwieldy.
But Kris Jenner, being the shrewd manager that she is, was adamant about keeping the family’s name front and center. Her insistence on the title might seem trivial, but it was a strategic move with long-term implications. Consider this: not too long before KUWTK, Kris’ stepsons, Brandon and Brody Jenner, were featured on a show called The Princes of Malibu. That series didn’t last long, and part of the problem was its generic title, which made it easy to replace the Jenners with another affluent Southern California family.
Although we can’t know for sure if Kris had this in mind when she pushed for Keeping Up with the Kardashians, it’s clear that she understood the importance of making the family name unforgettable. The length of the title might have been cumbersome, but it ensured that the Kardashians would be forever associated with the show.
In hindsight, Kylie and Kendall’s concerns about the show’s name being a mouthful seem almost quaint. The title might be lengthy, but it’s also incredibly memorable. It’s a bit like a catchy jingle that sticks in your head—it’s a lot to say, but it keeps the Kardashians on everyone’s minds. The name worked wonders in cementing the family's place in pop culture, ensuring that the Kardashian brand would remain front and center.
Today, the Kardashians and Jenners don’t need any gimmicks to stay relevant. Their current series on Hulu, simply titled The Kardashians, reflects their evolved status. It’s a streamlined name for a family that has long since established itself as a global phenomenon. Sometimes, less is more, and in this case, a concise title speaks volumes about their enduring impact.
Let’s be honest, the Kardashians have become a staple in the entertainment industry. Their name alone is enough to generate buzz and keep viewers hooked. Whether it’s through their reality shows, social media presence, or business ventures, they’ve managed to stay at the forefront of popular culture. And the clever decision to keep “Kardashian” front and center in the show’s title played a big role in that.
The brilliance of Kris Jenner’s strategy is evident in how the family has managed to remain relevant and influential over the years. By ensuring their name was synonymous with their show, she created a brand that has transcended beyond just reality TV. It’s a brand that people recognize and talk about, no matter where they are in the world.
In conclusion, the saga of Keeping Up with the Kardashians serves as a fascinating case study in branding and media strategy. Kris Jenner’s insistence on the show’s title might have seemed like a small detail at the time, but it has had a lasting impact on how the family is perceived and remembered. The length of the title might have been a bit much, but it’s a testament to the Kardashian-Jenner family’s ability to make an impression and stay in the spotlight. As the Kardashians continue to evolve and adapt, one thing remains clear: their name is here to stay.
Login