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Is Selling Sunset scripted? Netflix show's filming secrets revealed

The reality show is returning for its sixth season

Selling Sunset season six cast having a work meeting
Megan Bull
TV Writer
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The sixth season of Selling Sunset is coming to Netflix! Scheduled to drop on May 19, Jason Oppenheim, Chrishell Stause, Mary Fitzgerald and more will return. Meanwhile, fans will also be introduced to newcomers Nicole Young and Bre Tiesi. Ahead of the show's return, we're unpacking Selling Sunset's little-known filming secrets. One of the most common questions asked by viewers is whether the series is scripted – here's what we know…

WATCH: Selling Sunset season six trailer

Is Selling Sunset scripted?

According to Jason Oppenheim, Selling Sunset is not scripted. In 2021, he told Metro: "There's nothing that's scripted, we're never told to say anything. At most, I would say that in some situations, if some things need to be addressed or we're meeting a client or something, we'll be asked to wait to make sure if we get everything on camera, but that's certainly not scripted. 

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READ: Never Have I Ever: everything we know about fourth and final season

Close up of Jason Oppenheim wearing a pink polo top in Selling Sunset © Netflix
In 2021, Jason Oppenheim confirmed that Selling Sunset is not scripted

"Let's say I have to deal with something or speak with Davina [Potratz] about something or Mary [Fitzgerald] has to go get her wedding dress, we might have to put that off for a day or two to make sure we get it on camera, but we're never told to say or do anything unfortunately." 

Jason added: "You do look back on it and you're like, damn, that is a lot of drama. But unfortunately, it's all real." 

Chrishell Stause wearing a Barbie pink knit while working on her iPad in Selling Sunset © Netflix
Chrishell Stause revealed that while the stars might be nudged to discuss certain topics, "What we say is all us"

Chrishell Stause has also responded to rumors that Selling Sunset is scripted. Responding to questions on Instagram, in 2020, she told fans: "The show isn't scripted. If it was, I would be [expletive]. 

"But seriously, they can sometimes nudge us to address things but what we say is all us. Beware anyone that says otherwise. Gotta own it," she said. 

Christine Quinn is seen arriving to the PRETTYLITTLETHING X KAPPA launch party at Sunset Room Hollywood© Getty
Former star Christine Quinn has accused the show of being fake

Fans have previously questioned whether the show might be scripted following former star Christine Quinn's comments on social media. Ahead of the season five launch in 2022, the TV personality tweeted: "30 minutes till the launch of #SellingSunset, enjoy the new season and all of its 5,000 fake storylines."

Christine never followed up on her comments. However, it's not the first time that she's accused the show of being staged.  In 2020, the 34-year-old appeared on Brandi Glanville's podcast, Unfiltered, where she suggested that the producers encouraged her to feud with Chrishell, despite the fact that they were good friends. 

Christine Quinn sits at a dinner table with Chrishell Stause © Netflix
Christine has said that producers encouraged her to feud with Chrishell despite being friends

"From day one, obviously the producers had certain things in mind," she explained. "They wanted us to clash obviously and at first, we didn't. We got along great. We were friends. She was at my house. We were drinking, having a good time. I was getting to know her and the storylines came into play. We thought we were good at separating things."

Christine has since left Selling Sunset and set up her own business. In August 2022, the TV star announced that she'd terminated her contract with the Oppenheim Group in order to start a crypto real estate brokerage with her husband, Christian Dumontet. 

"I terminated my contract when the brokerage launched. I had to make a business decision that was for me, so I had to terminate the contract so I could move it over to my brokerage," she said. 

Meet the cast of Selling Sunset season six 

Jason Oppenheim holding a phone as he works at his desk. © Netflix
Jason Oppenheim is back
Chrishell Stause wearing a pair of pink sunglasses. © Netflix
Chrishell Stause returns for season six
Nicole Young having a conversation at the beach© Netflix
Nicole Young has joined the cast of Selling Sunset season six
Chelsea Lazkani ringing a bell in Selling Sunset© Netflix
Chelsea Lazkani stars in season six
Bre Tiesi looks at the camera following a conversation with a co-star© Netflix
Viewers will be introduced to Bre Tiesi (right) this season

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