Some Bravo viewers might not recall that the network had developed other shows before Real Housewives—one show revolving around Tabatha Coffey. The snarky hairdresser was filmed regularly kicking management’s butt and transforming businesses on Tabatha Takes Over. The Australian native didn’t care about how she came across, only that she did a good job. For 2008, she was ahead of her time. And for some reason, viewers loved watching a foreigner yell at Americans.
Bravo has a way of trashing some of the most underrated shows. Sometimes, it feels like the network only wants Real Housewives shows to be airing. For fans, it can become annoying how they only give random shows a season or two only to ax them. Tabatha had Tabatha Takes Over, Tabatha’s Salon Take Over, and Relative Succes with Tabatha. But like so many other short-lived series, her shows bit the dust. Looking back, Tabatha was made for reality TV, and we want her back.
The show was a cult classic
Anytime I visit the hairdresser for my highlight touch-up, I can’t help but joke with my salon. I instantly flash back to Tabatha barking, “Don’t forget to crosscheck! Did someone dust the products? Is the Barbicide manky?” The professional hairdresser was equal parts terrifying and terrific and is one of the few people who could pull it off. I sometimes wonder if she would be open for the reunion host gig just so Andy Cohen could have a break.
Tabatha was the perfect reality star in so many ways. But perhaps the most important attribute was that she was such a great role model for strong and powerful women who usually get called b*tches. The salon owner knew how to run a business and didn’t back down from anyone who questioned her. My favorite line she ever gave was, “You want a smoke break? Here’s your smoke break, fuck off.” It told you all you needed to know about her right there.
Tabatha’s purpose
Honestly, we need more of Tabatha’s agenda because I think some salons have let their standards slip. The premise of her reality TV show was to help struggling salons all across the country. With her opinionated and tart-tongued style from her time on Shear Genius, she quickly became a fan favorite. The Australian created a no-nonsense environment that was meant to help improve customer service, cleanliness, professionalism, and overall styling technique.
Tabatha was the guru we all needed. The former Bravo personality was great at staging interventions in her hallmark take-no-prisoners style. Tabatha undoubtedly had an eccentric approach to teaching her lessons. Fans will recall she once took a salon to the aquarium to feed whales and called it group bonding. Another time, Tab had a salon owner join the circus to boost her self-confidence. Tabatha was one of many women who chose to redefine the term b*itch; instead of recoiling from the word, she decided to have it mean words times ambitious, moxy, and authentic.
Possible reboot?
While it would be exciting to have Tabatha back on our screen I think we should up the ante. Picture this: Tabatha goes and tries to fix all the failed Real Housewives franchisees. This, for me, would be the dream show. Imagine Tabatha on Real Housewives of New York telling Luann de Lesseps to get a grip on her cabaret career. Or if she was there for Sonja Morgan’s toaster oven moment. I bet you dollars to donuts that if she were, Sonja would have had a working toaster sold on shelves.
The idea of Tabatha being given another show would be well received. Bravo could take so many avenues to get Tab back on our screens. She could help small businesses affected by the worldwide pandemic. In a small but minute detail, Tabatha always displayed positive energy despite being given a sharp persona. She genuinely wanted the people she helped to succeed. It wasn’t so much about plotting to take down other women. Fans miss her, and it makes sense why. She was perfect for our small screens.
TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK TABATHA COFFEY WAS THE PERFECT REALITY TV STAR?
