I never thought I'd say this, but I think the Kardashian-Jenner Empire is starting to crumble. Not that I'll necessarily see it fall in the next 10 years, but certainly in my lifetime; I'm just now starting to see the cracks in the foundation that I believe precipitate their ultimate fade back into obscurity. And, honestly, if I'm right, what's so bad about that? They had a pretty good run, considering they perfected the concept of being famous for being famous. Very few of them have ever held a traditional job, earned a degree, or honed any particular set of skills. Which is particularly insane because there are so many of them! But, seriously, guys Taylor Swift winning most followers on Instagram over Kim Kardashian seems like the beginning of the end.
We have Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, Kris, Caitlyn, Kylie, and Kendall Jenner, and then Brody and Brandon Jenner from Caitlyn's previous marriage. And then once you add in all the significant others, both past and present, from Kanye West to Tyga to Lamar Odom to Scott Disick, and the next generation, with North West and Mason, Penelope, and Reign Disick, this is a very unwieldy group we're talking about. For eight years and 10 seasons, this family has captivated us on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and the seemingly-endless spin-offs, and, for all I know, they may continue doing so for many more.
But lately, I've caught a few glimpses of the end in the distance, so here are 10 pieces of evidence proving that their days on the B+ List may be numbered.
1. Taylor Swift Passed Kim Kardashian For 'Most Followers On Instagram
This one's a biggie. A person famous for more than having photos taken of her became the new most-followed person on Instagram, an app solely for taking photos of things! The beginning of the end!
2. They're Losing Characters
Every time the show makes one of the family members famous enough to go and do something, that leaves them less time to film this show about them doing nothing. So, at the end of the day, the people left behind are the least famous (and interesting?), and that's only going to keep getting more and more true.
3. Real, Genuine Things Are Happening In These Peoples' Lives
Great things for some of them, really bad things for others. Divorce, breakups, rehab, addiction, obesity, infidelity, betrayal — these things are already tough enough to go through behind closed doors, but it's got to be exponentially more difficult when you're going through it on national television. At some point, you have to assume that these people are going to want to circle the wagons and keep some things to themselves, right?
4. Kanye Still Refuses To Appear On The Show With Any Regularity
If there's one thing that guy doesn't seem to mind, it's looking foolish in front of an audience, so his continuing to steer clear speaks volumes.
5. They're Really Reaching With Dash Dolls
It's a new show that's technically within the same franchise, but it doesn't star a single member of the family itself, focusing instead on the employees at one of their Dash stores. *Side eye*
6. Their Numbers Are Suffering
After steadily climbing viewership for their first eight seasons, Season 9 of KUWTK dipped by about 20 percent, numbers that have remained the same or slightly lower for Season 10. It's still the highest-rated program in its bracket, and E!'s cash cow, but it's beginning to show its age.
7. They All Have Social Media
At this point, if you really want to keep up with the Kardashians, you might as well do it in real time on Instagram instead of waiting for it to come to air and being months behind.
8. They've Jumped The Shark
Kim broke the internet, North got a weird name, Kourtney gave birth on camera, and, in general, I can't imagine many more places this family can go.
But, of course, every time I say that, they do me one better, so I guess I should know better than to rule out the Kardashian-Jenners.
Images: Giphy (5)
