realestate

Owning Manhattan Ryan Serhant on Breakdowns, Growth, Mamdani's Impact

Ryan Serhant discusses his breakdown, company growth, and Mayor‑Elect Zohran Mamdani’s impact on NYC real estate.

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yan Serhant, the realtor who turned a Bravo series into a global brand, lives by a simple credo: “Expand in every direction.” Four years after launching his own company, Season 2 of Netflix’s *Owning Manhattan* follows him and his elite team as they close some of the city’s most coveted deals, including a $31 million penthouse at 200 Amsterdam Avenue.

    The show chronicles the toll of scaling a business while juggling family life. Viewers witness Serhant’s transition from *Million Dollar Listing* star to CEO, and the mounting pressure culminates in a raw on‑screen breakdown—his most vulnerable moment yet. “No one cries for the person at the top,” he explains, a sentiment echoed by producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, who note that his public persona masks a softer side that rarely surfaces.

    That vulnerability heightens the drama of the season. Returning cast members—Chloe Tucker Caine, back from maternity leave, and former Corcoran broker Peter Zaitzeff—add fresh dynamics as they compete for top sales. Serhant also reflects on how Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s policies influence Manhattan real estate.

    In a candid interview, Serhant opens about the final episode, where he balances fatherhood and business, admitting that the camera captured his most exposed moments. He recalls the early days of the show as a “startup story” fraught with uncertainty, firing staff on camera, and the constant fear of failure. “I was the villain of my own story,” he says, highlighting the authenticity that comes from filming in real time.

    The season’s narrative thread is the relentless pursuit of growth. After Season 1, the Serhant website crashed under the surge of millions of new followers. By June 2024, the brand had amassed a global audience, expanded into 14 states, and grown its team to 200 employees. A historic prop‑tech seed round—larger than any before—propelled the company toward a $1 billion monthly revenue target and plans to double its size.

    Social media and Netflix have been pivotal. Unlike traditional brokerages that buy revenue, Serhant’s model relies on organic reach. The show’s popularity has spurred interest worldwide, with viewers eager to open Serhant offices across the globe.

    The finale ends on a cliffhanger, hinting at a partnership with Harley and Jeffrey. Serhant breaks the fourth wall, a technique he fought to include, allowing audiences to see his perspective directly. Producers praised the authenticity of this approach.

    The political shift in New York, marked by Zohran Mamdani’s election, sparked speculation about a mass exodus to Florida. Serhant notes that Florida’s tax advantages and growing market have long attracted buyers. He cites a recent sale: a $14 million townhouse in Gramercy was discounted to $7.5 million after a brief window, illustrating how quickly market dynamics can shift.

    New York City’s resilience—having survived terrorism, hurricanes, financial crises, and pandemics—remains a core theme. Serhant’s journey underscores that success demands expansion, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Ryan Serhant in Manhattan skyline, discussing growth, breakdowns, Mamdani.