Kendra on Top
Kendra on Top is an American reality television series that premiered on WE tv on June 5, 2012, and ran for six seasons until its finale on August 18, 2017.[1][2] The show stars Kendra Wilkinson, a former Playboy Playmate and cast member of the E! series The Girls Next Door, as she navigates the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and celebrity life alongside her husband, retired NFL player Hank Baskett.[3] Over 92 episodes, the program offers an intimate look at Wilkinson's transition from her high-profile Playboy past to suburban family dynamics, including raising their two children, Hank IV and Alijah, while dealing with paparazzi scrutiny and personal milestones.[4] The series highlights key events in Wilkinson's life, such as her participation in reality competitions like Splash and Celebrity Wife Swap, a 2013 car accident, and a brief marital separation following Hank's infidelity scandal in 2014.[1] Later seasons explore career shifts, including Baskett's post-NFL business ventures and Wilkinson's hosting role on a Las Vegas morning radio show in season 6, which prompted another move to pursue new opportunities.[5] Recurring themes include balancing work and family, dealing with family estrangements—particularly Wilkinson's fraught relationship with her mother, Patti— and the pressures of fame, often portrayed through candid, unscripted moments of humor, conflict, and growth.[6] Produced by Prometheus Entertainment, Kendra on Top received mixed reviews for its voyeuristic glimpse into celebrity domesticity but garnered a dedicated audience, contributing to Wilkinson's enduring presence in reality television.[7][8] The show's TV-14 rating reflects its mix of lighthearted antics and more serious personal drama, setting it apart as a follow-up to Wilkinson's earlier solo series Kendra on E!.[9]Show Overview
Premise
Kendra on Top is an American reality television series that follows former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett as she navigates her multifaceted life as a wife, mother, and celebrity entrepreneur after leaving the Playboy Mansion. The show provides an intimate look at her transition from the high-profile glamour of her past to the demands of suburban family life and professional pursuits. Premiering on WE tv in 2012, it captures the unfiltered realities of her daily routines, blending personal milestones with the pressures of maintaining fame.[10] Central to the series is Wilkinson-Baskett's role in balancing motherhood with her two children—son Hank Baskett IV, born in 2009, and daughter Alijah Mary Baskett, born in 2014—alongside her marriage to Hank Baskett. The narrative explores her parenting challenges, from managing family schedules to fostering her children's growth amid public scrutiny. Additionally, it showcases her entrepreneurial endeavors, such as launching the intimacy product line Love Candy and engaging in fitness-related projects, while pursuing media opportunities to sustain her celebrity status. These elements highlight her efforts to redefine her career beyond her Playboy association.[11][12][13] The series also spotlights Hank Baskett's evolving role within the family, documenting his shift from a National Football League wide receiver—where he played for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings—to a businessman and primary family supporter after retiring from professional sports. Viewers see him exploring new ventures, including opening a fitness center called Performance Gaines, and adjusting to life outside the athletic spotlight while supporting his wife's ambitions. This parallel storyline underscores the couple's shared navigation of post-fame transitions.[14][15] Overall, Kendra on Top focuses on the everyday challenges of celebrity domesticity, including the tensions of parenting young children, sustaining a marriage under media attention, and adapting to career shifts in the wake of the Playboy era. It portrays the blend of ordinary family dynamics with the extraordinary aspects of fame, offering insight into how Wilkinson-Baskett and her family cope with paparazzi intrusion, personal growth, and relational strains. This thematic emphasis builds on her brief appearance in earlier shows like The Girls Next Door, shifting attention to her independent life path.[7][10]Format
Kendra on Top is structured as a docu-soap, a reality television format that combines documentary-style unscripted footage of everyday life with soap opera elements emphasizing dramatic personal conflicts and emotional revelations, often through confessional interviews where participants reflect directly on their experiences.[16] This approach captures authentic moments in the subjects' lives while heightening interpersonal tensions for narrative engagement.[17] Episodes typically run for 30 minutes, weaving together segments of family interactions, professional endeavors such as modeling and entrepreneurship, and relational dynamics to illustrate the challenges of balancing domestic responsibilities with public-facing career demands.[17] Seasons generally consist of 14 to 16 episodes, allowing for ongoing serialization of personal growth and conflicts without rigid plotlines.[16] The visual style employs intimate, handheld cinematography to convey immediacy and vulnerability, highlighting Kendra Wilkinson's evolution from a "wild child" persona to a suburban mother, infused with humor in her candid handling of life's absurdities.[3] Narratively, the series prioritizes emotional authenticity over polished production, using quick cuts and personal voiceovers to underscore themes of work-life equilibrium. Recurring motifs include contrasting montages of serene home routines—such as parenting and household tasks—with high-energy public appearances and business pursuits, underscoring the tension between private stability and external pressures.[17]Background and Development
Relation to Previous Shows
Kendra on Top originated as part of the broader reality television franchise centered on Kendra Wilkinson's life, beginning with her appearance on E!'s The Girls Next Door (2005–2010), where she was depicted as one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends residing at the Playboy Mansion.[10] The series directly follows Wilkinson's self-titled E! program Kendra (2009–2011), a spin-off from The Girls Next Door that chronicled her transition out of the Playboy lifestyle, including her engagement to and 2009 wedding with NFL player Hank Baskett.[18] After parting with E! following the end of Kendra, Wilkinson launched Kendra on Top on WE tv in 2012, marking a shift to a network known for programming aimed at women and families, with the show adopting a more mature tone centered on her experiences as a wife and mother to her growing family.[10] This evolution allowed Kendra on Top to build upon the public familiarity with her Playboy-era past established in prior series while highlighting subsequent personal milestones, such as the birth of her children and family dynamics.[18]Development History
Following the conclusion of her E! series Kendra after two seasons in 2011, former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett sought a new platform to continue documenting her life as a wife and mother.[18] In early 2012, WE tv announced the development of Kendra on Top as a docu-soap series, greenlighting 14 episodes to capture Wilkinson's transition into post-celebrity family life.[10] The project was formally revealed on March 21, 2012, with production set to begin in April in Los Angeles, marking a shift from E!'s celebrity-focused programming to WE tv's emphasis on relatable women's stories.[16] Wilkinson served as co-executive producer alongside her husband Hank Baskett, allowing her significant input into the show's direction.[4] She emphasized an authentic portrayal of her daily challenges and triumphs, stating, "This show is about keeping it real and showing the ups and downs of my life."[10] The creative vision centered on highlighting family dynamics and personal growth, targeting WE tv's core audience of women aged 25-54 interested in real-life relationship and household narratives.[19] Pre-production involved refining the concept from Wilkinson's prior E! shows, which had chronicled her early marriage and motherhood, to a more intimate exploration of her evolving role outside the Playboy spotlight.[18] This included casting key family members like her mother Patti and husband Hank, as well as close friends such as Jessica Hall, to provide unscripted insights into her support network.[4] The series was positioned for a summer premiere on June 5, 2012, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, aligning with WE tv's strategy to attract viewers with grounded, dramatic family content.[20]Production
Production Company and Crew
Kendra on Top was produced by Prometheus Entertainment for WE tv throughout its run from 2012 to 2017.[21][3] The company, known for documentary-style reality programming, handled all aspects of the series' operational production, ensuring a structured approach to filming unscripted family events. The executive production team included Kevin Burns as lead executive producer, alongside Rachel Tung and Kim Sheerin as executive producers.[21] Co-executive producers were Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett and Hank Baskett, who contributed to creative decisions reflecting their personal lives, while Suzanne Gladstone served as an additional executive producer overseeing production logistics.[21] This core group maintained oversight across the series' six seasons. Key crew members, including supervising producers, directors, and editors with experience in reality television, focused on capturing authentic interactions to highlight the unscripted nature of the Baskett family's experiences.[22] For instance, producers like Nicole Rosen and Sal Maresca managed on-set coordination, while editors such as Felise Epstein ensured narrative flow in episodes.[22] Cinematographers Rob Hache and Sharra Romany handled visual storytelling to emphasize genuine moments. The production team remained largely consistent over the six seasons, allowing flexibility to incorporate major life events such as the birth of the couple's daughter Alijah Mary in 2014 and Hank Baskett's transition from NFL player to business ventures.[23][24] This stability enabled the crew to adapt filming schedules around family milestones without major personnel changes, preserving the series' intimate reality TV style.[25]Filming Locations
The series Kendra on Top was primarily filmed at Kendra and Hank Baskett's home in Calabasas, California, which functioned as the main hub for scenes depicting their family life, parenting responsibilities, and personal milestones.[26] This location allowed for intimate, ongoing coverage of daily routines in a residential setting, with numerous episodes explicitly listing Calabasas as the key site. Filming extended to various Los Angeles-area venues to capture Kendra's business endeavors, fitness activities, and social outings, including restaurants like Beso on Hollywood Boulevard and media facilities such as the CNN Building on Sunset Boulevard.[27] Occasional episodes incorporated travel to other domestic destinations, such as Big Bear Lake in California's San Bernardino National Forest for family getaways and out-of-state locations like New York City for professional photo shoots at sites including the Empire State Building, as well as Miami for nightlife appearances at venues like LIV Nightclub.[28][29][30] As the show progressed across its seasons, particularly following the birth of their daughter Alijah in 2014 during season 3, production saw an increase in on-location and travel filming to reflect evolving family dynamics and Kendra's expanding career commitments, shifting from predominantly home-based scenes to more varied external shoots.[31][32]Cast
Main Cast
Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett serves as the lead protagonist in Kendra on Top, a reality series depicting her evolution from a high-profile Playboy model to a dedicated wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She first rose to prominence as a Playboy Playmate of the Month in September 2004 and lived at the Playboy Mansion from 2004 to 2008, where she was one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends featured on the E! reality show The Girls Next Door from 2005 to 2009. On Kendra on Top, Wilkinson-Baskett is shown managing family life in Calabasas, California, while pursuing business ventures like real estate and hosting, often reflecting on balancing her past glamour with present-day responsibilities.[33][34] Hank Baskett, Wilkinson-Baskett's husband, is portrayed as the family's steadfast provider and emotional anchor, transitioning from his athletic career to entrepreneurship. A former NFL wide receiver, Baskett played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2006 to 2009 and the Minnesota Vikings in 2010 and 2011, retiring after five seasons due to injuries. Married to Wilkinson-Baskett on June 27, 2009, at the Playboy Mansion, he appears on the series handling fatherhood, home projects, and supporting his wife's endeavors, with their partnership highlighted as a source of mutual growth amid life's transitions.[35] The Baskett children, Hank Baskett IV and Alijah Mary Baskett, are integral to the show's family-centric narrative, capturing their milestones from birth onward. Son Hank IV was born on December 11, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana, via C-section, weighing 9 pounds 5 ounces, and is depicted growing from a newborn to a school-age child engaging in activities like sports and family outings.[36] Daughter Alijah Mary arrived on May 16, 2014, in Los Angeles, and her early years, including first steps and sibling interactions, are chronicled as the family adjusts to life with two young children.[34] At the heart of Kendra on Top are the Baskets' marital dynamics and parenting approaches, which provide the series' emotional core through candid explorations of commitment and family roles. The couple navigates ups and downs, including a 2014 scandal involving Baskett's encounter with a transgender model while Wilkinson-Baskett was pregnant, which they addressed through counseling and forgiveness to strengthen their bond.[37] In parenting, Baskett often adopts a more disciplinary style, enforcing rules and routines, while Wilkinson-Baskett focuses on nurturing emotional openness and fun, though they collaborate to align their methods for their children's well-being.[38]Recurring Cast
The recurring cast of Kendra on Top featured family members and close associates who provided ongoing support, injected drama into family dynamics, and offered comic relief through social interactions across multiple seasons. Kendra's mother, Patti Wilkinson, appeared frequently as a central figure in familial tensions, including public disputes over a planned tell-all book that strained their relationship and highlighted issues of emotional abuse from Kendra's childhood.[39][40] Patti's role often underscored themes of reconciliation and boundary-setting within the family, contributing to emotional storylines that balanced support with conflict.[41] Kendra's father, Eric Wilkinson, and his wife, Amy, brought additional layers of family drama and occasional comic relief through their unconventional appearances, such as Eric's health scare that prompted Kendra's emotional breakdown and their tailgating-style wedding, which Kendra helped organize despite underlying tensions with Amy.[42][43] Eric's reconciliatory arcs with Kendra and her brother added depth to the show's exploration of estranged parental bonds, while Amy's integration into family events sometimes sparked humorous or awkward social moments.[44] Kendra's brother, Colin Wilkinson, served as a supportive sibling figure, notably in emotional reunions following family feuds, providing grounded perspectives amid the show's high-drama environment.[45] Among friends, Jessica Hall stood out as Kendra's best friend, offering unwavering support in social scenes, girls' nights out, often lightening tense moments with her loyal presence.[6] Bethany Coffee appeared as another close friend, contributing to group outings and providing comic relief in lighter, friendship-driven episodes.[6] Jai Rodriguez, a friend and occasional co-host, added humor and energy through collaborative segments, such as photoshoots and Vegas-related antics tied to Kendra's professional ventures.[46] On the professional side, Travelle Gaines, Hank Baskett's trainer and close friend, featured in fitness and business-oriented scenes, offering support during Hank's career transitions and providing a stabilizing influence amid the couple's personal challenges.[47][6] These recurring figures enriched the series by blending everyday relational dynamics with the realities of fame, emphasizing themes of loyalty and familial complexity without overshadowing the main cast.Guest Stars
The guest star appearances on Kendra on Top were infrequent but added celebrity flair to episodes centered on Kendra Wilkinson's social and professional endeavors, often highlighting her connections from past reality TV and Playboy affiliations. These one-time cameos typically involved participation in events, challenges, or casual interactions that showcased her evolving public persona as a wife, mother, and entertainer.[3] Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy and Wilkinson's former employer, made several sporadic appearances that underscored her lingering ties to the Playboy Mansion era. In Season 1, Episode 3 ("Guess Who's Coming to Calabasas"), Hefner visited Wilkinson and her husband Hank Baskett at their home for a dinner, providing a nostalgic bridge to her pre-marriage life and offering lighthearted commentary on their domestic setup. He also featured in Season 1, Episode 14 ("Picture Perfect"), where he participated in a photoshoot segment, and Season 3, Episode 8 ("Where's Poppa?"), contributing to family-oriented discussions that humanized Wilkinson's transition from Playboy girlfriend to suburban family woman. These visits enhanced episodes by injecting humor and historical context into her personal milestones.[48][49][50] Caitlyn Jenner (appearing as Bruce Jenner) brought high-profile glamour to Season 2, Episode 9 ("Truce or Dare"), where he appeared alongside Hank Baskett in a parody film scene for The Hungover Games, donning a blue wig as a commentator. This appearance influenced the episode by amplifying the fun, celebrity-driven atmosphere of the family's entertainment pursuits.[51][52] In a crossover with the Food Network's Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition, Season 4, Episode 8 ("Thirsty Is the New Kendra") featured judges Rachael Ray and Anne Burrell, who provided cooking guidance and feedback during Wilkinson's competitive challenge. Ray, known for her talk show and culinary expertise, offered practical tips on meal preparation, while Burrell critiqued Wilkinson's grilling skills, helping to highlight her efforts to balance family life with new entertainment ventures. Jenni "JWoww" Farley from Jersey Shore also appeared in the same episode as a fellow contestant, sharing camaraderie and light competition that emphasized Wilkinson's place among reality TV peers. These culinary guests impacted the narrative by showcasing Wilkinson's vulnerability in skill-based challenges, adding relatability to her high-profile lifestyle.[53][54] Other notable sporadic appearances included Brody Jenner in Season 4, Episode 14 ("Breast Intentions"), where he joined a social gathering tied to Wilkinson's health discussions, contributing to the episode's focus on personal growth and friendships. Additionally, in Season 2, Episode 2 ("Dangerous When Wet"), Splash contestants Joey Lawrence and [Charissa Thompson](/page/Charissa Thompson) appeared during Wilkinson's diving training segments, offering encouragement and shared experiences from the competition show that motivated her physical challenges. Such guests were rare enhancements, often limited to one episode, that spotlighted Wilkinson's broad network and public engagements without overshadowing the core family dynamics.[55][56]Broadcast and Distribution
U.S. Broadcast
Kendra on Top premiered in the United States on WE tv on June 5, 2012, at 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. PT, marking the network's latest entry in its lineup of reality docu-soaps centered on women's lifestyles and relationships.[57] WE tv, owned by AMC Networks, had ordered an initial 14-episode first season in March 2012, aligning with its strategy to develop original reality programming targeted at female audiences.[57] The series aired annually across six seasons from 2012 to 2017, with renewals announced each year to maintain momentum; for instance, the second season renewal was confirmed on October 22, 2012, for 12 half-hour episodes plus two hour-long specials.[58] Subsequent seasons followed a similar pattern, premiering in spring or summer slots—such as season three on October 3, 2014, season four on August 21, 2015, and season five on April 1, 2016—typically featuring 14 to 18 episodes per season and incorporating occasional mid-season breaks to space out airings.[59][60][61] The final season, season six, debuted on June 23, 2017, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT and concluded on August 18, 2017, after 16 episodes, bringing the series to an end after six seasons on WE tv.[62][1] This run reflected WE tv's evolving emphasis on high-profile reality formats during the period, though the network shifted toward new original series in subsequent years.[63]International and Home Media
Internationally, Kendra on Top was distributed by Off The Fence, a production and distribution company that handled WE tv content for global markets.[64] The series aired in select international territories, including Canada, where it was broadcast on channels carrying WE tv programming. In the United Kingdom, episodes were not widely available for streaming as of recent checks, though DVD imports were accessible via retailers like Amazon UK.[65] The show's niche focus on celebrity personal life limited broader syndication beyond North America. For home media, MPI Home Video released the series on DVD. Season 1 became available in 2013 as a two-disc set.[66] Season 2 was released on May 13, 2014.[67] Season 3 followed on August 11, 2015.[68] Seasons 4 and 5 followed in a four-disc set in March 2017.[69] Season 6 was issued as a single-disc edition in 2018.[70] Later seasons emphasized digital formats over physical media, with episodes available for purchase and download on platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV (formerly iTunes).[71][72] As of November 2025, the full series streams on subscription services like Philo and ad-supported platforms including Pluto TV and The Roku Channel, primarily in the U.S. but with varying international access through these providers.[2] It was previously available on Hulu starting around 2017.[73] No major revivals or new syndication deals have been announced, reflecting the show's concluded run from 2012 to 2017.Reception
Viewership
The first season of Kendra on Top achieved significant success, accumulating 7.5 million total viewers and marking a strong debut for WE tv's reality programming slate.[63] Subsequent seasons experienced a notable decline in viewership, with Season 2 averaging approximately 326,000 viewers among women 18-49 per episode in live-plus-three-day metrics, reflecting broader challenges from increasing competition in the reality TV landscape.[74] Season 3 saw a temporary boost due to heightened interest in personal scandals, with episodes drawing up to 1.2 million viewers and averages around 1.2 million; later seasons trended lower amid ongoing market saturation.[74][75] The series primarily appealed to a female audience aged 25–54, aligning with WE tv's core demographic composition of about 70% women and 36% in the 35–54 age group.[76] Viewership often peaked during episodes centered on family crises and dramatic personal events, such as marital tensions, which drove temporary surges in engagement.[74] Over its six-season run, Kendra on Top produced 92 episodes, contributing steadily to WE tv's expansion of original reality content without emerging as a major breakout hit in the genre.[3]Critical Response
Kendra on Top received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its portrayal of Kendra Wilkinson's relatable struggles with motherhood and family life while criticizing the show's reliance on manufactured drama and subpar production values. Reviewers highlighted lighthearted moments that showcased Wilkinson's efforts to balance her career ambitions, such as public speaking and fitness goals, with everyday parenting challenges, offering a humorous glimpse into her transition from a high-profile past to suburban domesticity.[7] However, the series was often faulted for lacking depth, with voyeuristic elements emphasizing sexually suggestive content that felt like an extension of Wilkinson's Playboy persona rather than substantive storytelling.[7] Critics noted the show's evolution of Wilkinson's public image, marking a departure from her "party girl" reputation established on The Girls Next Door, toward a narrative of personal growth and empowerment in redefining herself post-Playboy. Outlets observed this shift as part of WE tv's broader strategy to focus on authentic family dynamics amid celebrity pressures, positioning Kendra on Top as a key title in the network's rebrand toward "real reality" programming.[63] Some viewed it as an empowering depiction of a former model navigating marriage, parenthood, and professional reinvention, though others dismissed it as superficial exploitation of personal conflicts.[18] The series exemplified common tropes in celebrity family reality television, such as paparazzi intrusions and relational tensions, but garnered no major awards or widespread acclaim during its run. It contributed to WE tv's lineup of unscripted shows centered on real-life drama, influencing subsequent series by emphasizing raw, unpolished glimpses into fame's underbelly.[63] In 2024, Wilkinson reflected on the emotional toll of her reality TV career and teased a potential return to the genre nearly two decades after The Girls Next Door, framing her experiences—including Kendra on Top—as part of her evolution amid personal challenges like depression.[77][78]Episodes
Series Overview
Kendra on Top is an American reality television series that chronicles the personal and professional life of former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett as she balances motherhood, marriage, and her public career.[3] The series aired for six seasons and a total of 92 episodes on WE tv, premiering on June 5, 2012, and concluding on August 18, 2017.[3] Each episode runs approximately 30 minutes, offering glimpses into Wilkinson-Baskett's daily routines, family dynamics, and evolving challenges.[79] The narrative arc begins with early seasons emphasizing Wilkinson-Baskett's adjustment to family life following the birth of her first child, highlighting her transition from celebrity party life to domestic responsibilities.[9] Later seasons shift focus to more complex issues, including career pivots such as acting opportunities and business ventures, as well as family travels and relational strains.[2]| Season | Episodes | Premiere Date | Finale Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | June 5, 2012 | July 31, 2012 |
| 2 | 14 | September 13, 2013 | November 1, 2013 |
| 3 | 16 | October 3, 2014 | December 12, 2014 |
| 4 | 18 | August 21, 2015 | October 30, 2015 |
| 5 | 17 | April 1, 2016 | May 20, 2016 |
| 6 | 11 | June 23, 2017 | August 18, 2017 |
Season 1 (2012)
The first season of Kendra on Top premiered on WE tv on June 5, 2012, and consisted of 16 episodes airing over eight weeks in a back-to-back format, concluding on July 31, 2012.[80] The series captured Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett's transition into suburban family life in Calabasas, California, following her departure from the Playboy Mansion, while balancing motherhood to her young son, Little Hank, with emerging business ventures such as promoting her book, developing a fitness DVD, and launching the Love Candy lingerie and sex toy line.[7] Her husband, Hank Baskett, was depicted navigating the NFL offseason by pursuing opportunities in television hosting, acting, and opening a personal training gym, highlighting their early marital dynamics amid these adjustments.[80] The season emphasized authentic glimpses into family routines, including preschool preparations for Little Hank and interactions with extended family, setting a tone of relatable domesticity blended with celebrity flair.[7] Key events revolved around professional and personal milestones that underscored the couple's evolving roles. Kendra hosted a dinner party for Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends at their home, confronting her Playboy past, while she traveled to Miami for book promotion and to Nashville for a music video shoot involving a controversial mud-wrestling scene that sparked tension with Hank.[80] Hank landed a small movie role and advanced his gym project, but conflicts arose during a New York trip over his career frustrations and Kendra's public persona.[80] The season also featured lighter moments, such as Little Hank's appearance at a movie premiere, prompting discussions about child acting, and Kendra's efforts to obtain a real estate license alongside testing Love Candy products.[7] These narratives portrayed early marital bliss tempered by the challenges of post-Hollywood suburbia, with the couple supporting each other's ambitions while managing parenting duties.[80] The season's strong performance contributed to WE tv's reality slate, amassing 7.5 million total viewers across its run and establishing the show's authentic approach to family life as a cornerstone for future installments.[63]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Original air date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Workin' It | N/A | June 5, 2012 | Kendra oversleeps for a photo shoot and parties late into the night; Hank explores opportunities in TV hosting after leaving professional football.[80] |
| 2 | 2 | Workin' It | N/A | June 5, 2012 | Continuation of Kendra's busy schedule balancing work and nightlife; Hank continues his career transition.[80] |
| 3 | 3 | Batteries Not Included | N/A | June 12, 2012 | Kendra researches products for her Love Candy line; Hank secures his first movie role.[80] |
| 4 | 4 | Guess Who's Coming to Calabasas | N/A | June 12, 2012 | Kendra and Hank host Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends for dinner at their suburban home.[80] |
| 5 | 5 | Kendra Takes Miami | N/A | June 19, 2012 | Kendra travels to Miami to promote her book and enjoys a party-filled getaway; Hank evaluates a potential business venture.[80] |
| 6 | 6 | Kendra Goes Back to School | N/A | June 19, 2012 | Kendra prepares anxiously for Little Hank's preschool interviews with help from friend Bethany.[80] |
| 7 | 7 | A Star Is Born | N/A | June 26, 2012 | Little Hank attends a movie premiere and impresses attendees, leading Kendra and Hank to consider an agent for him.[80] |
| 8 | 8 | Fore Play | N/A | July 3, 2012 | Kendra participates awkwardly in Hank's golf scramble fundraiser for lung cancer research.[80] |
| 9 | 9 | New York Kendra | N/A | July 10, 2012 | The couple visits New York for a shoot, where Hank expresses dissatisfaction with his post-NFL career path.[80] |
| 10 | 10 | The Empire State(ment) | N/A | July 10, 2012 | Kendra embarrasses Hank by questioning his agent; an argument erupts over time away from Little Hank.[80] |
| 11 | 11 | Nashville or Bust | N/A | July 17, 2012 | Kendra films a music video in Nashville that includes a mud-wrestling scene, raising concerns.[80] |
| 12 | 12 | LoCash Kendra | N/A | July 17, 2012 | Kendra completes the provocative music video shoot; Hank grapples with discomfort over its content.[80] |
| 13 | 13 | Risque Business | N/A | July 24, 2012 | Kendra tests prototypes for Love Candy; Hank progresses with plans for a new training facility.[80] |
| 14 | 14 | Homeward Rebound | N/A | July 24, 2012 | Kendra returns to San Diego and reflects on her personal history during the visit.[80] |
| 15 | 15 | Picture Perfect | N/A | July 31, 2012 | Kendra anticipates a competitive lingerie photoshoot; Hank readies the opening of his gym.[80] |
| 16 | 16 | Picture Perfect | N/A | July 31, 2012 | Continuation of the photoshoot rivalry and gym preparations.[80] |
Season 2 (2013)
The second season of Kendra on Top premiered on September 13, 2013, on WE tv, consisting of 14 episodes that aired through November 1, 2013. Building on the family life introduced in the first season, where Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett navigated motherhood to son Hank IV alongside her marriage to Hank Baskett, this season escalated with external challenges, including Kendra's high-profile media appearances and a personal health scare. The narrative emphasized her efforts to maintain celebrity status while supporting her husband's post-NFL career transition, amid growing tensions from fame's demands.[79] Key developments included Kendra's participation in the ABC diving competition Splash, where she trained for high dives and confronted fears of injury, as well as reflections on her earlier stint on Celebrity Wife Swap with Kate Gosselin, which highlighted lifestyle clashes between their families. A pivotal event was Kendra's serious car accident in April 2013 on a Los Angeles freeway, which left her fearing she had suffered a minor stroke; she underwent medical tests, including an MRI, and struggled with driving anxiety while relying on family for support during recovery. Hank faced pressures from his uncertain career prospects after retiring from professional football, leading to strains as he pursued business opportunities and acting roles, such as a small part in a film with Bruce Jenner. These elements underscored themes of resilience in balancing public persona, health recovery, and familial roles, with increased crossovers into other TV formats showcasing Kendra's versatility beyond reality programming.[81][82][83] The season featured paired episodes airing back-to-back on Fridays, blending domestic moments like anniversary trips to Big Bear and birthday celebrations in Miami with dramatic conflicts, such as arguments over Kendra's bold Playboy party appearance in body paint. Other notable arcs involved family visits to San Diego amid health worries, decisions about expanding their family (including Kendra removing her IUD), and interpersonal dynamics with friends like Jessica Hall and Kendra's mother, Patti. The episodes highlighted Kendra's entrepreneurial pursuits, including radio auditions and hosting a Las Vegas bachelorette party that tested her limits during a ziplining challenge.[84][82]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Original air date | US viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1 | Trick or Tweet | N/A | September 13, 2013 | 0.45 |
| 18 | 2 | Dangerous When Wet | N/A | September 20, 2013 | 0.38 |
| 19 | 3 | The Ex Files | N/A | September 20, 2013 | 0.38 |
| 20 | 4 | Crash Course | N/A | September 27, 2013 | 0.42 |
| 21 | 5 | Mum Mum's the Word | N/A | September 27, 2013 | 0.42 |
| 22 | 6 | Miami Vices | N/A | October 4, 2013 | 0.39 |
| 23 | 7 | Homeland Insecurity | N/A | October 4, 2013 | 0.39 |
| 24 | 8 | The Cold Wars | N/A | October 11, 2013 | 0.41 |
| 25 | 9 | Truce or Dare | N/A | October 11, 2013 | 0.41 |
| 26 | 10 | The Big Bare | N/A | October 18, 2013 | 0.40 |
| 27 | 11 | Cabin Fever | N/A | October 18, 2013 | 0.40 |
| 28 | 12 | The Confidence Game | N/A | October 25, 2013 | 0.37 |
| 29 | 13 | Pulling the Goalie | N/A | October 25, 2013 | 0.37 |
| 30 | 14 | High Wired | N/A | November 1, 2013 | 0.35 |
Season 3 (2014)
The third season of Kendra on Top premiered on October 3, 2014, and consisted of 16 episodes airing weekly on Fridays through December 12, 2014, on WE tv.[79] This season shifted focus to the immediate aftermath of the birth of Kendra and Hank Baskett's daughter, Alijah Mary Baskett, on May 16, 2014, emphasizing intimate family dynamics amid personal crises.[85] Just weeks after the delivery, the narrative centered on allegations that Hank had an encounter with a transgender model, sparking intense marital tension, media scrutiny, and efforts to preserve family unity. The season includes two reunion specials as the finale.[86] The season explored parenting struggles, including balancing care for newborn Alijah and their son Hank IV (born in 2009) with emotional recovery from betrayal.[87] Hank's storyline highlighted his post-incident transition, grappling with NFL career instability after the Eagles suspended him amid the scandal, forcing reflections on life beyond football.[74] Key events featured heated confrontations, couples therapy sessions, and temporary separations, as Kendra demanded full disclosure while navigating her role as a public figure.[88] Themes revolved around everyday conflicts such as communication breakdowns and trust erosion, underscored by reliance on support systems like friends Jessica Hall and Kendra's mother, Patti Wilkinson.[89] The home-focused narratives portrayed raw domestic life, contrasting Kendra's expanding media presence—including promotional appearances—with private vulnerabilities, ultimately tracing a path toward reconciliation.[90]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 1 | Spilled Milk | October 3, 2014 |
| 32 | 2 | Cutting the Cord | October 10, 2014 |
| 33 | 3 | Damage Control | October 10, 2014 |
| 34 | 4 | No Beef Patti | October 17, 2014 |
| 35 | 5 | Girls' Night Bout | October 17, 2014 |
| 36 | 6 | Game Over | October 24, 2014 |
| 37 | 7 | Family Ties | October 24, 2014 |
| 38 | 8 | Birthday Blues | October 31, 2014 |
| 39 | 9 | The Big Goodbye | October 31, 2014 |
| 40 | 10 | Sons of Beaches | November 7, 2014 |
| 41 | 11 | One Step Forward, Two Steps Back | November 7, 2014 |
| 42 | 12 | The Truth Comes Out | November 14, 2014 |
| 43 | 13 | The Aftermath | November 14, 2014 |
| 44 | 14 | The Missing Peace | November 21, 2014 |
| 45 | 15 | The Untold Story | December 5, 2014 |
| 46 | 16 | The Untold Story Part 2 | December 12, 2014 |
Season 4 (2015)
The fourth season of Kendra on Top premiered on August 21, 2015, and concluded on October 30, 2015, spanning 18 episodes on WE tv.[79] It delved into the strains on Kendra and Hank Baskett's marriage in the wake of Hank's earlier scandal, while showcasing their life as parents to five-year-old Hank IV and one-year-old daughter Alijah, born the previous year. The season captured the couple's efforts to rebuild through therapy and shared experiences, amid Kendra's professional travels and personal milestones.[17][91] Key events highlighted Kendra's trip to London shortly after her 30th birthday in June 2015, where she attended fashion events and socialized, leading to revelations in couples therapy about her frustrations and flirtations.[92] The family navigated visits from Hank's parents, which prompted Kendra to reflect on her own estranged relationship with her mother, and a New York City outing where Kendra filmed a cooking show pilot and reconnected with her aunt.[93] Kendra also intensified her fitness regimen with trainer Ashley Conrad, training four days a week on a clean diet to achieve her post-pregnancy goals, emphasizing strength training and cardio.[94] Later episodes showed Hank relocating temporarily to Seattle for work, prompting Kendra's visit there, and the couple attending an intimacy retreat to address their challenges.[91] The season emphasized the joy and chaos of expanding the family unit, including the milestone of adjusting to life with a second child as Alijah reached her first birthday, blending everyday parenting routines with the logistical demands of frequent travel and career pursuits. Brief glimpses showed Hank IV's growth, such as his interactions during family dinners and outings, highlighting the couple's efforts to maintain stability for their children amid personal turmoil.[95] A unique aspect was the intersection of celebration and challenges, exemplified by Kendra's father's engagement announcement and their attendance at his wedding in San Diego, which forced Kendra to confront her views on commitment while Hank was absent.[17][96]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 1 | A Hard Night's Day | August 21, 2015 |
| 48 | 2 | A London Bridge Too Far | August 28, 2015 |
| 49 | 3 | Homeward Boundage | September 4, 2015 |
| 50 | 4 | Catty Shack | September 11, 2015 |
| 51 | 5 | Family Matters | September 11, 2015 |
| 52 | 6 | Assistant Living | September 18, 2015 |
| 53 | 7 | Travails With My Aunt | September 18, 2015 |
| 54 | 8 | Thirty Is The New Kendra | September 25, 2015 |
| 55 | 9 | Payback is a Holly | September 25, 2015 |
| 56 | 10 | Close Encounters of the Hank Kind | October 2, 2015 |
| 57 | 11 | The Sexorcist | October 2, 2015 |
| 58 | 12 | Dots Amore | October 9, 2015 |
| 59 | 13 | Tantric and Treat | October 9, 2015 |
| 60 | 14 | Breast Intentions | October 16, 2015 |
| 61 | 15 | Midsummer's Night Mare | October 16, 2015 |
| 62 | 16 | Kendra's Time Out | October 23, 2015 |
| 63 | 17 | Hankless in Seattle | October 23, 2015 |
| 64 | 18 | Last Rites | October 30, 2015 |
Season 5 (2016)
The fifth season of Kendra on Top premiered on April 1, 2016, on WE tv, consisting of 17 episodes aired in pairs on Fridays through May 20, 2016.[97] This season shifted focus from the domestic adjustments of prior years to international adventures and familial reconciliations, particularly Kendra Wilkinson's efforts to reconnect with her estranged father, Colin, during a family trip to Australia. Building briefly on the relational tensions introduced in Season 4, such as ongoing strains with her mother Patti over a rumored tell-all book, the narrative explored how global experiences challenged the family's California-based routines and tested marital and friendship dynamics.[79][97] Key events centered on Wilkinson's professional and personal travels abroad, including a trip to Australia for an acting pilot where she reunited with her father, highlighting themes of forgiveness and cultural contrasts against their suburban home life. Marital strains with husband Hank Baskett intensified through episodes depicting trust issues from Kendra's flirtatious interactions at events like Sundance, while friendships with Jessica, Jayde, and newcomer Amy were scrutinized amid rumors and loyalties tested by family secrets. The season emphasized broader horizons—such as beach house stays in Australia and discussions of a Girls Next Door reunion—pushing the family to confront emotional barriers, with quantitative viewership peaking at around 0.4 million for premiere episodes, underscoring its role in expanding the show's relational depth.[97][98][99] The following table lists all episodes with titles and original air dates:| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 1 | Return of the Jayde-Eye | April 1, 2016 |
| 66 | 2 | Snowblinded | April 1, 2016 |
| 67 | 3 | Where's the Beef? | April 8, 2016 |
| 68 | 4 | Facing the Music | April 8, 2016 |
| 69 | 5 | The Birthday Presence | April 15, 2016 |
| 70 | 6 | Out of Tune | April 15, 2016 |
| 71 | 7 | Kendra Down Under | April 22, 2016 |
| 72 | 8 | Melbourne to Be Wild | April 22, 2016 |
| 73 | 9 | Close Quarters | April 29, 2016 |
| 74 | 10 | Reunion | April 29, 2016 |
| 75 | 11 | Meat the Parents | May 6, 2016 |
| 76 | 12 | A Bridget Too Far | May 6, 2016 |
| 77 | 13 | Girls Gone Army | May 13, 2016 |
| 78 | 14 | Parting Gifts | May 13, 2016 |
| 79 | 15 | Lust in Space | May 20, 2016 |
| 80 | 16 | Home Runs | May 20, 2016 |
| 81 | 17 | Home Runs (continued or special) | May 20, 2016 |
Season 6 (2017)
Season 6 of Kendra on Top marked the conclusion of the series, airing 11 episodes from June 23 to August 18, 2017, on WE tv. The season centered on Kendra Wilkinson's maturation as a mother to her growing children—Hank IV, then 8, and Alijah, then 3—while she pursued acting opportunities that tested her family relationships and long-term plans. Central conflicts arose from her mother Patti's threat to publish a tell-all book exposing family secrets, forcing Kendra to issue an ultimatum that strained their bond and highlighted themes of loyalty and privacy in the wake of her Playboy past.[79][102][70] A pivotal storyline followed Kendra's audition and casting in the Las Vegas residency production Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, requiring a temporary relocation that sparked tensions with husband Hank Baskett over balancing career revival and family stability. Episodes depicted Kendra's rehearsals, opening night anxieties, and reflections on fame's toll, including meta-discussions about preserving her children's normalcy amid public scrutiny. Parenting challenges, such as managing school transitions and playdates for her older kids, underscored her personal growth toward independence and closure on her reality TV era.[103][104] The season wove in relational arcs, including reconciliations with estranged family members like her father and half-sister, emphasizing legacy and forgiveness as Kendra contemplated life beyond celebrity. Hank's support during her Vegas move and joint parenting decisions provided emotional anchors, while Patti's book pursuit—ultimately abandoned after dramatic confrontations—symbolized the family's push for healing. These elements offered a reflective capstone to Kendra's post-Playboy journey, prioritizing future family plans over ongoing media exposure.[102][70]Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 1 | I Dismember Mama | June 23, 2017 |
| 83 | 2 | Publisher Perish | June 30, 2017 |
| 84 | 3 | Unhappy Birthday | June 30, 2017 |
| 85 | 4 | Terms of Endangerment | July 7, 2017 |
| 86 | 5 | Sex Tips and the City | July 7, 2017 |
| 87 | 6 | Patti Meltdown | July 14, 2017 |
| 88 | 7 | Truce or Dare | July 14, 2017 |
| 89 | 8 | Forgive and Regret | July 21, 2017 |
| 90 | 9 | The Last Temptation of Patti | July 21, 2017 |
| 91 | 10 | As The Page Turns | July 28, 2017 |
| 92 | 11 | Frenemy Mine | July 28, 2017 |