<P> Keeping Up with the Kardashians has received very poor critical reviews since its premiere . It is often criticized for the high degree of emphasis on the "famous for being famous" concept, and for appearing to fabricate some aspects of its storylines . Several critics also noted the show's lack of intelligence, and described the family as "self - absorbed" and "desperate" for fame . However, some critics recognized the reality series as a "guilty pleasure" and acknowledged the family's success . Despite the negative reviews, Keeping Up with the Kardashians has attracted high viewership ratings, becoming one of the network's most successful shows and winning several audience awards . </P> <P> The series' success has led additionally to the creation of numerous spin - off series, including: Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Khloé & Lamar, Kourtney and Khloé Take The Hamptons, Dash Dolls, Rob & Chyna, and Life of Kylie . The network has also broadcast several television specials featuring special events involving members of the family . </P> <P> Robert Kardashian (1944--2003) and Kristen Mary "Kris" Houghton (born 1955) married in 1978, and had four children together: daughters Kourtney (born 1979), Kim (born 1980), and Khloé (born 1984), and son Rob (born 1987). The couple divorced in 1991 . In 1994, Robert rose to prominence when he defended O.J. Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman during the O.J. Simpson trial . In 1991, Kris married retired Olympic decathlon champion Bruce Jenner (born 1949; now known as Caitlyn Jenner after undergoing a gender transition in 2015). Bruce and Kris had two daughters together, Kendall (born 1995) and Kylie (born 1997). Robert died in 2003, eight weeks after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer . The Kardashian sisters began appearing in the media spotlight more often . In 2004, Kim became a personal stylist for recording artist Brandy Norwood . She eventually developed into a full - time stylist, and was a personal shopper and stylist for actress Lindsay Lohan . Khloé, Kim, and Kourtney ventured further into fashion, opening a high fashion boutique Dash in Calabasas, California . Throughout Kim's early career, she was involved in some high - profile relationships including Brandy Norwood's brother, singer Ray J, and later, singer Nick Lachey . In 2006, Kourtney starred in her first reality television series, Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive . In February 2007, a home sex video that Kim made with Ray J years earlier was leaked . Vivid Entertainment bought the rights for $1 million and released the film as Kim Kardashian: Superstar on February 21 . Kim sued Vivid for ownership of the tape, but dropped the suit in April 2007 settling with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million . It is often assumed that the release of the sex tape was a major contributor to the rising fame of Kim Kardashian and her family . </P> <P> The idea of creating a reality series originated in 2006 when Kris Jenner showed an interest in appearing on a television show together with her family . Jenner commented: "Everybody thinks that (my children) could create a bunch of drama in their lives, but it's something that I felt I didn't even have to think about . It would be natural ." Producer Ryan Seacrest, who had his own production company, decided to develop the idea, having the popular family - based show The Osbournes in mind . He hired a camera man to visit the Kardashian's family home to film them having a Sunday barbeque: "They were all together--as crazy and as fun as loving as they are," Seacrest described the family after seeing the tape . He later initiated the series by sharing the tape with E!, an American cable network which features mostly entertainment - related programming, and reality television series; the show was eventually picked up . In August 2007, it was announced that the Kardashian and Jenner families would star in a yet - to - be-titled reality show on E! described as a "new non-scripted family sitcom", being produced by Ryan Seacrest and Bunim / Murray Productions . The series' announcement came one week after Paris Hilton and her friend Nicole Richie announced that their popular E! series, The Simple Life, was ending . </P>

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