Kris Jenner reveals her unique power: she's likely the only woman in reality TV with final editing rights over her family's shows, from KUWTK to The Kardashi...
- March 23, 2026
AceShowbiz - Kris Jenner has openly discussed her rare control over the editing of the family’s reality television content, a privilege she has held since the very beginning of their TV journey. During a March 9 episode of the "SmartLess" podcast, the 70-year-old matriarch revealed that she likely stands alone among women in reality television with the authority to decide what footage remains in the final cut.
“I don't know if this is accurate, but I'm probably one of the only women in the reality television world that has editing rights to our show,” Jenner shared. She emphasized that this power has been hers since the launch of Keeping Up With the Kardashians (KUWTK), the E! series that followed her and her family for 20 seasons, spanning from 2007 to 2021. The family has since transitioned to the Hulu series The Kardashians, which premiered in 2022.
Kris Jenner explained the significance of this editorial control: “I said, 'I am not doing this unless I have [it].' ... Over the years, from day one when we knew we had that freedom and that kind of power so to speak, it made us more comfortable.” She credited this autonomy with allowing the family to be authentic and maintain their natural dynamic on camera, highlighting how it helped preserve their close bond.
Despite having the ability to remove any footage she wishes, Kris noted that she has “never” needed to use this authority negatively toward her family members. Instead, she occasionally requests minor editorial assistance for personal vanity reasons, such as fixing her hairstyle or adjusting her lipstick in post-production. “I was so vain,” she admitted with humor.
Looking back, Kris shared how the concept for their groundbreaking reality show first came about. She recalled that many people, including her older children, had encouraged her over several years to create a reality series. They believed the Kardashian-Jenner family’s daily life was so extraordinary that it could not be fabricated. “Nobody would believe what goes on in this life of yours,” she said others told her.
The idea simmered in her mind for a while before she decided to bring it to fruition. Among her close circle, talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford was one who supported the notion that their lives were “wild” enough for reality television. Yet, Kris confessed, “I just thought it was normal. I thought, 'I'm living the life.'”
When Kris met with legendary casting director Deena Katz, Katz was reportedly astonished by the family’s typical day, noting the frequent visits and calls from celebrities, the drama, and the “wild” interactions they experienced. “It was extraordinary,” Kris recalled.
Katz then presented the idea of a reality series centered on the Kardashian-Jenner family to Ryan Seacrest. After meeting with Seacrest’s production team, the show went into production within 30 days. When Kris shared the opportunity with her children, they agreed to participate, although Kourtney Kardashian reportedly gave her mother a skeptical look at first. Kris believed the show would also help promote their boutiques, Smooch and Dash, by selling more merchandise.
Importantly, Kris emphasized her respect for her children’s autonomy. If any of them decided they didn’t want to be part of the reality show, she would honor their wishes. “I can create something and I can produce something, but you can't control other people even if they're your kids,” she said. “I have a great deal of love and respect for my children, and I'm never going to make them do something they don't want to do.”
Amidst the family’s dynamic and business ventures, tensions sometimes arise. For instance, Khloé Kardashian has expressed frustration with Kris’ managerial approach, a conflict highlighted in the Hulu series The Kardashians. During an episode aired November 2, Kris enthusiastically pitched a new project to Khloé, hoping to shape her next career chapter. The interactions reveal the complexities of mixing family with business.
Overall, Kris Jenner’s unique role behind the scenes extends beyond managing her children’s careers. Her unprecedented editing rights on the family’s reality shows have given her a powerful hand in shaping how their story is told, balancing transparency with sensitivity. This control has helped the family maintain their genuine connection onscreen while navigating the challenges of fame and exposure.