‘Members Only: Palm Beach’ star exposes secret rules of Netflix’s reality show and one is truly absurd
Life behind the gates of Palm Beach County has long fascinated outsiders, thanks to its reputation as a playground for global elites. From chart-topping musicians like Taylor Swift to Hollywood icons such as Sylvester Stallone and even the president, the ultra-wealthy enclave of South Florida has become synonymous with discretion, luxury, and rigid social codes. Now, Netflix is pulling back the curtain with its new reality series ‘Members Only: Palm Beach.’ As per The Mirror, the newly released series follows a group of women handling the unspoken etiquette, traditions, and hierarchies that govern Palm Beach’s most exclusive circles.
At the heart of the show is a social climb, not just up the ladder of wealth, but through the maze of private clubs, charity galas, and elite social expectations that define life in the county. While Palm Beach is home to some of the most famous members-only clubs in the country, including Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. But the Netflix series notably does not feature Mar-a-Lago itself. Instead, ‘Members Only: Palm Beach’ shines a light on other private institutions and invitation-only events. Cast member Taja Abitbol recently opened up about her experience living in Palm Beach, revealing just how strict, and sometimes baffling, the rules can be.
Speaking to the Irish Star, Taja admitted that even longtime residents can struggle to keep up. “I can’t even keep track of all the rules that they have,” she confessed. To illustrate the point, Taja shared one particularly memorable example: “Don’t show your shoulders at the same time as your knees.” Despite the long list of dos and don’ts, Taja acknowledged that Palm Beach isn’t frozen in time. Since moving there from New York, she’s noticed subtle shifts in how the community operates. “I think things are changing in the world of Palm Beach now as well, because so many people are moving to Palm Beach from all over the world,” she said.
Still, she was quick to clarify that many of the stricter rules remain firmly in place, but only within specific spaces. “[These rules are only] for the country clubs, the private members clubs,” Taja explained. “So in the rest of the world of Palm Beach, those rules maybe no longer apply.” With so many reality series already centered on wealth and fame, comparisons to franchises like ‘The Real Housewives’ or Hulu’s ‘The Kardashians’ are inevitable. According to Taja, however, ‘Members Only: Palm Beach’ sets itself apart through its tone and cast bond.
“Well, I think that it is very elevated,” she said. “Really what sets us apart is because we’re just so different.” She further added, “I think that’s the beauty of it, that we are all so different, yet we are a sisterhood.” Taja summed it up simply, describing the elite enclave as “just a very fun world to be a part of.” For viewers curious about the rules, rituals, and relationships that define one of America’s most exclusive counties, ‘Members Only: Palm Beach’ is now streaming on Netflix.