Desperate Housewives is a show that captivated audiences worldwide and became a cult classic in its genre. Millions of fans followed the dramatic twists in the lives of the women on Wisteria Lane, making it one of the most talked-about series of its time.
Each episode felt like a mini-drama, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. But beyond the gripping plotlines, there are plenty of fascinating and sometimes unexpected facts that even die-hard fans might not know.
Let's take a nostalgic dive behind the scenes of one of the most popular TV shows. We've gathered intriguing details about the cast and production. Ever wondered who inspired Bree’s character or why the show almost had a different title? Read on to find out!
Eva Longoria Barely Read the Script

After nailing her audition, show creator Marc Cherry asked Longoria if she enjoyed the rest of the script. Her honest response?
"I don’t know, I only read my part!"
That sounds exactly like something Gabrielle would say! No wonder Longoria fit the role so perfectly. Interestingly, the actress once admitted that she never saw herself as beautiful due to comparisons with her sisters and comments from her mother.
Bree Van de Kamp Was Inspired by a Real Person
While Cherry drew inspiration from different women for the housewives, Bree Van de Kamp was unique — she was directly inspired by his own mother. He only tweaked a few minor details, but their personalities were nearly identical.

The Show Almost Had a Different Name
Initially, the series was set to be called Secrets of Wisteria Lane or The Secret Lives of Housewives. However, the creators eventually settled on the short and striking Desperate Housewives.
Fun fact: In Spain, the show is known as Desperate Wives. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Gabrielle’s Iconic Pink Dress Found a New Purpose
Remember that glamorous pink dress Gabrielle Solis wore while mowing the lawn? A fan once reached out to the show's creators asking for photos of the dress to recreate it for her prom.
Instead of sending pictures, they sent her the actual dress! Imagine how thrilled she must have been — she was probably the most stylish person at the prom.

Susan Won Over the Casting Team with Baked Goods
Susan Mayer is often criticized for being clumsy and frustrating, and actress Teri Hatcher has had her fair share of on-set conflicts. However, during her audition, she sweetened things up by bringing homemade baked goods for everyone.
Who knows — maybe that was her secret weapon?