Every Real Housewives City’s Worst Season

As a dedicated fan of “Real Housewives” – loyal to each version of Bravo’s most famous series – we bear certain obligations. It’s our task to explain these shows to the uninitiated, maintain an extensive knowledge of intricate details, and be present at every Housewife cabaret show and Broadway staging in Chicago. However, the most significant duty can sometimes feel quite burdensome: continuing to watch each new season even when they no longer shine as brightly.

It’s hard to stop watching the ‘Housewives’ series, as they are designed to last for a long time and fully appreciate each housewife’s storyline requires following them from the beginning. However, it’s important to note that not every season is equally engaging. Since some shows have been airing for over a decade, there will inevitably be low points throughout their run.

However, it’s worth mentioning that a show’s decline may not always be consistent, as series like ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ and ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ have shown signs of improvement after what seemed like less successful seasons. It would be a mistake to dismiss these shows during their perceived down periods!

In simpler terms, let’s discuss what we mean by a ‘flop era’ in these Housewives series. Regardless of our commitment to following them until the end of time, it’s essential to dissect this topic, especially now when discussions about the worst seasons of New York City Housewives (RHONY) are particularly heated during the current season. Is season 15 truly the bottom for RHONY? And what other low points can we find across the franchise? To answer these questions, I looked at each Real Housewives city based on their original premiere date and picked out the seasons that were hardest for me to watch. (I excluded The Real Housewives of D.C., as it only aired one season.) Some seasons are minor bumps in an otherwise strong series, while others mark the decline of their shows. Each case provides a captivating glimpse into how a seemingly indestructible reality TV machine can disintegrate.

The Real Housewives of Orange County: season 15

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=q1Y3u2JAjgA

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge that COVID-19 undeniably impacted the 15th season of RHOC. However, let’s not forget that the show was already showing signs of wear and tear even before the pandemic. The decline became noticeable after its peak in season ten, particularly when Brooks Ayers’ alleged cancer fabrication storyline surfaced. By season 15, the cast was fragmented. Original cast members Vicki Gunvalson and Tamra Judge were let go, Kelly Dodd’s political shift led to increasingly harsh actions, and Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s decision to film just weeks into her new sobriety seemed premature. The arrival of COVID-19 only intensified these issues. The most iconic image from season 15 is undoubtedly the opening credits, where the women are seen wearing medical masks due to the pandemic. Premiere in October 2020, a time when viewers were already fatigued by the events of March 2020, made it even harder for audiences to stomach. Emily Simpson’s portrayal of her husband Shane’s near-fatal encounter with the virus might have demonstrated her dedication to reality television, but it certainly didn’t make an already challenging season any easier to endure.

In terms of the previous season, it wasn’t particularly impressive, as the dynamics among the cast were already requiring a significant overhaul. Tamra’s efforts to stir up trouble had become tiresome – she was let go for a reason. While Braunwyn didn’t single-handedly ruin the show, as Vicki suggested before her dramatic exit at the reunion, her introduction to the cast certainly didn’t improve things.

The Real Housewives of New York City: season 15

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=SVWsdUT0VzQ

In the 14th season, the revamped cast of RHONY didn’t shine as a highlight, allowing some initial missteps from the newcomers to be forgiven. It was hoped they would find their footing and improve in their second year, but unfortunately, these Housewives managed to disappoint in unexpected ways. Some of the season’s shortcomings include: Jenna Lyons’s reluctance to reveal personal aspects of her life, Erin Lichy’s misguided pregnancy prank that dragged out for an entire episode, and Brynn Whitfield’s heavy-handed efforts to stir up conflicts. The show’s handling of Rebecca Minkoff by minimizing Scientology discussions also raises eyebrows. The season finale reached a new low, as Bravo’s least engaging cast struggled with drama in a deeply uncomfortable manner. The accusation between Brynn and Ubah Hassan, where Brynn implied Ubah thought she slept with someone to get on the show despite knowing about Brynn’s sexual assault, and the revelation that perhaps Brynn had not told Ubah about it at all, was far from exciting but rather a grim Housewives moment that leaves viewers feeling uneasy about watching any of these series.

For enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the comeback of the initial cast of RHONY, delving back into season 13 could be a rewarding experience. This season marks the climax where Ramona’s long-standing monstrous actions reached a boiling point during the notorious Black Shabbat episode, making it easier to comprehend why Bravo opted to terminate the reunion and eventually disband the cast – all without knowing about the subsequent investigations into allegedly racist remarks behind the scenes.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta: season 15

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=1o23_IyMprE

It’s not about a particular unlucky number that affects Real Housewives and its 15th seasons, but more about the fact that any show can become less engaging after being on air for over a decade. For instance, the decline in quality of RHOC and RHOA, particularly RHOA, occurred gradually over several seasons following NeNe Leakes’ second departure. The series essentially ran out of steam during season 15. With mainstays like Kandi Burruss and Kenya Moore largely absent or unwilling to take center stage, the drama primarily revolved around Marlo Hampton, who was more effective as a friend than a full-time Housewife, and Drew Sidora, whose questionable truthfulness made her difficult to support. Even a charismatic figure like Shereé Whitfield, who was fired three times, couldn’t keep the storyline moving forward. By the end of the season, both the cast and the audience seemed tired, mirroring Bravo’s decision to put RHOA on an extended hiatus.

The fourteenth season wasn’t significantly different from the fifteenth one, but the participants like Kandi and Kenya appeared more focused, while newcomers Marlo and Sanya Richards-Ross initially brought some freshness. However, as time went on, it became apparent that they didn’t quite fit the show’s dynamics.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey: season 6

Viewers often find themselves caught in the endless cycle of drama depicted on RHONJ, as family disputes stretch on for over a decade – at least what’s portrayed on the show. However, despite the constant bickering, the series stands out as one of Bravo’s most reliable due to its authentic casting and genuine friend and family connections, anchored by long-time cast member Teresa Giudice and her vibrant personality. Regrettably, casting decisions can sometimes go awry, such as during season six when they replaced Caroline Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, and Kathy Wakile with Amber Marchese and the twins, Teresa Aprea and Nicole Napolitano – women who lacked meaningful ties to the other Housewives. The return of Dina Manzo failed to offset the disappointing newcomers, particularly Amber and her dislikable husband, Jim. Moreover, the specter of Teresa’s legal troubles cast a somber tone over the season, making for an unpleasant viewing experience. Teresa was eventually sentenced to 15 months in prison, with the reunion taping taking place shortly after she received her sentence. Instead of risking a Teresa-less season, Bravo temporarily halted RHONJ. Season seven represented a rocky comeback but an undeniable improvement over season six, and the introduction of Dolores Catania ushered in a new phase of more thoughtful casting decisions.

In the wake of Season 13’s conclusion, it became apparent that Teresa and Melissa Gorga, her sister-in-law, could no longer share the screen together — a seemingly impossible feat; however, they did just that in Season 14. This season, one might say, was questionable from the start. It wasn’t only Teresa and Melissa causing turmoil; many other cast members were reluctant to reconcile, forcing Bravo to abandon the idea of a reunion and almost letting go of the show entirely. As we stand here now, the fate of Real Housewives of New Jersey hangs in the balance.

The Real Housewives of Miami: season 3

To discover a weak season of RHOM, you’ll need to look at the show’s early episodes. Compared to the current version, the first three seasons share very little with the near-perfect series we see today. The third season was particularly poor, filled with repetitive conflicts due to stale arguments. Despite the possibility of competing weddings, the rivalry between Adriana de Moura and Joanna Krupa wasn’t compelling, but it was Adriana’s strained relationship with Lea Black that truly dragged the season down. Nowadays, RHOM is one of the most daring Housewives series; however, in 2013, the show struggled to convey the energy of Miami, which could have greatly improved the dull cast dynamics. It’s likely for the best that Bravo chose to cancel the series instead of attempting a fix — the eight-year break led to a reboot that’s one of the most remarkable Housewives comebacks.

In simpler terms, the first season of RHOM (Real Housewives of Miami) was more like a prelude, consisting of just six main episodes, plus one reunion episode on Watch What Happens Live. The casting of Cristy Rice and Larsa Pippen, who were let go before season two, seemed less than ideal. However, it’s worth noting that Larsa showed her potential when she came back in season four, post her Kardashian-inspired makeover.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: season 9

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=eCVZO932YB4

To truly unsettle a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) enthusiast, merely utter four words: Lucy Lucy Apple Juice. The ninth season was dominated by the saga of Dorit Kemsley’s foster dog, sparking debate about whether Lisa Vanderpump leaked the story to the media and encouraged her castmates to discuss it on-camera. To make matters worse, Teddi Jo Mellencamp was another character who caused distress.

LVP’s questionable backstage manipulations were nothing novel for the show, and her reckoning was arguably long overdue. However, seasons that focus on takedowns are seldom enjoyable to watch, and this was particularly true in LVP’s case. She walked away from filming halfway through and declined the reunion, leading to a disappointing resolution to a storyline that viewers were already tired of.

To add fuel to the fire, Camille Grammer made an appearance to defend Brett Kavanaugh against sexual assault allegations. It’s hard to imagine how we persevered through this time period.

In summary, the long-running issue with “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (RHOBH) is that the women tend to exhaust storylines beyond recognition. The season 12 drama between Lisa Rinna and Kathy Hilton was a prime example of this, as Lisa seemed determined to undermine Kathy (who may or may not have made the comment attributed to her by Lisa and Erika Jayne). This season was particularly lackluster due to Lisa’s controversial social media actions and rumors of her leaking storylines to Bravo fan accounts. Furthermore, the introduction of Diana Jenkins, often criticized as one of the worst Housewives ever, didn’t improve the situation.

The Real Housewives of Potomac: season 8

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=dPVepblg1e8

As a movie buff who enjoys reality TV, I’d say that while shows like “Real Housewives” are known for their dramatic moments with flipped tables and thrown glasses, they also focus on resolving conflicts as much as creating them. When cast members refuse to apologize or acknowledge each other, the series can lose momentum quickly. This was evident during season eight of “RHOP,” where Gizelle Bryant’s refusal to address her co-stars led to a stale and uninteresting season. The constant fighting can drag down a season, but outright ignoring your castmates can be disastrous for the show (as seen in “RHONJ”). In “RHOP,” it seemed that Gizelle’s self-proclaimed Queen Bee status had made her feel invincible, leading to her stubborn refusal to engage with her castmates. Even producer intervention couldn’t convince her to stop ostracizing them. It was a tedious watch, making season eight feel like a chore. However, season nine has been all about turning things around, with Gizelle, humbled by the firing of her friend and fellow OG Robyn Dixon, now eager to reconcile with Wendy.

In simpler terms, the first season of “RHOP” (Real Housewives of Potomac) was somewhat awkward due to its focus on etiquette and manners, which were central themes that later seasons moved away from, allowing the show to reach its full potential.

The Real Housewives of Dallas: season 5

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=i9DePASsAvY

Can a Real Housewives series survive multiple racism controversies before it gets cancelled? The fifth season of RHOD seemed like an effort to correct past issues, as detailed below, but even the addition of Dr. Tiffany Moon, the show’s first Asian American Housewife, couldn’t overcome the ignorance of her co-stars. Instead, it placed Tiffany in a difficult position, requiring her to forgive Brandi Redmond for a racially insensitive video and simultaneously educate Kameron Westcott about implicit bias. Unfortunately, Kameron’s cultural insensitivity was evident throughout the season, but things took a turn for the worse when the Westcott family attacked Tiffany on social media. Court Westcott, Kam’s husband, accused Tiffany of being racist for identifying as anti-racist, adding that “I don’t understand how many of your patients would be comfortable with you treating them with your open vile racism.” In response, Bravo issued a statement supporting the AAPI community and anti-racism, but saving RHOD proved to be an insurmountable task.

In the previous year, the racially charged incident unfolded during season four, as LeeAnne Locken made derogatory remarks about Kary Brittingham, calling her a “little chirpy Mexican.” This comment was made during a trip to Thailand, where LeeAnne also expressed offensive views about sex workers. The heated reunion saw the cast confronting LeeAnne over her xenophobia; however, their criticism may have been less impactful given that Brandi’s racist video surfaced as episodes were being broadcast. It seems the network should have ended their involvement at this point.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: season 3

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=le4OrC93MNM

The black eye suffered by Heather Gay can’t be entirely blamed, but it certainly deserves a significant portion of the criticism. In one of the most puzzling storylines across all Real Housewives series, Heather mysteriously got a black eye during a cast trip, then spent multiple episodes inconsistently explaining its source while dropping cryptic hints about what truly happened. At the reunion, she admitted that Jen Shah was responsible, an explanation now generally accepted as fact. However, the black eye wasn’t the only issue with season three; it also featured a prolonged argument between Heather and Whitney Rose, as well as an extended emotional breakdown by Jen prior to her trial. The ongoing legal issues in this season mirrored those in season six of RHONJ, but the supportive stance taken by Heather and Meredith Marks towards Jen was harder to stomach given the serious nature of the charges she faced (and was eventually convicted of). By the time the reunion arrived, Jen had been sentenced to prison, making the entire season feel more cursed than ever – a remarkable achievement considering that filming for season three began with Jennie Nguyen, who was subsequently fired over racist Facebook posts.

In the style of Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP), Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) has had only one season that was less engaging compared to the rest, making its first season the runner-up or second best. To clarify, it’s a strong Housewives episode with many scenes that are still discussed today. However, there were some questionable editing decisions, such as focusing extensively on Mary Cosby in her walk-in closet to introduce her into the season.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: season 3 (Thailand)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Mv27wqxccbo

In case you found Heather’s black eye and her altercation with Whitney intriguing, the third season of RHUGT resumed from where we left off, and it wasn’t just their issues – Gizelle and Candiace rekindled their feud from the previous season of RHOP. In that episode, Gizelle accused Candiace’s husband of crossing a boundary. Interestingly, RHUGT was filmed before the reunions of these shows but aired afterward, which caused some confusion among viewers and made ongoing conflicts feel endless. Despite all this, it seemed like these women brought out the worst in each other. Heather’s overzealous Bravo fandom made her hard to be around, such as when she suggested Leah McSweeney relapse. In contrast, Leah didn’t exactly endear herself, rehashing old issues from RHONY and reminding us why Bravo severed ties with her following season 13. To add fuel to the fire, Gizelle became fixated on a stolen tequila bottle, spending an excessive amount of time probing its disappearance and putting her co-stars on trial. By the time the show reached a Murder on the Orient Express-style resolution, viewers had lost interest.

Fans of RHONY were eager for the original New York Housewives to return, but season four of RHUGT didn’t really hold their attention. Dorinda Medley and Ramona Singer slipped back into old habits, while Kelly Killoren Bensimon continued to behave unpredictably. In all honesty, it wasn’t very engaging — if the editors had more compelling footage, they probably wouldn’t have focused so much on Kristen Taekman getting her toenail removed.

The Real Housewives of Dubai: season 1

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=20A-2pPIc6o

From my observation, it seems likely that the hiatus of RHODubai may persist indefinitely, given its rocky start. The series, despite being overly glossy and seeming more like an extravagant advertisement for Dubai than a genuine Housewives production, had some potential. However, the cast’s self-conscious portrayal of Housewifery and excessive performance overshadowed this potential. Even a talented individual like Chanel Ayan, who displayed real star quality in her confessionals, fell into the trap of overacting.

Caroline Stanbury, a standout from the Housewives-adjacent Ladies of London, made her comeback on Bravo, but she appeared disinterested in engaging with her new co-stars, a pattern also observed in her behavior on Ladies of London. If there was any chance that the show could improve in its second season, it was effectively snuffed out by a two-year break that stifled any momentum. Moreover, the reunion episode highlighted the series’ promotional quality most glaringly, as the women explained that while being gay is acceptable in Dubai, public displays of affection between same-sex individuals are not.

In simpler terms, although the second season of “Dubai” was its best due to the addition of Taleen Marie and Caroline’s improved effort, it didn’t necessarily mean it was a great season. It still fell short compared to other Housewives series. I’ll leave that brief pause in the text as is.

2025-01-29 23:58