For the first couple of months of 2024, Bravo fans had to endure life without any of the “Real Housewives” franchises on air.
The drought, which the network acknowledged, technically ended in May with the return of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” A month later, the long-delayed second season of “The Real Housewives of Dubai” premiered.
While there were some fans of Season 14 of “RHONJ,” I was not among them and was not surprised that the network didn’t even bother filming a real reunion. Instead, the network filmed its heavily divided cast watching the piss-poor season finale in separate rooms of a steakhouse in Jersey.
As for “RHOD,” much as I rooted for the women and their show, only a handful of people watched, so its recently announced “pause” felt inevitable. Fortunately for this cast, unlike their American counterparts, I don’t question any of their wealth so they will be fine and available should Bravo ever think to return.
The drought had ended, but fans were arguably getting the culinary equivalent of cold French fries that had been sitting on the counter for hours. To Bravo’s credit, though, things improved once the other franchises began later in the year. “The Real Housewives of Orange County” just wrapped another good season, and Potomac’s revamp is resonating with fans. “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” are both back stronger than ever.
Since I cannot applaud America for making wise choices in November, I want to take what little warmth I still have left in my heart to spread it to the Real Housewives who made 2024 a bit more bearable.
Don’t worry: There are some dishonorable mentions, too.
Best Newbie: Stacey Rusch
In an interview teasing the ninth season of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” Wendy Osefo compared incoming housewife Stacey Rusch to former cast member Katie Rost. Several episodes in now, the comparison makes sense. Hopefully Rusch has taken it as a compliment. A former QVC host, Rusch has settled back into the D.C. “urea” and through “Grand Dame” Karen Huger has joined the cast.
I don’t think Rusch is a robot, as some have wondered aloud, but I do find her quirky in a way that is refreshing on a show that’s been plagued with too much darkness and division.
Then there is the matter of Rusch, who is in the midst of a divorce and dating a devout Christian named TJ who wants to abstain from sex until marriage.
Some — like Rusch’s cast members — question the sincerity behind this relationship. Online critics of TJ’s sartorial choice for his appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” in a black sheer top have chimed in as well. You know, I’m a firm believer in not being able to date Jesus, yet awkward as they may appear, they also look happy with each other.
Honorable Mention: Bronwyn Newport (“RHOSLC”) for coming in with real wealth and no fear of the OGs.
Best Comeback: Mary Cosby
Although Mary Cosby technically rejoined “RHOSLC” last season as a friend of the show, Cosby didn’t look at all interested in filming it. She is always funny, but in terms of job performance, Cosby’s best moment that season was skipping out on going to the gay bar with the cast to instead stay on the bus and make a run to McDonald’s for a Filet-O-Fish.
This season, now a full-time housewife again, Cosby is showing up on set ready to mingle and actively participate. It is so much better for the viewing experience. She is also still her very much fascinating self, casually mentioning fun familial factoids like her dad used to live near Jeffrey Dahmer. And he, uh, apparently caught a whiff of some things before the serial killer was finally arrested.
There is also the matter of her son, Robert Jr., who is visually struggling on-screen and checked into rehab in October. I know those letters above his bedroom need to come down, but as uncomfortable as it is to watch someone in pain, it is warming to see Cosby be as tender to her son as she can, on camera, no less. Cosby’s chat with her son warmed fans’ hearts for how vulnerable and open she was to him in the moment. I am but a grieving mama’s boy, but for a person who initially left the show upset over being painted as a cult leader, the moments with her son capture a humanity I’m glad we’re allowed to see.
Most Improved: Angie Katsanevas
When Angie Katsanevas first joined “RHOSLC,” I was not sold. I wanted someone to hold her hand and tell her to sip some chill. Now, I don’t know what Salt Lake City would be without her. Producers seem to recognize it, too, making her the center of the cast in the show’s opening credits. Angie Katsanevas will tell you she is Greek every 15 minutes if you let her, but she’s funny, just the right amount of housewife delusional — that’s a compliment — and, you know, she’s so nice as evidenced by her telling Cosby during the last season’s reunion that she had lipstick on her teeth. They have since sparked a friendship.
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Pedranti from “The Real Housewives of Orange County” for cussing out Tamra Judge in a hotel and for shutting Emily Simpson up at the reunion by reminding her that she benefits from her husband’s wealthy parents.
Best (Soft) Reboot: “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
I was worried about the future of this show after its miserable eighth season ended. But to my pleasant surprise, the ninth season immediately turned the trend around. The levity that made the show a hit in the first place has returned, and while plenty of mess is happening, the cast can coexist to the point where an entertaining episode can largely consist of them sitting at a table for brunch and bickering. I miss Candiace Dillard Bassett’s voice on the show. Still, we’re doing so much better in Potomac.
Bravo’s Best Bridge to ‘Baddies’: Mia Thornton
Let me start off kindly: Mia Thornton is captivating. The former stripper-turned-chiropractor practice chain owner has lived one of the most colorful lives I’ve ever heard discussed on this kind of show. She has made her presence felt on “RHOP” so much so that a lot of it revolves around the drama in her life.
Some of that drama, though, tilts the show in the direction of Zeus Network (like its series “Baddies,” a successor to “Bad Girls Club”). This is not a knock to fans of either; it’s in my algorithm, too. But, uh, I’m uncomfortable watching someone use the paternity of their school-aged child as a plot line. OGs Gizelle Bryant and Karen Huger may not have articulated that point artfully, but as a viewer, I felt it.
Cringiest Friend Of: Jacqueline Blake
Jacqueline Blake is captivating, but odd. I don’t aim to pile on her because the rest of her “RHOP” cast mates along with the viewers do enough of that (not that she doesn’t often ask for it). That said, Shamira Ibrahim said it best for Vulture when she wrote: “Jacqueline, whose sense of desperation wafts off the screen as if I’m watching using Smell-O-Vision.”
Speaking of smells, Blake took a whiff of Thornton’s crotch on national television. To everyone I know: I will never be that good a friend to you.
Worst Heel Turn: Tamra Judge
When Judge returned to “RHOC,” I rejoiced because it was necessary. Her presence still warrants a caveat: a much lower volume of evil. Shannon Storms Beador was never my favorite housewife, but even I felt bad for her as Judge, while visibly influenced by alcohol herself, berated her for being an alcoholic. Some of us who have been directly harmed by alcoholics still manage to understand that addicts are people and, thus, treat them more humanely.
Best All Around: “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City”
To end on a good note, while several franchises are thriving on the network, “RHOSLC” is the best of the bunch. I didn’t worry about the fate of the show when Jen Shah went to prison or when Monica Garcia self-sabotaged her way into exile because the show with or without them remains the perfect mix of money, mess and eccentricity.
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The core four cast members — Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose, Heather Gay and Lisa Barlow — along with fellow OG Mary, recurring face Angie Katsanevas, and newcomer Bronwyn Newport continue to make this show one of the funniest comedies on TV. It is almost a parody of itself and that is what makes it work so well this many years into the franchise. It is a reminder to other franchises, notably struggling ones like “Real Housewives of New York,” to lighten up and enjoy what they signed up for.