Bravo is marking a significant milestone with the 20th anniversary of The Real Housewives by launching an even more extravagant and chaotic season: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. The new series premiered on April 2 at 9 p.m. ET, offering fans a fresh look into the lives of women in the Ocean State.
Set within the close-knit social circles of Rhode Island, where everyone knows each other, the show quickly dives into drama, betrayals, and secrets. According to early reactions, nothing seems off-limits in this latest instalment.
A Cast With Deep Roots and Even Deeper History
Unlike some recent Real Housewives franchises that are built around loosely connected friend groups, RHORI embraces long-standing relationships.
Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock Unscripted, told The Daily Beast that this cast has “potentially more shared history than any other cast we’ve had in Housewives.”
This history includes overlapping relationships, shared exes, and decades-old ties that immediately spark tension on screen. The cast includes Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi, with Dolores Catania appearing as a friend.
Ashley Iaconetti, known for her role in Bachelor in Paradise, stands out as the only non-native Rhode Islander. In the trailer, Carmody tells her, “Welcome to Rhode Island, b—-. This is how we roll.”
‘Nothing Is Off Limits’ From the Start
Fans expecting a slow build will be surprised by the immediate intensity of the first episode. The cast members openly discuss topics such as polyamory, affairs, and even describe themselves as “sugarbabies” while navigating complex marriages involving outside relationships.
“We knew it was coming out either way. We didn’t have a choice,” said Kelsey Swanson. Jo-Ellen Tiberi added, “I’d rather tell my story than have somebody else tell it for me.”
This level of candor has stunned even seasoned Housewives fans. The show’s unfiltered approach sets it apart from previous seasons.
Classic ‘Housewives’ Energy — With a Twist
Despite the heightened shock factor, Andy Cohen believes the show taps into the franchise’s original appeal. He told The Daily Beast: “It really harkens back to early seasons of Housewives. The women seem very untouched by the Housewives world around them. They’re very much themselves.”
This authenticity plays out against a distinctly Rhode Island backdrop, featuring glamorous weekends at Newport’s historic Seaview Terrace and tense getaways on Block Island.
Cohen, who toasted the cast at the New York premiere, expressed the network’s confidence in the new series: “We don’t bring out a new group unless we are really sure.”
As The Real Housewives of Rhode Island continues to unfold, it promises to deliver the same high drama and personal revelations that have made the Real Housewives franchise a cultural phenomenon. With its unique blend of authenticity, history, and bold storytelling, this season is set to captivate fans and critics alike.
