Here’s How Rhode Island Landed a ‘Real Housewives’ Franchise

Bravo fans are reacting after a new “Real Housewives” show set in Rhode Island was recently announced. On May 7, a post on BravoTV.com, announced several long-standing Housewives shows would be back, along with the launch of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

“Set against the shores of the Ocean State, ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise expands into the world of a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations. With aspirational lives, thriving businesses, and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there’s no escaping your past… or each other,” came a teaser posted by the network.

Rhode Island was a “Real Housewives” franchise that few fans saw coming. But there was plenty of momentum among fans in the state, starting late last year.

Speaking with the Providence Journal, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, Steven Feinberg, pointed to a rogue Instagram account that popped up last year, teasing the launch of a Rhode Island-based Housewives show. The page showcased photos of alleged cast members, as well as photos of their expensive homes.

Feinberg told the outlet that fan reaction fueled from the social media page helped Rhode Island stand out from other states that were being considered by Bravo. “The buzz around Christmas time showed our enthusiasm,” he said. “That buzz helped propel us.”

RHORI Will Reportedly Begin Filming This Summer

While RHORI has been officially announced by Bravo, no other details have been shared. Per a report posted by NBC10, filming is expected to take place this summer.

Feinberg told NBC that Rhode Island was up against three other states to become the newest Real Housewives franchise. While the cast has not been named, he told the outlet, “There’s going to be drama, but they’re real people in a real reality show.”

Andy Cohen Recently Said No New ‘Real Housewives’ Cities Were in the Works

While plans for RHORI have been in the works for months, Bravo host Andy Cohen said late last year there were no plans to launch new Housewives shows.

According to BravoTV.com, in December 2024, Cohen was asked on the “Watch What Happens Live After Show,” “Do you have any untapped city that you feel like has the best potential for the next franchise?”

“Not really,” Cohen said at the time. “I mean, we’re always kind of fishing around, but I think we’re in a pretty great place right now. But stay tuned. You never know.”

Cohen previously shut down rumors of “The Real Housewives” coming to Las Vegas, Nevada, and New Orleans, Louisiana. “I can tell you right now that there’s no new Housewives that have crossed my desk that are in the offing,” he said in 2023. “We’re in a very strong period of Housewives right now. I don’t think there’s a hole in the marketplace for a new one.”