MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

Who stars in ‘RHOC’ Season 17? From Tamra Judge to Jennifer Pedranti, here is the full cast list of housewives

Embark on a journey with the seasoned and fresh faces in 'RHOC' Season 17 as they navigate the complexities of friendship and follow their ambitions

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Get ready to dive into the world of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' as Season 17 unveils a cast that promises excitement, drama, and captivating storylines. In this season, the iconic franchise welcomes back some familiar faces and also introduces fresh dynamics with new additions. Fans can finally rejoice as Tamra Judge makes her grand return as a full-time cast member. 

Joining Judge in this thrilling season are familiar faces Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson along with the fresh addition of Jennifer Pedranti. Adding a unique twist, 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' veteran, Taylor Armstrong, will also be joining the cast as a friend of the housewives, marking a groundbreaking crossover between the two cities. To top it all off, the trailer concludes with the exciting revelation of Vicki Gunvalson's cameo. She is considered to be the original housewife and true icon of the franchise as she has been appearing on it since Season 1. Her cameo promises an unforgettable season ahead. Let's delve deeper into each of the cast members of 'RHOC' Season 17.

'RHOC' Season 17 Cast

Tamra Judge

Tamra is making a triumphant return after a two-year hiatus. Armed with a fresh perspective, Tamra is determined to mend the cracks in a few fractured friendships. But this time around, she's stepping into uncharted territory, ready to face the unexpected twists and turns that lie ahead. After a successful decade running the beloved gym, CUT Fitness, Tamra and her husband Eddie have made the tough decision to close its doors. This new chapter in their lives marks a bittersweet moment, allowing Tamra to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Tamra's highly anticipated reunion with her long-time friend Shannon proves to be a rocky one, as their attempt at reconciliation takes an unforeseen turn.

Not afraid to confront the truth head-on, Tamra holds everyone accountable, especially her friend Jennifer. However, when the pieces of the narrative fail to align, it sets the stage for explosive and unforgettable confrontations. With her fiery determination and unwavering integrity, Tamra is set to challenge the status quo, bringing a storm of emotions and revelations to 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'. 

Shannon Storms Beador

Shannon strives to maintain an atmosphere of positivity as she embarks on a journey to mend her fractured friendship with her former confidante, Tamra. In her relentless pursuit to rebuild trust, Shannon paves the way for the triumphant reunion of the Tres Amigas, a formidable trio that includes the indomitable OG, Vicki Gunvalson. Together, they indulge in spirited tequila sessions and unleash their carefree spirits through daring keg stands.

While Shannon exudes confidence, questions about the stability of her relationship with John Janssen begin to surface within the close-knit group. Undeterred, she repeatedly reassures her friends that all is well, determined to uphold an unwavering front. However, as the spotlight intensifies on her personal life, Shannon finds herself grappling with trust issues, unsure of who she can truly rely on within the dynamic circle. Amidst the escalating whispers and mounting pressure, Shannon's world takes an unexpected turn for the worse during a fateful weekend in Mexico. Struggling to navigate the treacherous waters, she has to fight to salvage her relationship.

Heather Dubrow

Heather is embarking on a thrilling new chapter of her life as her twins venture off to college. With an empty nest, Heather seizes the opportunity to reignite her passion for acting and venture into the realm of entrepreneurship. Despite her determination, she finds herself questioning whether she can successfully juggle these ambitious pursuits. Always one to plan for the future, Heather and her husband Terry make a strategic move by acquiring a luxurious penthouse in one of Los Angeles' most prestigious buildings. This high-end getaway serves as a haven where they can indulge in the finer things and unwind amidst the hustle and bustle of their busy lives.

Amid her exciting endeavors, Heather unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the feud between her fellow castmates Tamra and Shannon. As tensions rise, she grapples with where she truly fits within their friendship, and when the two finally reconcile, Heather is left contemplating the dynamics of their renewed bond.

Gina Kirschenheiter

Gina is determined to conquer new frontiers in the realm of real estate alongside her partner, Travis Mullen. Their union promises to be a dynamic force, but Gina faces a crucial hurdle: passing the rigorous exam and securing her license. Undeterred by the challenge, she channels her unwavering drive into preparation, ready to prove her worth in the competitive industry. However, life takes an unexpected turn when a conversation among the ladies delves into the topic of infidelity, striking an emotional chord within Gina. Unbeknownst to many, she carries the weight of repressed emotions from her ex-partner's affair and this conversation forces her to confront these buried feelings head-on. It becomes a journey of healing and self-discovery as Gina navigates the complexities of her past, finding the strength to overcome and move forward.

While striving to solidify her place within the group, Gina receives disheartening news about her friendship style not aligning with the lofty standards set by Heather. Determined to prove her loyalty and forge deeper connections, she encounters frequent barriers, leaving her feeling unheard and dismissed. The return of Tamra further complicates Gina's bond with the women, creating a tangled web of dynamics that challenges her resilience. As if the complexities weren't enough, Gina finds herself entangled in the discussions surrounding Shannon's relationship, only to realize that her own past choices come back to haunt her. 

Emily Simpson

Emily is a multi-faceted woman, being a devoted mother, and a relentless advocate for justice. While her husband Shane tirelessly fights for justice as a full-time lawyer, Emily gracefully embraces her role as a loving stay-at-home mom, nurturing her daughter Annabelle's dreams of becoming a successful model. But her dedication doesn't stop there. Emily also channels her passion into serving as a valuable member of the California Innocence Project, tirelessly working to support the wrongly convicted and bring about true justice. In a surprising twist of fate, Emily finds herself reconnecting with Tamra.

As they navigate through their complex history, a deep and authentic friendship begins to blossom. Emily's unwavering commitment to truth and transparency shines through in her interactions with her friends. Never one to shy away from the tough questions, she fearlessly seeks the truth, urging her friends to confront their truths as well. However, Emily's boldness sometimes lands her in hot water, particularly with her friends Shannon and Heather. When she fearlessly expresses her own opinions, she unknowingly stirs up controversy, leading to tense moments and heated discussions. Yet, beneath it all, Emily's intentions remain pure – she merely seeks clarity and understanding.

Jennifer Pedranti

Brought into the group through Tamra, Jennifer Pedranti is the newest addition to 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'. As a devoted mother of five, ranging in ages from 5 to 18, Jennifer's life is a beautiful chaos filled with laughter, love, and plenty of adventure. Her passion for fostering both children and animals has earned her admiration within her community. Recently, she welcomed her youngest child, Dominic, into her loving home through adoption, a decision that showcased her unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing environment for those in need. Jennifer's journey has seen its share of ups and downs, including a memorable appearance on a single episode of the beloved game show 'Family Feud'. But behind the glitz and glamour lies the complexities of her personal life.

Navigating the aftermath of a recent split from her husband, William, who also happens to run her family's business empire, Jennifer finds herself in uncharted territory. With a sprawling $24 million home as a shared asset, the dissolution of their marriage presents numerous challenges. Whispers of an alleged affair between Jennifer and her current boyfriend, Ryan, a devoted member of CUT Fitness, have fueled the ever-churning gossip mill in town. As the subject of relentless speculation, Jennifer's strength is tested as she confronts difficult truths and sets the record straight. Throughout it all, her friendship with Tamra stands as a pillar of support and understanding. However, as rumors about their friendship intensify, their bond is put to the ultimate test. 

Taylor Armstrong

Taylor is a dynamic addition to 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' who brings her unique journey and experiences to the vibrant cast. Having relocated to Orange County a decade ago, Taylor quickly formed a deep bond with the charismatic Tamra, opening the doors to an exciting new chapter in her life. Notably, Taylor stands out as the trailblazer who bravely crossed franchises, becoming the first housewife to venture into another series from the same franchise. As Taylor embarks on her acting career and secures her very first movie role, she finds herself seeking guidance and mentorship from the poised and accomplished Heather.

Eager to refine her craft, Taylor approaches Heather with an offer to join the esteemed cast, hoping to receive invaluable insights and exposure. However, a sense of disappointment engulfs Taylor when Heather dismisses her proposition, leading to a ripple effect within the group dynamic. The aftermath of this encounter triggers a whirlwind of discussions surrounding Heather's character, stirring heated debates among the housewives. With tensions mounting, an epic showdown ensues, centered around the importance of IMDB credits, catalyzing an unforgettable clash of perspectives. In this season's captivating storyline, Taylor emerges as a multifaceted force, fearlessly navigating the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of recognition.