Why did Andy Cohen recast 'The Real Housewives of New York'? Bravo boss reveals why reboot takes priority over ‘Legacy’ series
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Due to its humor and devoted fan base, 'The Real Housewives of New York City' is one of the most-watched programs in the franchise. But in its thirteenth season, RHONY's ratings and viewership dramatically fell, which is why the program's producers chose to entirely recast it and make a new show for the original cast members.
'RHONY' season 14 will air in 2023 with a brand-new cast, but despite Bravo's efforts to modernize the program, fans are already dissatisfied with the seven new housewives. Although 'RHONY' swiftly became a haven for Real Housewives fans in the mid-2000s, 'RHONY' Season 13 was marred by scandal. The last nail in the coffin for 'RHONY' came when Ramona Singer was accused of racism against the series' first Black housewife, Eboni K. Williams, and public uproar led to Bravo canceling the reunion and cutting the show in half. 'RHONY' Season 14 was chosen to be completely recast, but 'RHONY: Legacy' will continue to follow fan-favorite housewives.
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Why did Andy Cohen change the cast?
Series producer Andy unveiled the revamped ensemble for season 14 of the long-running series during a session at BravoCon 2022. "I am so excited to introduce all of you to Ubah, Erin, Jessel, Brynn, Sai, and Jenna," Andy said as the new ensemble took the stage, according to a US Sun reporter on hand. He went on, "It is so wonderful to see you... this is a group of friends, I know you live in the West Village, Tribeca, Brooklyn, Soho, the Upper East Side, all over town."
During an interview with Variety in March, Bravo boss Andy discussed all the changes coming to the series. He stated that, following a low-rated season last year that concluded without even a reunion, the Bravo executives had decided to change things up. "You know that we’re at a crossroads for RHONY," Andy told the outlet. "We’ve spent a lot of time figuring out where to go. And the plan that we’ve come up with, I think, is a real gift to the fans."
According to him, the most important aspect of rebooting 'RHONY' is ensuring that the ensemble accurately depicts the "diverse" metropolis in which it is located.
"We are searching for a multicultural group of friends who really best reflect the most exciting city in the country," stated the 'Watch What Happens Live' host. "We’re looking for a group of women who are real friends, and who are of diverse backgrounds, races, and religions."
Andy went on to say, "What we’re looking for is everything that makes a great Housewife: fun, opinionated, successful, aspirational women who represent a side of New York that we want to see more of."
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Andy reveals why ‘RHONY’ reboot takes precedence over ‘Legacy’
Andy claims that the 'RHONY' reboot is preceding the 'Legacy' project because Bravo wants to tell "new stories." "I hope that [fans are] happy with both. That’s all I can say. The truth of the matter is we have not spoken to any of our classic ‘RHONY’ women about ‘Legacy’ yet," Andy told Page Six exclusively at BravoCon 2022.
“We really were waiting to get the ‘RHONY’ reboot right, and we really wanted to tell new stories, and we wanted to capture the energy in New York City, and I’m really happy with where we’re at.”
According to Bravo's King, the new series will go beyond the Upper East Side since the network wants the show to be "representative of the city." "It's all over the city, and it's aspirational," Andy explained. "I think it’s legit. We’re definitely expanding beyond the Upper East Side with these women."
The upcoming season of 'The Real Housewives of New York' is scheduled to air on Bravo on Sunday, July 16, at 9 PM ET.
