Why is Bravo not airing new 'Real Housewives' episodes? Network hits pause for first time in 14 years
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bravo's hit reality franchise, 'The Real Housewives,' will not be returning with new episodes anytime soon, marking the first time in 14 years that the franchise has taken such a long hiatus. This decision has left fans disappointed and frustrated as they eagerly await the return of their favorite show.
The delay in new episodes is linked to changes in Bravo's scheduling, which has caused a ripple effect across the network's programming lineup. While Bravo has not provided specific details about the reasons behind the hiatus, fans speculate that it could be due to various factors such as production challenges, scheduling conflicts, or the network embroiling in recent lawsuits.
Regardless of the reasons, fans have expressed their frustration on social media platforms, voicing their disappointment over the lack of new episodes and expressing their eagerness for the show's return. "Who let this scheduling happen?!," a furious fan asked. "I don’t like it," wrote another. "What type of shit is this," added another. Others prompted Andy Cohen to do something about the scheduling changes. "ANDY YOU MUST DO SOMETHING." "I know worst time of my life," said one. "HOW WILL WE EVER SURVIVE?," said another.
Reality Reckoning shakes Bravo universe with explosive lawsuits
Bravo, known for its reality TV shows like "Real Housewives" and "Vanderpump Rules," has faced several lawsuits in recent years, highlighting concerns about workplace conditions, discrimination, and alleged misconduct behind the scenes. One such lawsuit involves former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Caroline Manzo, who accused fellow cast member Brandi Glanville of sexual harassment during filming for "Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip." Instead of suing Glanville directly, Manzo targeted Bravo, alleging that the network allowed and encouraged Glanville's behavior.
Another lawsuit comes from former "Real Housewives of New York" cast member Leah McSweeney, who sued Bravo and its third-party producers for discrimination and retaliation. McSweeney alleges that producers failed to accommodate her mental health conditions and alcohol addiction, subjecting her to psychological pressure. Additionally, former "Vanderpump Rules" cast member Faith Stowers sued Bravo and the show's producers for racism, sexual harassment, and physical assault, highlighting broader issues of racism within the reality TV industry.
These lawsuits have drawn attention to workplace practices and the treatment of cast members behind the scenes of Bravo's reality TV shows, and raised questions about the responsibility of Bravo as a network and production company to ensure a safe and respectful workplace environment for their talent.
Popular housewives Robyn Dixon and Kandi Buruss announce exit from 'Real Housewives' franchise
Kandi Burruss, known for her stint on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," surprised fans by announcing her departure from the show after a 14-season run. This revelation came during the 66th Grammy Awards red carpet event, where Burruss hinted at her career pivot. She mentioned to Variety editor Marc Malkin, "I’m not really keeping up right now. I’m not keeping up. I already said it, so I’ll tell you. I decided I’m not coming back this year."
At 47, Burruss had been a significant presence on "RHOA" since Season 2 in 2009, sharing the highs and lows of her personal and professional life. Despite her long tenure, Burruss expressed her excitement for new opportunities, stating, "It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things."
Similarly, Robyn Dixon, a key figure in "The Real Housewives of Potomac," announced her exit from the Bravo reality series on her podcast, "Reasonably Shady," co-hosted with fellow cast member Gizelle Bryant. Dixon disclosed, "I will not be returning (for) Season 9 of ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac.’ It's reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. And I will not sugarcoat the situation and say, 'Ooh, I am walking away and this is a break' or anything like this. This was a network decision."
Dixon, one of the original stars of "RHOP," joined the show in its inaugural season in 2016. Reflecting on her departure, she expressed gratitude for her time on the series, acknowledging, "I'm okay with it because nothing lasts forever. I've had a very long run on the show. I just really appreciate the time and the opportunity that I had on the show."
While Bravo has not officially commented on Dixon's departure, her exit marks the end of an era for "RHOP" fans who have followed her journey on the show.
BravoCon 2024 cancelled amid growing grievances
BravoCon's cancellation in 2024 has not been explicitly linked to any specific reason by Bravo. However, it's worth considering the broader context of recent events and challenges faced by the network, including ongoing legal issues and lawsuits involving some of its former reality stars.
In recent years, Bravo has encountered legal challenges and controversies related to the treatment of its talent and the production of its reality shows. Several ex-Bravolebrities have taken legal action against the network, alleging various forms of mistreatment, discrimination, and misconduct behind the scenes. These lawsuits have garnered significant media attention and have raised questions about Bravo's handling of workplace issues and the treatment of its talent.
While it's unclear whether these legal challenges directly contributed to the cancellation of BravoCon in 2024, they may have influenced the network's decision-making and priorities. However, BravoCon is set to return on November 14-16, 2025, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
In addition to the main BravoCon event in 2025, Bravo will also host smaller events called "Watch Party by Bravo" for fans to connect with their favorite Bravo stars. These gatherings will take place in New York City and Los Angeles starting in the spring. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with Bravo personalities up close and celebrate their love for the network.
