In a major announcement that has set the reality TV world abuzz, executive producer Andy Cohen used the platform of BravoCon to unveil the newest extension to the beloved franchise: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. The revelation came during an 'Ask Andy' panel on the final day of the convention, sending waves of excitement through fans eagerly awaiting fresh drama.
Meet the Cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island
The premiere season will introduce viewers to a dynamic group of women navigating the intricate social webs of America's smallest state. The official cast members are Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Adding a familiar face to the mix, Dolores Catania from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, who recently clinched victory in The Traitors Season 3, is slated to join the fresh cast. She will appear in the debut season in the capacity of a 'friend,' a role that often brings its own unique brand of mediation and conflict, as confirmed by a Deadline report.
A First Look: The Trailer and Premiere Date
The inaugural trailer for the show was also debuted, offering a tantalising glimpse into the world of Rhode Island's elite. The preview is set to the voice of Ashley Iaconetti, who is portrayed as a newcomer to the state. Her opening lines perfectly capture the show's potential for insular drama: "In Rhode Island, everyone knows everyone. People here don't look down on other states. But they are weirded out that other states exist."
The rest of the cast—Dolores Catania, Jo-Ellen Tiberi, Kelsey Swanson, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Liz McGraw, Rosie DiMare, and Alicia Carmody—all make their unique introductions, promising a blend of glamour, tension, and secrets. The trailer concludes on a dramatic note, warning viewers, "You may not know Rhode Island, but here secrets don't stay buried for very long."
Mark your calendars, as Bravo has officially announced that The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will premiere in 2026. This launch is strategically timed to coincide with a monumental milestone: the 20-year anniversary of The Real Housewives franchise.
Production and Other Franchise Updates
The show will be brought to life by Evolution Media, a company under the Amazon MGM Studios umbrella. The executive production team is robust, featuring Lucilla D’Agostino, Barry Poznick, Jen McClure-Metz, and Joseph Ferraro from Evolution Media, alongside Bianca Barnes-Williams and James Brangert. Of course, Andy Cohen also serves as an executive producer for the franchise.
But the news from BravoCon didn't stop with Rhode Island. Cohen also used the event to confirm that The Real Housewives of New York City is returning for a new Season 16. He informed fans that filming is set to begin shortly as the cast has been finalised.
While he played coy about revealing the entire lineup, it is reported that BravoCon attendees Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, and Jessel Taank are among those who will return. However, in a significant cast shake-up, Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan, who were known for their infamous fights during Season 15, will not be part of the upcoming chapter.
In a separate update that might concern fans of another series, Cohen stated that The Real Housewives of New Jersey is currently on hold. He did, however, offer reassurance that the show will eventually make a comeback.
