Bravo is expanding its popular reality television franchise with the announcement of a new series, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, set to premiere in 2025. The network revealed the details on May 7, 2025, highlighting the show's focus on a close-knit community of Rhode Islanders with deep-rooted family ties and vibrant social lives.
According to Bravo's official announcement, the series will delve into the lives of Rhode Islanders, showcasing their "aspirational lives, thriving businesses, and tangled family dynamics." The release emphasized that in a state as small as Rhode Island, there’s no escaping one's past or each other, setting the stage for potential drama among the cast.
This addition marks the 11th installment in the Real Housewives franchise, which includes popular series such as The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York City, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Governor Dan McKee expressed excitement over the announcement, stating, "We’re excited to welcome ‘The Real Housewives’ and their millions of viewers to Rhode Island. Our state is home to vibrant communities, amazing food, rich history, and stunning coastal beauty – perfect for the spotlight."
The series is produced by Evolution Media, with notable figures including Andy Cohen, Lucilla D’Agostino, Joseph Ferraro, and Jen McClure-Metz serving as executive producers. Cohen, a key figure in the franchise, has been instrumental in its growth and popularity.
In addition to The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, Bravo announced several other new shows slated for 2025. These include a reimagined version of Ladies of London, which originally aired from 2014 to 2017, and will feature a new cast of British socialites and American expats navigating the complexities of status and tradition in London.
Furthermore, Bravo is reviving Shahs of Sunset under the title The Valley: Persian Style. This new iteration will see familiar faces such as Reza Farahan, Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, and Mercedes “MJ” Javid returning to the screen. The show promises to explore their enduring friendships and cultural ties while facing new life challenges.
Another intriguing addition to Bravo's lineup is Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition, which aims to blend two iconic reality franchises. This show will feature “Real Housewives” swapping families, leading to unexpected comedic moments and personal revelations.
Bravo's recent announcements come at a time when several of its existing shows are experiencing record viewership. The network reported that several series, including The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and Summer House, have had their most-watched seasons recently, indicating a strong interest in the franchise despite the pressures facing cable television.
Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service, plays a significant role in this success, as it allows viewers to access Bravo shows the day after their linear premieres. This strategy has contributed to heightened ratings and increased engagement across the network's offerings.
Bravo also confirmed the renewal of several beloved series for new seasons in 2025. Among those returning are Below Deck Mediterranean (Season 10), Below Deck Down Under (Season 4), Married to Medicine (Season 12), Southern Charm (Season 11), Southern Hospitality (Season 4), The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Season 15), The Real Housewives of Orange County (Season 19), The Real Housewives of Potomac (Season 10), and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Season 6).
In addition to these renewals, Bravo is set to premiere new seasons of Below Deck and The Real Housewives of Miami in June 2025, with other upcoming titles including Next Gen NYC and Kings Court.
The announcement of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has generated significant buzz among fans and local officials alike. Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, remarked on the excitement surrounding the show, stating, "This entertaining series just might land in the Ocean State." The anticipation reflects the franchise's ability to engage audiences through relatable themes of friendship, rivalry, and community.
As viewers await the premiere of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, the franchise continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and stories to its loyal fanbase. With the promise of drama, humor, and the unique backdrop of Rhode Island, this new series is poised to capture the hearts of reality TV enthusiasts.
