Real Housewives’ man-behind-the-curtain Andy Cohen gets real about why the Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) stars keep bringing the best drama every season.
When the Real Housewives debuted, the show focused on a group of Orange County women. Through the years, Bravo maestro Andy Cohen has expanded the Real Housewives franchise to cities around the world. But as Cohen recently revealed to Vanity Fair, there’s something about the Real Housewives Of New York City (RHONY) that holds a special place in his heart. As for my views? Save me a place on the RHONY bandwagon (actually, make it a yacht, girls!).
Andy Cohen cheers RHONY drama
Let’s get real: We don’t watch the Real Housewives and similar reality TV shows to see soothing, calming scenes (try Netflix’s Chill With Bob Ross if you’re seeking Andy Cohen‘s opposite). Andy contends that the sometimes-controversial drama in which RHONY specializes is what makes it so addictive.
The Real Housewives Of New York City cast has succeeded in being “so funny” for 10 seasons, points out Andy. Plus, if you took some of these women and gave them those same lines in a scripted drama, you’d be jeered for writing dialogue that was simply unbelievably absurd.
"It’s a different kind of humor, and it makes me laugh so much. It always has, even from the beginning. I’m constantly shocked by some of the drama that happens in the group that you just don’t expect. This is stuff no one could script. It’d be considered too absurd."
Thank you, Countess Luann
When I think of what makes the Real Housewives Of New York City so unique, Countess Luann de Lesseps ranks as number one. From her lifestyle (remember Luann instructing Bethenny Frankel in the art of chauffeur introductions?) to her on-again, off-again relationship with Tom D’Agostino, de Lesseps can always be depended upon to bring the drama.
Beyond individually memorable cast members such as Luann, however, RHONY ranks as number one because of the stunning connections among the women and their outside circles, says Andy. Cohen describes the time Tom entered a bar in one of the first seasons, attempting to flirt with Ramona and her buddies. Fast-forward to last season, and there was Tom again, this time marrying Countess Luann.
“Who would believe that years later, Tom would end up marrying Luann and we’d have that moment on tape?” marveled Andy. “That’s just a small example of the kind of connections being made .”
Barney, we’re not family, but we are connected
For Barney the purple dinosaur, life is just one big happy family who kiss and hug each other. The Real Housewives variation of “I love you, you love me” is more like “I air-brush-kiss you in public, you outdo Mean Girls when you talk about me in private.”
The connections among the Real Housewives Of New York City cast boost the levels of wit, wisdom, and wickedness. Cohen points out that the women of RHONY overlap so much that they “all sleep with the same men, they all go to the same places.”
With Bethenny Frankel continuing to lead the pack when it comes to skilled snark, the rest of the current RHONY cast ranges from journalist Carole Radziwill, known for her Bravo blogs to “clip clip clip” wit Dorinda Medley to Prince Charming seeker Tinsley Mortime. Sonja Morgan, de Lesseps, and the always-dramatic Ramona Singer complete the crew.
Each season of every Real Housewives franchise, the reunion ranks as the crown jewel. Led by Andy Cohen, RHONY reunions tend to be filled with everything from forgiveness to feuds (who can forget Bethenny Frankel and Ramona Singer going from friendship to warship?). Even in the most difficult reunions, however, Cohen keeps his cool.
Related Story: 7 reasons we love Gal Gadot aka Wonder Woman
“Like when I host a party. I hope my guests get along. But if not, how interesting!” says the Real Housewives Of New York City king.