Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day"

Real Housewives icon Cynthia Bailey is no stranger to the Bravo-verse. After more than a decade as a staple on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the model-turned-reality-star surprised fans by appearing on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—and according to her, the experience was unlike anything she’s ever done before.

In a recent interview, Cynthia pulled back the curtain on what it was really like filming in two of Bravo’s most high-profile cities—and the differences, she says, are like “night and day.”

A Tale of Two Housewives Franchises

Cynthia Bailey joined RHOA in Season 3 and quickly became known for her grace, fashion, and no-nonsense attitude. She held her peach until Season 13, navigating a decade of friendships, feuds, and unforgettable cast trips.

But in 2023, fans were shocked to see Cynthia pop up in RHOBH as a friend of the cast—specifically as a close companion to Garcelle Beauvais. While her role was limited, the contrast between Atlanta and Beverly Hills left a lasting impression.

“Filming RHOBH and RHOA is night and day,” Cynthia confessed. “They are both Housewives shows, but they feel like two different universes.”

Behind the Cameras: What’s So Different?

According to Cynthia, the atmosphere behind the scenes of RHOBH is far more structured and controlled.

“In Atlanta, things can go from calm to explosive in five seconds. It’s real, it’s raw, and the energy is electric. You don’t always know where things are going to go,” she shared.
“Beverly Hills, on the other hand, is a bit more... curated. There’s still drama, of course, but it’s more subdued, more calculated.”

 

Cynthia emphasized that while both cities have their fair share of tension, the way the cast members communicate—and argue—is strikingly different.

“In RHOA, when the ladies get mad, it’s loud, emotional, passionate. In RHOBH, it’s quieter. They fight with icy smiles, shady comments over wine, and side conversations that explode later.”

Glamour vs. Grit

Another major difference Cynthia pointed out? The fashion and filming lifestyle.

“Beverly Hills is glam on another level,” she laughed. “Those ladies show up in full couture for coffee. Atlanta is fabulous too, but we keep it a little more real, more Southern.”

She also noted that the RHOBH cast tends to “hold back” emotionally on camera, while RHOA encourages more open vulnerability—whether it’s tears, rage, or deep confessions.

Would She Return?

Cynthia didn’t rule out returning to either franchise but hinted that RHOA will always be her true Bravo home.

“Atlanta gave me a platform, a voice, and a sisterhood—sometimes messy, but real,” she said. “But I loved getting to explore Beverly Hills with Garcelle and see the other side of the coin.”

Final Thought

Whether it’s peach or diamonds, Cynthia Bailey knows how to shine. But her experience on both sides of the Real Housewives world proves something fans already suspected: RHOA is the raw, unfiltered chaos, while RHOBH plays the drama like a slow-burning opera.

And Cynthia? She’s one of the few women in Housewives history who’s handled both worlds with class, style, and plenty of shade.