*Phaedra Parks is a powerful force. But even her reality TV superpowers are not enough to save the day for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Despite hopes that Parks’ return to the long-running series would put things back in order with ratings, LoveBScott reports the highly-teased episode was anything but a life saver for “RHOA” season 16. The reemergence, which aired on May 25, brought in just 464,000 live viewers with a 0.09 demo rating in adults 18–49.
The result marked recognition for all the wrong reasons with Parks being featured in the lowest-rated episode in “RHOA”’s 16-season history.
Maintaining its audience has been a challenge for the show, which has seen steep declines in ratings.
Before Parks’ return episode, the series low came after the season 16 premiere on March 9. Delayed viewing and gains from Peacock were cited by Bravo.
The loss of live viewers (around 200,000) during the season is very noticeable, considering the time when “RHOA” was the pride of the “Real Housewives” universe as must-watch reality TV. To even get half a million live viewers now is a struggle that used to be a nonissue.
A rebooted cast has not connected with the “RHOA” fanbase, not to mention failing storylines and the dimming spark that made the show an addictive guilty pleasure. With its current state and Parks not fulfilling Bravo’s wish for ratings gold and repeat business from viewers, it’s anyone’s guess as to a way to put “RHOA” on top of the ratings mountain.
So, what say you? Scroll below with your thoughts on Park’s return and ways to make “RHOA” right again if you have tuned out.
