The cast for “The Real Housewives of New York City” appears to be in limbo ahead of season 16.
According to a source for Us Weekly, producers for the long-running reality show are looking for “potential new ladies” to join the show before they decide which cast members will return next season—but it doesn’t necessarily mean anyone is in jeopardy.
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“Producers are always putting feelers out to see if they can find anyone new,” the insider shared. “It’s unclear on how many cast members they are looking for — and who may stay or who may go.”
For season 14, “The Real Housewives of New York City” was rebooted with an all-new cast. All of the new women were invited back for season 15. But a dark season 15 finale left some cast relationships broken.
In early February, a source told OK! Magazine that no one from the RHONY cast “has been asked back yet or been given a contract for season 16.”
The 15th season of RHONY starred Brynn Whitfield, Ubah Hassan, Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, Jenna Lyons, and Racquel Chevremont. Rebecca Minkoff appeared as a “friend” of the cast.
A Casting Call Was Posted in January
The update on RHONY comes nearly two months after a casting announcement posted on Shed Media’s Instagram page teased the search for potential newcomers for next season. “Now casting The Real Housewives of New York City,” the January 27 Shed Casting post read. It was captioned with, “It’s that time…🍎come and get your apple.”
On Shed Media’s Instagram, the parameters for potential cast members were 30-to 50-year-old women living in “Manhattan and Brooklyn.” A connection to the most recent cast was also listed as a plus.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Whitfield, who was at the center of the season 15 finale drama, said no cast member is ever “guaranteed” a return to the show. “Even franchises that have been around for 17 years, it’s the same song and dance,” she said. “You never know until a month before you pick back up filming. You don’t know if you’re renewed, you don’t know who comes back, or any of these things.”
One RHONY Cast Member Already Announced Her Exit
There could be one open slot for season 16. In February, Rebecca Minkoff announced that she would not be returning to the franchise after just one season.
The fashion designer confirmed her departure from the Bravo reality show in an Instagram post on February 4, explaining that recent world events inspired her to take a look at her life. “The last month has given me a new perspective on wanting to focus on my wildly amazing 4 kids, my supportive husband, my business of 20 years, The Female Founder Collective, my podcast, and MY BOOK.” She wrote.
Minkoff thanked Bravo for allowing her to be a part of “The Real Housewives of New York City.” “I’m truly grateful for the experience, the friendships and the fans that have been part of this RHONY chapter. Time to turn the page.”
