Everyone always says that you shouldn’t mess with something that isn’t broken. Now we can go back and forth all day long, whether it was a smart move for Bravo to recast the OGs of the Real Housewives of New York.
But nothing is going to change the fact that they did. Now, fans have tried to rally behind the new generation for two seasons. And it hasn’t exactly worked out to plan. So, I think we have to start thinking about what would happen if we could mix and match our cast. A blend of old and new might be just what the doctor ordered for the Big Apple franchise.
Bring back the “make it nice” queen
I just can’t think of another Real Housewives of New York season without my beloved Dorinda Medley. The mother of one is iconic for her one-liners and parties at Blue Stone Manor. For me, Dorinda was the best of both worlds. She provided some made-for-TV moments when she had to be on and perform. For me, she was a true East Coast native who genuinely loved and supported her friends. Naturally, she would be quick to anger if disrespected, but what proud New Yorker wouldn’t be? Being put on pause, I think, taught Dorinda a balance between overindulging and acting up for the cameras. Either way, she could do no wrong in my eyes and deserves her apple back as D was ratings gold.
Bethenny Frankel would light RHONY up
The golden days of the Real Housewives of New York were when Bethenny Frankel literally owned the franchise. The Skinnygirl founder had fans hanging on her every word as she often read the other ladies for filth, depending on their actions. The mother of one handled the women, especially Ramona Singer, with such poise even when it was palpable that the Singer Stinger was green with envy at B’s success. Single-handedly, Bethenny showed what it took to build a company from the ground up and become successful. She also had some severe setbacks, like her years-long divorce. But Bethenny never broke her stride. Not to mention, she gave us “Scary Island,” which fans still quote to this day. So pay this woman whatever you want because if not, I will continue to watch her IG reels, and I really, really have to refrain from that.
RHONY should bow down to Carole Radziwill
What franchise doesn’t want to brag about having an actual princess on their cast? Carole Radziwill was the feminist icon I never knew I needed on RHONY. Besides being an award-winning journalist, Carole lived by her own set of Rock and Roll lifestyle rules. She happily dated younger men. While at the same time admitting she would never use her kitchen to cook. I appreciated Carole’s educational candor. And I feel we need her now more than ever due to the political climate. I would also hope beyond hope that she and Bethenny could reconcile their difference because that friendship was pure gold. So please give her that golden apple.
Jenna Lyons is the only saving grace
I think I might be picking only one cast member from the Real Housewives of New York reboot. And that would have to be Jenna F*cking Lyons. The former creative director of JCrew would blend perfectly with the three women above. She most likely runs in the same elite social circle and attends parties (or leaves) when Jeff Bezos arrives. Jenna has a strong conviction, and I see her and Carole hitting it off well. At 56, she is age-appropriate to match B, Carole, and Dorinda, who are 54, 61, and 60, respectively.
This dream team lineup is everything the Real Housewives of New York needs to be a continued success. To have the all-time greats put together could breathe new life into the franchise. And while I understand Bravo does not want to admit that their reboot might not have been as successful as they hoped, this lineup could be the match that is needed to reignite the fire for fans’ passion once more.
