RHOP Debuts Season 9 Trailer, New Housewives and Fresh Alliances

Bravo has finally announced a return date for The Real Housewives of Potomac. After a less-than-stellar Season 8, the women are back, this time with a bit of a cast shakeup. For years, Potomac was the hidden gem of Bravo, with fans consistently taking to social media and demanding viewers, "Don't sleep on Potomac." After a landmark fifth season, it finally felt like the women had arrived, offering a fresh take on the tried and true "Real Housewives" format. The later seasons, however, saw the cast at a bit of a standstill, with rifts so deep that the women seemed to be circling the same feuds for years on end. With Season 9, RHOP is getting its biggest shakeup yet. Here's everything we know about The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9:

When does The Real Housewives of Potomac return for Season 9?

Bravo has announced that Season 9 will premiere on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with episodes available to stream next day on Peacock.

Who is in the cast of The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9?

Karen Huger

Phylicia J. L. Munn/Bravo

Karen Huger

The Grande Dame of Potomac returns! Karen Huger is back for her ninth season on the show, and if the trailer is any indication, she may be in the hot seat more than ever before. The season will deal with her DUI and its aftermath, focusing in on the toll it has taken on Huger and her family. Of course, this is The Real Housewives, and these women will certainly show some support (and have questions) for Huger as she prepares to face the music.

 

Gizelle Bryant

She's still "the world on the street!" Gizelle Bryant is also back for her ninth season on the series. Her first year without her fellow "Green-Eyed Bandit" Robyn Dixon, this season will see Bryant attempting to mend some fractured relationships in the friend group, while also dealing with an "emotional rollercoaster" year. Can she put the past behind her and rebuild trust with some of the other ladies? Time will tell!

 

Ashley Darby

Our last OG returning for her ninth season is the one and only Ashley Darby. Over the last few years, fans have watched Ashley enjoy her newfound independence as she continues to settle her seemingly never-ending divorce from Michael Darby. With two sons and a business with Bryant, this season will see Darby throw herself into the dating pool in new ways and of course, spar with some of her castmates in classic Ashley Darby fashion.

 

Wendy Osefo

The doctor is still in the building. Wendy Osefo is back for her fifth season on Potomac. While no longer a professor, the political commentator brings Bravo to the White House, as the trailer teases a sitdown with Osefo and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The season will see Osefo enter a new decade of her life, ushering in new experiences and surprising friendships within the group.

 

Mia Thornton

Mia Thornton also returns to the series, fresh off an intense Season 8 that saw her personal life on display more than ever before. ICYMI, explicit details regarding Thornton’s, well … unconventional marriage to her husband Gordon were revealed in last year's explosive finale. This season will see Mia begin to move forward in her life with her new boo, radio personality Incognito aka "Inc." From the looks of the trailer, however, tension between the Grand Dame and Thornton is brewing this year, with the once-close ladies appearing at odds. 

 

Stacey Rusch

Introducing: Stacey Rusch! A new champagne flute-holder this season, Rusch is no stranger to television, having had an entire career as a QVC host. According to Bravo, Rusch enters this group at a pivotal moment: preparing to divorce her husband of 16 years. With plenty of personal story to sink our teeth into, we've got our eyes on Rusch as a potential breakout of the season.

 

Keiarna Stewart

Keiarna Stewart is back for more this year! After appearing in Season 8 as an official "friend of," Stewart worked her way to full-time status, joining the women as a Housewife amid the cast shuffle. Last year saw Stewart in the middle of a physical altercation, a dark moment that still reverberates within the group during this season. Per Bravo, Stewart's plate is full of relationship woes and her businesses, as she continues to build relationships with the women.

Who is not returning to The Real Housewives of Potomac in Season 9?

 

Robyn Dixon

Mainstay Robyn Dixon exited the series after Season 8. Dixon, who one of show's OGs, was extremely transparent about her departure, declaring that she was "fired" on her Reasonably Shady podcast with Bryant earlier this year.

 

Candiace Dillard Bassett

Candiace Dillar Bassett is another longtime housewife departing the show. Dillard Bassett announced her departure as well, saying that she would not return as she has "new opportunities and responsibilities" to focus on, saying, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.'" She later revealed that she was expecting her first child.

 

Nneka Ihim

 Nneka Ihim also departed after Season 8, joining the ranks of Real Housewives one season wonders.

Who will be joining The Real Housewives of Potomac as 'friends of the housewives' in Season 9?

Joining as "friends of" this season are Jacqueline Blake and Jassi Rideaux. Fans may remember Blake, who was a "friend of" in Season 7 of the series and is a close family friend of Thornton's.

Is there a Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9 trailer?

Yes! Bravo dropped the trailer along with the release date announcement on Sept. 12th. By the looks of the clip, fans are in store for plenty of drama, humor, and shade they've come to know and love from the women of Potomac.