Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania Speak Out on RHONJ Pause – Teresa Calls Show 'Toxic,' Dolores Compares Hiatus to a 'Breakup'

   

Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania addressed the Real Housewives of New Jersey ‘pause,’ and Teresa claimed they’re “always hopeful” to return. Meanwhile, Dolores said she “miss[es]” filming, and she described it as a “breakup.”

After season 14, Bravo put the show on pause, and Andy Cohen hinted that a cast shakeup is looming and no star is guaranteed a return. A recent report, however, suggested that Melissa Gorga, Teresa, and Dolores were given retention notices to potentially stay on the network in some way.

In an interview for Us Weekly, Teresa and Dolores were asked if they’re hopeful for a future season.

“We’re always hopeful,” said Teresa in a clip shared by the outlet on Youtube.

“We’re workers,” added Dolores. “[The show] is, like, a part of you, right? It doesn’t define you — not [Teresa and me] anyway — but it is a part of our lives that is missed.”

The co-stars were then asked what it’s like not filming.

“[It’s] relaxing. Drama-free,” said Teresa.

“At first you’re running on the adrenaline of what you have to do and what’s expected of you,” said Dolores. “And then all of a sudden, it’s like wait, it’s been a while now since I’ve done that … It’s almost like [going through] a breakup.”

According to Dolores, now that some time has passed, she “wants to start doing it again.” Teresa, however, called it “very toxic.”

“Bravo took a break for a reason,” said Teresa. “If it comes back, I’m sure there will be changes.”

“I think it’s a very hard decision for them,” said Dolores. “I think it’s something that definitely by this point has to happen. I don’t think it’s something they ever wanted to do, but it’s being done. And I don’t know what’s taking them so long.”

Earlier this year, Andy shared that the next season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey likely won’t film until 2026. Many believe that the show was put on hiatus due to the cast divide between sisters-in-law Teresa and Melissa. Besides Dolores, nearly every star picked a side, and some castmates barely filmed together.