It’s hard to imagine now, but RHONY was only the second Real Housewives franchise when it premiered in 2008. The original Real Housewives of New York cast had a tall order to fill the shoes of RHOC, while creating a very different feeling franchise all its own. And the OG Real Housewives of New York ladies absolutely nailed the assignment.
RHONY is also the first, and so far only, Real Housewives city to undergo a full cast reboot. However, many loyal viewers will never let go of the OG cast. Over seventeen years after the first season premiered, what are the original Real Housewives of New York gang up to now?
RHONY original Bethenny Frankel is making a killing on TikTok, and trying to start a Reality Reckoning
Bethenny Frankel was unquestionably the breakout original RHONY star. As the only unmarried Housewife in the original RHONY cast, she was a bit of an underdog (though she didn’t love that label). From the first season, fans saw her attempt to grow her own Skinnygirl business. She had a quick wit, an interesting backstory, and was willing to call out her co-stars. Eventually, this led to a spin-off and her own talk show.
However, Bethenny eventually had a huge falling out with Andy Cohen and Bravo as a whole. She keeps trying to start a Reality Reckoning, after coining the phrase. It mostly had fits and starts, but her recent podcast interview with a former Real Housewives producer showed she’s still determined to take Bravo down.
Aside from reality TV, Bethenny has built quite a successful career on TikTok, where she has 2.8 million followers. She’s an influencer on the app, and her videos include product recommendations, hot takes, RHONY behind-the-scenes secrets, and a war with Chanel (one of her many high profile feuds). Bethenny is still as unapologetic and opinionated as the day RHONY viewers met her.
Jill Zarin is a proud mom, and is feuding with multiple Bravo stars
Zarin Fabrics matriarch Jill Zarin had a personality as fiery as her red hair. In the first season, she appeared to already be close friends with Bethenny. However, B insists none of the original RHONY cast members were friends before the show.
As one of the original RHONY cast members, Jill courted controversy early on. She received criticism for sending her daughter Ally Shapiro to a weight loss camp. Speaking of Ally, Jill made headlines last year for dominating the attention at her daughter’s engagement party. Ally’s relationship ultimately didn’t work out, and Ally gushed over her mom’s support. Afterward, Ally sparked romance rumors with Leo from Love Is Blind.
Her mom had less luck forming relationships with other reality personalities. Instead, Jill’s TV pursuits post-RHONY led to feuds with other Bravo stars. Including the entire cast of Below Deck Season 11. She also competed on The Goat. Jill feuded with Shahs of Sunset alum Reza Farahan. But dismissed him in the press as a “fan” who imagined their feud. Also, her appearance on The Goat inspired Jill to get a facelift.
Alex McCord is pursuing her PhD, and made a return to Real Housewives fans will (probably) never see
Alex McCord was a bit of an outsider in the original RHONY cast. And not just because of where she lived. Say it with me, everyone: “While you are in high school, I am in Brooklyn! Just trying to survive in this economy!”
Of course, we can’t talk about Alex without mentioning Simon. The quirky couple are still together, recently celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary. Remember Alex and Simon’s boys, Francois and Johan? In the original RHONY seasons, Alex and Simon were determined to get their sons into the best preschools. Now, they’re all grown up and attending University! Alex regularly posts about how proud she is of her boys on her Instagram.
Another thing she posts about on social media is her PhD research. She specializes in adolescent eating disorders. Also, through her research, fans discovered her real first name is Sara.
Alex returned to Real Housewives with the Ultimate Girls’ Trip. However, due to the allegations between Brandi Glanville and Caroline Manzo, it’s a season that will likely never air.
Luann de Lesseps is enjoying life as a cabaret after being a RHONY original cast member
Has any Real Housewife had more of a character arc than RHONY OG Luann de Lesseps? When we first met Luann, she was a married Countess who chided Bethenny for being too casual with a driver. God forbid Bethenny not introduce her as Mrs. de Lesseps! Let’s also not forget her original RHONY tagline: “I never feel guilty about being privileged.” A few seasons in, Luann grew into the woman who taught us all, “Be cool. Don’t be all, like, uncool.”
After her divorce from the Count, Luann branched out into a singing career. Eventually becoming the cabaret star we adore today. And after her disastrous short-lived marriage to Tom D’Agostino, she fully embraced a maneater reputation. Her scandalous hook-up with Joe Bradley was, to quote the Southern Hospitality cast, iconic.
In addition to her successful cabaret show, Luann guest starred on Murdoch Mysteries. Next up, Luann will appear on Love Hotel. Maybe someday we’ll get another edition of Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake.
Ramona Singer is editing her photos heavily and hanging out with POTUS after her RHONY journey
Ramona Singer joined the original RHONY cast with a long career in fashion and a seemingly idyllic marriage to Mario Singer. While a lot changed since her first RHONY season, Ramona did unleash her infamous Ramonacoaster side early on.
Ramona’s history of problematic behavior was one of the reasons the original RHONY got put on pause. Ultimately, Bravo chose to reboot. Ramona returned for RHONY: Legacy. However, she was fired for racial misconduct. And banned from the premiere, though she showed up anyways.
These days, Ramona spends most of her time in Mar-a-Lago. She still courts controversy. And not just because of her close association with the President. Recently, Ramona was called out for extreme FaceTune. But insisted it wasn’t her fault. Instead, she put the blame on one of her gay friends. That’s the Ramonacoaster!
Real Housewives of New York is available to stream on Peacock.
