The Rumors are True: “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is Happening

Here's a roundup of some of our favorite reactions from locals, fans and haters alike.
Kaitlyn Murray,

 

Group Of Friends Drinking Wine And Making A Celebration Toast.

Photo via Getty Images / courtneyk

 

If you’ve scrolled through local socials at any point over the last couple of months, you’ve most likely heard rumblings that Rhode Island was in the running for the next Real Housewives installment. While some immediately saw the vast potential (see one RI-born TikToker’s take below), many others were skeptical that Lil Rhody could catch the attention of such an iconic franchise.

@jakewcornell Please be real please be real please be real #lifestyle #comedy #newyork #rhodeisland ♬ original sound – Jake Cornell

The latter group might just need to eat their words, though, because the Rhode Island Film & TV Office confirmed Wednesday that “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is indeed a reality.

“One of the most popular reality-shows ever to grace television, ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise sparked an avalanche of enthusiasm when word spread that this entertaining series just might land in the Ocean State,” says Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office. “Well, good news, folks. ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ is ready to roll and take the world by storm!  Action!”

Produced by Evolution Media with Andy Cohen set as an executive producer, the new show’s log line promises to explore the “world of a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations. With aspirational lives, thriving businesses and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there’s no escaping your past … or each other.”

(That last line sure sounds like they have a good handle on Rhode Island social dynamics to us).

While the state is no stranger to big, Hollywood-esque productions (see: “The Gilded Age,” Hocus Pocus 2, a new M. Night Shyamalan movie filming this summer, and so on), it’s not very often we get the opportunity to put the spotlight on actual Rhode Islanders doing Rhode Island things.

“We’re excited to welcome ‘The Real Housewives’ and their millions of viewers to Rhode Island,” says Governor Dan McKee. “Our state is home to vibrant communities, amazing food, rich history, and stunning coastal beauty—perfect for the spotlight. This is a great opportunity to support our local economy and bring national attention to all Rhode Island has to offer.”

But now the question (besides what will they hold in the intro: Del’s? A big blue bug?) is: Who’s been cast? Which local socialite, influencer or boss-lady-businesswoman will be the next Lisa Vanderpump, Bethenny Frankel, NeNe Leakes or Teresa Giudice?

One Instagram handle, @therealhousewivesofrhodeisland, claims to have the answers, but until any official news comes out, we’re taking the announcements with a grain of salt (though a few anonymous sources with connections to the show have claimed the list appears to be pretty accurate).

 

 

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The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (@realhousewivesofrhodeisland) • Instagram photos and videos

And while there’s also no word yet on when the show will premiere on Bravo, we do fortunately have plenty of amazing online reactions and speculations to tide us over. Keep scrolling for some of our favorites.

 

^ cosigned.

^ ouch.

Options on what the Real Housewives of Rhode Island can hold in their intros #RHORI #Bravo

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— RHOBH’S Lost Sunglasses (@beverlybroccoli.bsky.social) May 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM

^ She may not be from Newport but we do have a Gina…

unless you’re from or live in new england, real housewives of rhode island probably makes no sense to you but it’s going to be so good and so messy

— marse (@marse.bsky.social) May 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM

Me and my friends watching the premiere of “Real Housewives of Rhode Island”:

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If real housewives of Rhode Island is real I hope they’re filming an Italian Christmas and I hope someone has to explain party pizza to America

— kristin (bravo & depression) (@legutz.bsky.social) December 24, 2024 at 9:13 AM

— Philip Eil (@phileil.bsky.social) May 7, 2025 at 8:13 PM