Luann de Lesseps Explains RHONJ Test Shoots and What It Means for Teresa Giudice

Amid the ongoing speculation about the upcoming season of Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ), Luann de Lesseps recently provided valuable insight regarding the show’s reported test shoots.

Luann de Lesseps Explains RHONJ Test Shoots and What It Means for Teresa Giudice 3

Speaking on Page Six Radio, Luann addressed whether RHONJ was conducting genuine filming or merely “test shooting” new cast members.

When asked, “Are they test shooting or are they actually shooting?” Luann replied, “I think they’re probably actually shooting – if you ask me.” However, she clarified that the “test shooting” appears to focus solely on “the new girls.” She further explained, “I think the only aspect being ‘tested’ is the new girls,” underscoring that the production employs full crews, lighting, and sound, suggesting the footage could be used if it meets the show’s standards.

This clarification is particularly important in understanding the dynamics surrounding Teresa Giudice’s involvement in the series. As an original cast member (OG) and central figure on RHONJ, Teresa’s place on the show is well established and not subject to the same audition-style test shoots typical for prospective new cast members. Test shoots are a standard industry practice to evaluate potential additions and are not reflective of the standing or contribution of veteran cast members.

Luann de Lesseps Explains RHONJ Test Shoots and What It Means for Teresa Giudice 4

Luann also touched on the unpredictability of casting decisions, sharing from her own experience, “Listen, it can go south in a second. Remember when I was demoted to a friend? They didn’t use me in the promos, in the pictures, and I was in every scene, It was a contract thing, So I’m saying, you just never know.” This candid reflection highlights the complex nature of reality television casting but does not specifically imply any changes to Teresa’s role.

Furthermore, Bravo has confirmed that no final casting decisions have been made at this time, leaving the future of the show’s lineup open. Given Teresa Giudice’s longstanding significance to the franchise, her involvement remains a pivotal element for fans and the show’s continued success.

In conclusion, it is essential to distinguish the routine nature of test shoots involving new cast members from the established presence of original cast members like Teresa Giudice. While new faces may be explored, the foundational personalities who have shaped Real Housewives of New Jersey remain integral to the series’ identity.

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17 comments

AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark September 16, 2025 - 10:15 pm
What Lu says makes perfect sense. In a nutshell, Teresa isn't auditioning anymore.
Zap It September 16, 2025 - 1:15 pm
This seems much ado about nothing. Let's get on with it Bravo.
book7175 September 16, 2025 - 10:01 am
The purpose of the test shoots is to see how the potential new HWs get along with, or mesh with the existing cast members. So then why would they exclude Teresa if she's a cast member? Makes no sense. What makes more sense is that she will not be returning, or returning in a lesser role such as friend of. Of course all of this is just conjecture at this point but it's certainly not looking good for Teresa.
book7175 September 16, 2025 - 10:01 am
The purpose of the test shoots is to see how the potential new HWs get along with, or mesh with the existing cast members. So then why would they exclude Teresa if she's a cast member? Makes no sense. What makes more sense is that she will not be returning, or returning in a lesser role such as friend of. Of course all of this is just conjecture at this point but it's certainly not looking good for Teresa.
D.D. September 16, 2025 - 10:40 am
They’re probably just talking about the intro clips of the new housewives with their families, those moments before the cast really starts interacting. They also need to test the dynamics between the new housewives before wasting time filming with someone, because if it doesn’t work out long term, they can just toss the footage since it’s only with her family and a little bit with the new cast, and that way nothing with the legacy cast member gets lost.
book7175 September 16, 2025 - 3:41 pm
But the "story" is that Marge, Melissa and Marge are filming, and Teresa is not, so we're not talking new HW intro clips with their families.
D.D. September 17, 2025 - 4:40 pm
I didn’t know that, but Teresa’s situation is unique. They don’t need to test her because, even if some on this board like to pretend otherwise, she’s the star of the show and maybe even the whole RH brand now that Nene is gone -> They won’t let her leave and she can’t because she needs the money.
D.D. September 17, 2025 - 4:40 pm
I didn’t know that, but Teresa’s situation is unique. They don’t need to test her because, even if some on this board like to pretend otherwise, she’s the star of the show and maybe even the whole RH brand now that Nene is gone -> They won’t let her leave and she can’t because she needs the money.
book7175 September 18, 2025 - 8:03 am
They're not testing Marge, Melissa and Dolores, they're testing how the new HWs interact and mesh with the cast. So I would think if Teresa is going to be part of the cast they would include her, especially since her best buddies Aydin, and now Jackie are unlikely to be returning. They would need to find someone who would get along with Teresa, other than Dolores who tolerates her but doesn't seem too close to her.
D.D. September 18, 2025 - 12:22 pm
Lol, have you watched the show? They don’t want anyone getting along with Teresa. They like her angry because she loses all control and makes great TV that can be used on social media. You don’t get that with the other housewives. I know they’re testing the potential new cast, but like I said before, they don’t need to do that with Teresa. She’s indispensable, they will bring her back even if it means changing the whole cast.
book7175 September 18, 2025 - 1:22 pm
I agree they like Teresa to blow up but I believe she likes having people on the cast that have her back and can do her dirty work for her so I can't envision her as a lone wolf on the show. Without any other HWs being on her side they would have to bring on Gia full-time. Who knows what Bravo is thinking but just wish they would decide soon so these rumor articles can stop.
D.D. September 19, 2025 - 1:52 pm
In real life, Teresa has a ton of friends who never appeared on the show because the producers always refused to let them in. They don’t want the happy, calm Teresa; they only want people with whom she will have conflicts, especially now, since I believe the producers finally realized that everyone was fed up with her never-ending feud with her sister-in-law.
book7175 September 18, 2025 - 8:03 am
They're not testing Marge, Melissa and Dolores, they're testing how the new HWs interact and mesh with the cast. So I would think if Teresa is going to be part of the cast they would include her, especially since her best buddies Aydin, and now Jackie are unlikely to be returning. They would need to find someone who would get along with Teresa, other than Dolores who tolerates her but doesn't seem too close to her.
sbud September 16, 2025 - 12:35 pm
did she test with margaret, jackie, Rachel?
michers September 16, 2025 - 3:34 pm
Not that I know of and we know she didn’t with Melissa because that was a hostile inducing sneak on behind her back
book7175 September 16, 2025 - 3:38 pm
Have no idea. Bravo is taking way too much time coming to a decision and they will never please everyone so enough already and bring the show back or not.
Tim September 16, 2025 - 5:43 pm
It looks like their current plan is going to please most of the viewers and displease the stumps.
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