Andy Cohen Names the Most Iconic Real Housewives and Reveals What’s Next for RHONJ & RHONY

Andy Cohen Backtracks; Clarifies that Real Housewives of Rhode Island Won’t Outshine RHONJ

As Radio Andy celebrates its 10th anniversary, Bravo kingpin Andy Cohen is taking a moment to reflect, and spill some tea.

Andy Cohen Names the Most Iconic Real Housewives and Reveals What’s Next for RHONJ & RHONY 3

In a recent interview with E! News, the 57-year-old host opened up about the enduring success of Watch What Happens Live, the ever-evolving world of the Real Housewives, and the behind-the-scenes challenges that come with keeping the franchise fresh.

The Most Iconic Housewives, According to Andy

Cohen didn’t hesitate when asked to name his top-tier Housewives, pointing to some of the original cast members who’ve helped define the franchise.

“It’s a lot of the OGs,” he said. “I think Caroline Manzo for years was kind of the matriarch of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I think you look at Vicki (Gunvalson) from The Real Housewives of Orange County or Luann de Lesseps. These are people who have been in front of the Bravo cameras for so long, and we’ve watched their evolution and their life.”

He also gave a special shoutout to Kyle Richards, praising her longevity and personal story arcs.

Andy Cohen Names the Most Iconic Real Housewives and Reveals What’s Next for RHONJ & RHONY 4

“She’s still on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she’s an OG of that show. No one ever thought she’d get divorced. We’ve seen her relationships with her sisters evolve and devolve and evolve again, talk about exploring her sexuality,” Andy noted.

The Hardest Part of the Job? Keeping It Going

When asked about the toughest aspect of running the Real Housewives universe, Andy admitted that sustaining the franchise isn’t always easy.

“It’s not always guaranteed. Even when you have casting that you think is perfect for a season, it’s not always, You know, we’re following life and sometimes stuff happens or sometimes stuff doesn’t happen,” he explained. “It’s ebbs and flows, getting it right.”

Casting Updates and What’s Coming Next

While Cohen praised the newcomers to The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16, seemingly referencing Angela Oakley, Shamea Morton, and Kelli Ferrell, he acknowledged that not all cities are running smoothly just yet.

“We are still working on casting New Jersey and New York City, which are two beloved franchises that we are taking our time with to get them exactly right,” he shared.

On a more positive note, he confirmed that upcoming seasons of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and The Real Housewives of Potomac are shaping up nicely. And as for RHOBH Season 15? “People are gonna be so psyched,” he teased.

A Decade of Watch What Happens Live

Reflecting on his late-night talk show, Andy expressed heartfelt gratitude.

“If I was grateful then, which I was, I can’t believe I get the opportunity to do this. This is my dream, and all these years later, to get to still do it is just a gift,” he said. “I have two dream jobs right now.”

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23 comments

Steve September 18, 2025 - 3:45 pm
OK. Not being included is going to p*ss off Tamra big time!
Steve September 18, 2025 - 3:45 pm
OK. Not being included is going to p*ss off Tamra big time!
Mia montgomery September 17, 2025 - 1:05 pm
Andy you know that Teresa put housewives on the map with the table flip. Caroline really {yawn]
michers September 17, 2025 - 4:41 pm
I am shocked he said troublemaking family bashing manzo
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark September 17, 2025 - 12:44 pm
Asswipe Cohen is an enemy of this country, and a loathsome creature in general. I wish I had the conviction in this case to stop supporting the HW series and Bravo in general. Fortunately, I'm almost there.
Good Hair September 17, 2025 - 1:28 pm
I have stopped watching over 80% of Bravo shows. Cohen has ruined these shows with piss poor castings.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark September 17, 2025 - 10:59 pm
Same, I'm down to just Below Deck: Down Under, and barely hanging on to a few of the HW franchises (SLC, OC, and BH). This is probably my last season of BH unless it greatly improves, which I have no reason to believe will.
Zap It September 18, 2025 - 1:01 pm
I like Miami too. Can't help it.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark September 18, 2025 - 6:32 pm
I liked the original line up, but can't get into the reboot of duck lipped plastic Barbie dolls.
Zap It September 18, 2025 - 1:01 pm
I like Miami too. Can't help it.
Cathie Greenlaw September 17, 2025 - 4:32 pm
I haven’t posted to the NJ BS in a while but seriously CATOLINE? Andy did this on purpose, I don’t care who you are everyone knows that Teresa made NJ what it is. It has revolved around her life especially since season 3. I’m sorry but I can’t stand the manzos who turns on a friend like that. Andy has become despicable. If they seriously bring Margaret back I’m out I think she is an absolutely horrible human being there just is no coming back from the things she has done to Teresa and not because it’s Teresa, its because of the things Margaret did. I don’t care who it was how can they consider having a person like that? I really don’t understand. Sure there is to be a level of drama and not getting along but straight up hate, vindictiveness and getting involved in serious situations is crossing a line that you can’t come back from and Melissa and Joe allowing it… yea just no. It looks like bravo allows their employees to bully and ice people out. They are essentially saying that behavior is ok and the people get rewarded for cruel behavior and treatment of the employees that you are done with I think Andy has wanted Teresa gone for a long time but she has been too popular so they think it’s there opportunity to finally get rid of her because they think she was with these bloggers but I guarantee they are not stupid and someone at bravo keeps tabs on ALL the goings on behind the scenes as well as on the scenes so they are aware. I don’t understand it I never will Teresa is great TV she also seems like a very genuine person.. what happened to authenticity? That should be the title of his show watch what happened to authenticity tune in to the real housewives . Had to get it all out! lol
Cathie Greenlaw September 17, 2025 - 4:32 pm
I haven’t posted to the NJ BS in a while but seriously CATOLINE? Andy did this on purpose, I don’t care who you are everyone knows that Teresa made NJ what it is. It has revolved around her life especially since season 3. I’m sorry but I can’t stand the manzos who turns on a friend like that. Andy has become despicable. If they seriously bring Margaret back I’m out I think she is an absolutely horrible human being there just is no coming back from the things she has done to Teresa and not because it’s Teresa, its because of the things Margaret did. I don’t care who it was how can they consider having a person like that? I really don’t understand. Sure there is to be a level of drama and not getting along but straight up hate, vindictiveness and getting involved in serious situations is crossing a line that you can’t come back from and Melissa and Joe allowing it… yea just no. It looks like bravo allows their employees to bully and ice people out. They are essentially saying that behavior is ok and the people get rewarded for cruel behavior and treatment of the employees that you are done with I think Andy has wanted Teresa gone for a long time but she has been too popular so they think it’s there opportunity to finally get rid of her because they think she was with these bloggers but I guarantee they are not stupid and someone at bravo keeps tabs on ALL the goings on behind the scenes as well as on the scenes so they are aware. I don’t understand it I never will Teresa is great TV she also seems like a very genuine person.. what happened to authenticity? That should be the title of his show watch what happened to authenticity tune in to the real housewives . Had to get it all out! lol
Zap It September 18, 2025 - 1:03 pm
Great comment...all true.
Champagne Hangover September 17, 2025 - 11:39 am
Zap It September 17, 2025 - 10:29 am
Kyle and Manzo? Well of course, Kyle is on his list which is why she's lasted so long. But Manzo? Nope. Agree with Vicki and Luann. BUT he still won't give those two ladies a job. So much for that.
Good Hair September 17, 2025 - 1:26 pm
Caroline brought nothing but jealousy and was an Olive Garden type Italian
Good Hair September 17, 2025 - 1:26 pm
Caroline brought nothing but jealousy and was an Olive Garden type Italian
book7175 September 17, 2025 - 8:53 am
Hmmm, Andy names Caroline his top tier, original cast member who defined the NJ franchise.
Fuzzy Peanut September 17, 2025 - 11:16 am
She does have that lawsuit pending.... maybe he is sucking up to her because of it?
Fuzzy Peanut September 17, 2025 - 11:16 am
She does have that lawsuit pending.... maybe he is sucking up to her because of it?
book7175 September 17, 2025 - 12:18 pm
Possibly, but can just see the smoke coming out of Teresa's ears upon hearing this.
book7175 September 17, 2025 - 12:18 pm
Possibly, but can just see the smoke coming out of Teresa's ears upon hearing this.
Champagne Hangover September 17, 2025 - 11:43 am
I just posted the same thing. Methinks the lawsuit will be quietly dropped and but soon. ?It was all an ill fated attempt to save face anyway for her drunken and gross foolery with Brandi and the morning after regrets. <— now THAT’S iconic! ?
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