Roxanne 
Emily Simpson is confident that The Real Housewives of Orange County is about to deliver its most captivating season yet. As season 19 approaches, the longtime cast member teases a mix of old rivalries reigniting, new drama emerging, and heartfelt moments that set this season apart from all the rest.
“I think this will be the best season of RHOC to date,” Simpson told E! News. “Last season was amazing, everyone loved it. The season before, clearly, we have a great cast. We have the dynamics in the relationships. We have real friendships.”
Among the standout storylines is Simpson’s headline-making conflict with newcomer Katie Ginella. And while some viewers might be hoping for a few nostalgic clashes with former Housewife Alexis Bellino, Simpson clarified, “I thoroughly enjoy that. That’s a good time,” though she admitted she doesn’t actually miss Bellino as a castmate.
Of course, no Housewives season would be complete without a little tongue-in-cheek humor. In a viral moment, Simpson and castmate Gina Kirschenheiter recreated the Dubrows’ paparazzi-style photos following divorce rumors. Simpson assured viewers it wasn’t meant to offend: “Heather knows it was in good fun, and we weren’t mocking their relationship. I respect their relationship.”
But this season dives deeper than snarky reenactments and wine-fueled arguments. Simpson opened up about a deeply personal family struggle that unfolded during filming—one involving her young son, Luke.
“It just started happening in real time while I was filming, and I struggled a lot with it,” she revealed. “Shane struggled. He struggled. My other kids struggled. Now I’m dealing with the aftermath of having to focus so much on Luke… it’s been really difficult.”
Simpson also weighed in on fellow Housewife Shannon Beador’s quest for romance, referencing Beador’s appearance on Bravo’s Love Hotel. “I think Shannon deserves a man, and I would love for her to find someone that treats her the way she should be treated,” Simpson said. “She just has to [change] what she’s looking for because I don’t think it’s working. I mean, clearly.”
And when asked about her close bond with Gina Kirschenheiter, Simpson had a simple explanation: authenticity. “We aren’t from Orange County… we’re just who we are and that never changed—and I think that works for us.”
Season 19 of The Real Housewives of Orange County premieres Thursday, July 10, at 9/8c on Bravo. Whether you’re here for the drama, the friendship, or the heartfelt moments, it’s clear this season is not one to miss.
