‘Real Housewives of New York’ Season 12: Who’s In, Who’s Out, Who’s New?
Bravo is making some important changes in season 12 of the Real Housewives of New York. Several cast members are saying goodbye to the popular reality series, while the network is getting ready to introduce some fresh faces to the mix. With the new season almost upon us, here is a look at who’s in, who’s out, and who’s new in season 12 of RHONY.
Who’s coming back?
The majority of the season 11 cast of Real Housewives of New York is returning to the series (with one big exception). Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley, Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, and Tinsley Mortimer will all be back in action this season.
Although most of the cast is up to their same old tricks, Mortimer has some exciting news to share with fans. The RHONY star got engaged to her boyfriend, Scott Kluth, during the production of season 12. Kluth popped the big question at the Chicago Water Tower over the holidays.
While Mortimer’s engagement will be part of her storyline, she also recently made the big move to Chicago. Mortimer is still a full-time cast member, but season 12 of RHONY will probably be her last.
“Tinsley moved to Chicago, but she’s not a New Yorker. She’s from Florida, she lived in Florida — that’s her residency,” Morgan shared. “She’s never really been a New Yorker, she’s been living in a hotel, and you know I’m happy that she’s happy. She’s much happier where she is, let me tell you that. I can see it.”
Morgan added that she will definitely be up to Chicago to visit Tinsley in the near future. She is also not going to miss filming with her co-star, though that is mostly due to Tinsley being so happy.
Tinsley has not commented on her future on RHONY. But now that she lives in Chicago, it will be difficult for her to work full-time on the show.
Who’s saying goodbye to ‘Real Housewives of New York’?
The biggest departure in season 12 of RHONY is Bethenny Frankel. This past summer, Frankel confirmed that she will no longer be a part of the series. The reality star decided to leave the show to focus on her family and other projects.
“I have decided to leave the Housewives franchise to explore my next chapter,” Frankel stated. “It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women.”
Frankel added that she is very thankful for being a part of the show all of these years and cannot wait to start the next chapter in her life.
The Skinnygirl creator was on the show as a full-time cast member for 11 seasons. She also starred in a Real Housewives of New York spin-off titled Bethenny Ever After, which featured her ex-husband, Jason Hoppy.
Apart from Frankel, Barbara Kavovit is also saying goodbye to the series in season 12. Kavovit has been a guest on RHONY for many years but will not be appearing in the new season.
Who’s new to ‘RHONY’?
Season 12 of Real Housewives of New York will be introducing a few new faces to fans. According to The Blast, this includes Tinsley’s good friend, Leah McSweeney, whom fans may recognize from her appearance on The Millionaire Matchmaker in 2010.
Ahead of the premiere of the new season, Dorinda Medley opened up about McSweeney’s involvement. While Medley said that she really enjoyed McSweeney’s company, De Lesseps said that everyone poked fun at the newcomer’s tattoos.
“Leah has some tats, so the Housewives, you can imagine Ramona [Singer] and Dorinda’s response to her, which was, ‘Um, really, tats? We don’t talk to people who have tats,’” she explained.
Elyse Slaine has also been spotted filming scenes for the new season of Real Housewives of New York. Inside sources claim that Slaine will have an important role in season 12, though Bravo has not revealed any exact details.
We do know that Slaine is not a full-time cast member, so it sounds like Bravo is testing how she interacts with the group. Depending on how things go this year, it is possible that Slaine gets an apple at some point down the road.
Everything we know about season 12
Bravo has yet to reveal when season 12 of Real Housewives of New York will premiere. The series typically airs new episodes in March or April, so the season should premiere sometime in the spring.
At the beginning of February, Andy Cohen teased that they have already finished the first trailer for season 12, though he didn’t say when Bravo will share it. With the premiere only a few weeks away, we should learn more as we get closer to the premiere.
Whatever happens, the new season will definitely feel different without Frankel running around. Hopefully, the returning cast and newcomers can drum up enough drama to make up for Frankel’s absence.
Bravo has not announced a premiere date for season 12 of the Real Housewives of New York.
