Reality TV stars come and go from Bravo all the time. Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright returned to the network with a new show a few years after they were fired from Vanderpump Rules. Jax has since left The Valley but could return to the network in the future. A former Real Housewives star is reportedly in talks to return to Bravo years after slapping the network with a huge lawsuit. Keep reading for more on the shocking rumors.
Real Housewives Turns 20 With Special Spinoff
Bravo struck reality TV gold in 2006 when they put a bunch of wealthy “housewives” in front of the cameras. The Real Housewives of Orange County shared the lives of women living in the exclusive Coto de Caza gated community in Orange County, California.
Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough, Jo De La Rosa, Kimberly Bryant, and Lauri Waring were the cast during the first Real Housewives season. The franchise was a huge hit and expanded to New Jersey, Atlanta, Miami, and beyond. Vicki Gunvalson makes her long-awaited return to RHOC for Season 20.
In honor of the show’s milestone anniversary, Bravo announced an exciting spinoff that takes select stars from various cities on a cross-country road trip. A former Real Housewives star is reportedly “in talks” to join The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip.
Former Bravo Star Sparks Return Rumors After Lawsuit
Several Bravo stars have sued the network over the years. Real Housewives of New York alum Leah Sweeney sued Bravo in 2024, claiming the network exploited her alcoholism for ratings. A star from The Real Housewives of Miami filed a lawsuit early this year, alleging the network tarnished their professional image and used their likeness without consent.
NeNe Leakes starred on The Real Housewives of Atlanta off and on for many seasons since the show began in 2008. She announced she was leaving the show for good in 2020. She filed a lawsuit against Bravo in 2022, claiming a racially insensitive and hostile working environment. NeNe Leakes dropped the lawsuit just four months later.
During BravoCon in November, Andy Cohen revealed that he’s been in touch with the former Real Housewives star. Page Six reported a rumor that NeNe Leakes is “in talks” to join The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip. The outlet’s sources didn’t spill any other details. But her return would certainly bring in ratings for the spinoff.
Bravo fans took to social media to react to the speculation about NeNe Leakes returning to the franchise.
- “all our wishes have come true like theeee Nene Leakes”
- “I really hope she doesn’t act big headed with the pay. She’s been off tv for 5 years, she’s gonna have to accept a smaller salary than usual”
- “Christmas came early”
- “Only if she changes her name to “New”ne Leakes because the original is nowhere to be found. After all the surgeries I’m sure she’s broke and needs a paycheck.”
- “The door is no longer closed Miss Leakes”
Nothing has been officially announced regarding a cast list for The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip. More information should come out soon since it’s reportedly beginning filming in early 2026. Tell us in the comments if you want to see NeNe Leakes back on Bravo.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger