Andy Cohen Hints at a ‘RHONJ’ Cast Shakeup: “We’re Figuring out Where to Go” (EXCLUSIVE)
Andy told us the divide of the "two very clear teams" could affect 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey's' future.
Updated May 31 2024, 1:31 p.m. ET
People love drama. It's in their nature. There's something exciting about witnessing a catfight — or something that escalates into more — that really does deliver a unique type of thrill. Drama in entertainment, whether it be organic or scripted, has kept audiences engaged for years.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey has helped Bravo’s popular Real Housewives franchise bring plenty of drama over the years. In May 2024, the long-running series aired its 14th season.
While some fans were happy to see the show return, many more felt the series hasn’t evolved much since 2008 and should be the next show in the franchise to receive a cast “shakeup.”
The term shakeup has circulated among the Housewives world since Andy Cohen first announced The Real Housewives of New York City’s Season 14 cast in 2022. As Season 14 continues, Andy exclusively shared his thoughts on the series with Distractify and why he thinks the series could benefit from some significant changes.
Andy Cohen thinks ‘RHONJ’ “is in need of” a cast shakeup after a divided few seasons.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey's Season 14 filming was delayed following the fallout between Teresa Giudice and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga in Season 13. After feuding throughout the season after Teresa opted not to have Melissa part of her wedding to Luis Ruelas, the two refused to film Season 14 together. Page Six claimed that the crumbling relationship caused Bravo to put the show on hiatus until the two resolved their issues.
Thankfully, the network was able to navigate around the feud, allowing it to film Season 14. And despite Bravo reportedly being unsure of “how to proceed” with the show amid Teresa and Melissa’s new dynamic, they found a way to be in the same room without speaking.
Unfortunately, the family’s issues, paired with Teresa and Margaret Josephs’ feud, have caused a divide among the cast that has become difficult for fans to watch.
While promoting his partnership with Fresca Mixed at an exclusive happy hour in NYC, Andy said RHONJ could undoubtedly join the ranks of RHONY, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Potomac, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and possibly The Real Housewives of Miami as the next show in the franchise to receive a cast shakeup.
He said the series is “in need of” a change amid the repetitive feuds and ongoing tension among the group.
“I think with Jersey, we’re gonna have a really interesting moment in figuring out where to go with that,” Andy said.
The Housewives EP added that while Teresa and Melissa’s beef deeply affects the show, Season 14's overall cliquey nature made matters worse.
“There's two very clear teams,” Andy explained. “And it's kind of where we were with Potomac. You need a group.”
What to expect from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ Season 14.
Despite Andy agreeing that RHONJ should look different for Season 15, the Jersey girls keep us coming back for more in Season 14. Since its premiere on Sunday, May 5, 2024, the show has shown just a few ups and downs fans can expect to play out during the season.
Fans witnessed Melissa sending her daughter, Antonia Gorga, off to college in Delaware, and Rachel Fuda and Jennifer Fessler's friendship being brought into question.
We will also learn more about Teresa's financial state. In the Season 14 trailer, it's revealed that "Louie pissed her money away," making her day-to-day life difficult. Juicy!
So far, there’s been no official word that anyone from the RHONJ Season 14 cast — Teresa, Melissa, Jennifer Aydin, Margaret, Dolores Catania, Rachel Fuda, Danielle Cabral, Jennifer Fessler, and Jackie Goldschneider— is in danger of losing their job.
Catch new episodes of The Real Housewives of New Jersey on Bravo on Sundays at 8 p.m. EST. The next day, you can stream the episodes on Peacock.
