The boss babes of the Big Apple return to Bravo on April 6th for the next season of their hit series, The Real Housewives of New York City. Fans will be delighted to see some familiar faces, such as Carole Radziwill, Bethenny Frankel, Dorinda Medley, LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Sonja Morgan returning to mix things up with the addition of socialite and mother of two, Julianne Wainstein. The new girl on the block joins the cast, with former fan favorites Heather Thomson and Kristen Taekman having departed the show. After last season’s drama, who can blame them?
The sprawling saga of these fabulous women has entranced viewers for eight seasons, and although cast members have come on gone, we keep tuning in for the laughs, the tears, and the tag lines. But before the next season kicks off, we wanted to rank our favorite Housewives from seasons past and present.
The Good
Carole Radziwill 2012-Present
Best tag line: “If you’re going to talk about me behind my back, at least check out my great ass.”
Princess Carole is the embodiment of style, humor, and heart. Her tragic past has shaped her, but her smarts and desire to live life to it’s absolute fullest have defined her. Carole has demonstrated class, avoiding the nastier drama by deflecting with sarcasm and honesty—although she’s not above a mean jab now and then. She clearly has a rich life outside of the show, which is more than we can say for *ahem* certain other members.
Heather Thompson 2012-2015
Best tag line: “My success is built on making women look and feel their best. Holla!”
Fans were sad to learn that Heather “Holla” Thompson had left the show, as she brought a fresh business savvy and realness to the group. Her feuds with Aviva, Ramona, and Sonja were entertaining without being nasty, and her vulnerability over her son’s health conditions showed so much heart. Heather seemed like the kind of woman you could be actual friends with—especially if she invited you to the Berkshires!
LuAnn de Lesseps 2008-2015
Best tag line: “One should know…never count out the Countess.”
LuAnn’s character arc has been heartbreaking and all too real. From ending her marriage to ending her long term relationship, LuAnn has bounced back with grace befitting her title. She has learned to laugh at herself and let down the ridiculous barriers of image control, revealing a charming, hilarious, and occasionally misguided woman.
Kirsten Taekman 2014-2015
Best tag line: “Pretty is smarter than you think.”
It’s unfortunate that Kristen isn’t returning for the next season. Her wit and tenacity endeared fans, while her relationship to her husband and children showed the same complexities most marriages face. Kristen stood up to the bullies in the group, particularly glass-throwing Ramona, and her plot lines never felt forced. Will she ever return to the franchise? We hope so!
The Bad
Ramona Singer 2008-Present
Worst tag line: “Get the Pinot ready, because it’s Turtle Time!”
While it’s true that Ramona has been through a messy and painful divorce, her behavior from season to season has ranged from belittling to bullying. The narcissistic, wild eyed series veteran has done little to endear herself to fans—from attacking her cast mates relationships, careers, and appearances, it’s amazing Ramona still has anyone by her side.
Aviva Drescher 2012-2014
Worst tag line: “When people tell me I’m fake, I know they’re just pulling my leg.”
Basically, nothing the leggy blonde ever said made much sense. Her anxiety and other mental health concerns could’ve been a great platform to normalize what millions of people live with, but instead she made herself look tacky, dishonest, and unlikeable. From her desperate screen time grabbing antics to her phony introspection, Aviva was a welcome departure.
Alex McCord 2008-2011
Worst tag line: “To a certain group of people in New York, status is everything.”
At first, the quirky Brooklyn mother of two was kinda charming. She and her oddball husband Simon seemed genuinely in love, and Alex had career and cultural aspirations. Her painfully curated affectations were silly for a while but soon it became clear that she was nothing more than a social climber with a mean streak.
The We-Hope-You’re-Okay
Sonja Morgan 2010-Present
Most concerning tag line: “Sometimes Sonja has to go commando. What can I say?”
Watching Sonja is like watching the last disco dancer at Studio 54—glitter still clings to her hair, she spins around to hug her fabulous friends only to realize that she’s alone on the dance floor, except for security guards who don’t have the heart to tell her the times are a-changing. Underneath her false eyelashes and duck lips, Sonja seems like a sensitive, sweet woman—if slightly delusional. She’s been manipulated by Ramona, dismissed by Heather, and given tough love by Bethenney. Hopefully she’ll come out on top. We’re pulling for you, Miss Morgan.
