The RHONY Reboot News Had Luann De Lesseps Just As Surprised As Everyone Else
Bravo pulled a fast one on fans of "The Real Housewives of New York." The network announced that the beloved reality series would return after all, as a reboot and spinoff. Bravo executives first made the call to cancel the series after Season 13 ended with abysmal ratings and poor reviews, as per Page Six. Andy Cohen — one of the executive producers of the "Real Housewives" franchise — unveiled plans for the series overhaul to Variety on March 23, saying, "We've spent a lot of time figuring out where to go. And the plan that we've come up with, I think, is a real gift to the fans."
The show's executives have decided on splitting the show into two programs: a "RHONY" reboot with brand new cast members and a spinoff, tentatively titled "RHONY: Legacy" which would feature former cast members. In his interview with Variety, Cohen said fans should expect to see familiar faces back for the reboot, but it seems like not everyone got the message, as Luann de Lesseps has revealed that she knew nothing about the big news.
Luann de Lesseps comments the new "RHONY" format
Luann de Lesseps has a bone to pick with Andy Cohen. The 56-year-old author and "Real Housewives" mainstay told Us Weekly on March 31 that she was caught off guard by "The Real Housewives of New York" reboot announcement. "I found out literally almost at the same time as [fans] did," Luann said, noting that she had scheduled a call with Cohen moments after the news "broke."
Upon learning that the show would be split into two, Luann said she "did not see that coming." But she's excited about the changes because it would mean an improved experience for every cast member. "I'm thrilled about them bringing back the OG cast because you can't fit a square peg into a round hole," she said, adding, "...Because sometimes you bring new girls on and they don't really fit in into your group, and I think it feels awkward." Luann added that she'd be "totally on board" to return to the spin-off if she was asked, saying it'll be "a lot of fun to be back with all our old friends."
As for who Luann wants back on the spinoff, she previously told Cohen on "Watch What Happens Live" that Kelly Bensimon and Jill Zarin would be good choices. Kelly appeared on the show for five seasons between 2009 to 2015, per IMDb, while Jill was fired from the show in 2012. Guess we'll have to wait and see if Cohen will take her requests into consideration.