Not all Real Housewives give up their diamonds – or peaches/apples – forever. Bethenny Frankel, NeNe leaks and Dina Manzo are among the ladies who left their respective franchises only to return years later.
While Bethenny, NeNe and Dina all returned in a full-time role, other women, including Camille Grammer and Danielle Staubput their second stamp on Real Housewives franchise in a friend role.
Other ladies have chosen – or been offered – to make guest appearances on their old shows. After her Season 4 exit, Jill Zarin joined in Luann de Lesseps to play tennis in season 11 of The Real Housewives of New York City, which was sent in May 2019.
Brandi Glanville, who left RHOBH after season 5 in 2015, made a brief appearance the following season. The controversial Housewife also appeared in season 9 of the franchise in 2019.
While Kim Richardssister to Kyle Richards, jumps in and out of RHOBHshe has yet to return full-time following her season 5 departure. During Season 9, the other women ran into the former child star while out to eat in Beverly Hills. As Kyle embraced his on-screen sister, Lisa Rinna avoided interacting with his former co-star.
Executive producer Andy Cohen has been open about when it’s time to say goodbye to a housewife, noting at the 2018 Tribeca TV Festival that it’s “usually a conversation” between him and the star.
“At the end of every season, we talk to the women about what they have coming up and whether they want to come back. What they see for the future. Then we also look at the show and say, ‘How do we want to change the show?’ ,” he said. “I think part of the reason the whole franchise is successful is because it’s an ensemble show. It’s about what’s best for the group. What is best for the ensemble? How will it be different? Shall we continue this conversation? Shall we turn into a new conversation?”
One of the biggest returning players in recent seasons is Heather Dubrowwho left RHOC after appearing in seasons 7 to 11. News broke in 2021 that she would be back in a full-time role for season 16.
“It’s just a testament to everything at the right time,” Andy said on the “Heather Dubrow’s World” podcast in June 2021. “I think the viewers want it, the show is at a crossroads right now, we have some rebuilding to do. I think when you left the show you were really over it. It just shows that years later you could just have the perspective to say, ‘You know what? Maybe I can do this another way.’ … I love your attitude about coming back.”
Tell Us Weekly: Who else is going to make a comeback on their respective series? Plus, scroll through for a full list of Real Housewives who returned full-time or in a “friend” role: