Hold onto your hats, reality TV fans, because the Real Housewives franchise is about to shake things up with its newest addition: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. But here’s where it gets controversial—can the smallest state in the U.S. really deliver the drama we’ve come to expect from this iconic series? Andy Cohen thinks so, and he’s not alone. During BravoCon’s ‘Ask Andy’ panel, Cohen teased the 2026 premiere of RHORI, calling Rhode Island the ‘perfect spot’ for a Housewives installment. Why? Because it’s a tight-knit community where ‘everybody knows each other,’ making it impossible to fly under the radar. And let’s not forget the state’s stunning beauty—a.k.a. the Ocean State—which adds a touch of aspirational glamour to the mix. But is this cozy setting enough to rival the high-stakes drama of its predecessors? Only time will tell.
The cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is a diverse and dynamic group of seven women, each bringing their own brand of flair to the table. From Alicia Carmody, the self-proclaimed Rhode Island native who’s been engaged for eight years but still isn’t ready to walk down the aisle, to Liz McGraw, the state’s Cannabis Queen and a bona fide business powerhouse, these women are anything but ordinary. And let’s not forget Dolores Catania, the Real Housewives of New Jersey alum and Traitors Season 3 winner, who joins the cast as a friend. But here’s the part most people miss—Dolores isn’t just dipping her toes into Rhode Island; she’s diving in headfirst with a shared business project alongside Liz McGraw. Could this be the start of a beautiful (or chaotic) friendship?
Each cast member brings a unique story to the series. Rosie DiMare, a former TV news anchor turned lifestyle host and DJ, balances her glamorous career with married life in North Kingstown. Ashley Iaconetti, a Bachelor in Paradise success story, juggles motherhood and a thriving social media career in her husband’s hometown. Rulla Nehme Pontarelli manages a financial empire while raising two young children with her podiatrist husband. Kelsey Swanson, a former Miss Rhode Island, is a top makeup artist with a penchant for luxury. Jo-Ellen Tiberi, the self-proclaimed town gossip, navigates a high-powered career and family life in Cranston. Together, these women promise to deliver the drama, laughter, and luxury we’ve come to expect from the franchise.
But here’s the real question: Will The Real Housewives of Rhode Island live up to the hype, or will its small-state charm fall flat? Andy Cohen seems confident, but we want to hear from you. Do you think Rhode Island has what it takes to join the ranks of Atlanta, Beverly Hills, and New York? Or is this expansion a risky move for the franchise? Sound off in the comments—we’re all ears!
