It looks like Bravo may have found a way to bring the old New York City gang back, in the form of an ultimate girls trip-esque series, and the network is also hoping to woo Ramona Singer back as well.
via Page Six:
As was first reported, Bravo attempted to create a show with fan-favorite cast members from old seasons of “RHONY” as a spin-off show that would run for a full season.
But that idea fell apart during contract negotiations.
Now, we’re told that execs have retooled it as a special-style show documenting a short span of time, in the same way that “RHUGT” covers a vacation that takes place over just a few days.
Sources say, in effect, it will be a “RHUGT”-like show with an all-“RHONY” cast.
(Typically, the newer “RHUGT” specials feature a cast of members of various “Real Housewives” franchises).
Insiders say that longtime cast members Luann de Lesseps and Sonja Morgan have been offered spots on the show, as have Kelly Bensimon and Dorinda Medley, both of whom are former “RHONY” stars who were expected to return for “Legacy” before the negotiations hit a wall.
According to reports, contracts have been sent out awaiting the stars’ signatures.
Meanwhile, Jill Zarin — who was invited to be on “Legacy” but tanked the plan by playing hardball at the negotiating table — has not been asked to join this show.
And the legendary Singer, 66, who told Page Six she decided not to appear on “Legacy,” has had a change of heart.
(Or, you know, was asked to be on it this time around now that Zarin, 59, has counted herself out).
Back in November, the grande dame of drunkenly screaming in people’s faces told us, “I do not want to do the show any longer. It’s not for me at this time.”
But sources said at the time that Bravo didn’t offer her a spot, despite the fact that she was the longest-serving member of the original “RHONY” cast.
The “Legacy” spin-off, should it avoid contact catastrophe, would air on Bravo, which has traditionally hosted the “Real Housewives” franchises, or its sister streamer Peacock, which is home to “RHUGT.”
Bravo also plans to air a revamped version of “RHONY” with an all-new, self-consciously diverse cast.
I'm actually here for an UGT season of RHONY, because I feel they will be way more entertaining traveling on vacation than stuck in New York.
As problematic as Ramona has been throughout the franchise, I can't believe Bravo would be tone deaf enough to bring her back to the show, especially with the accusations that Eboni K. Williams made about her during their final season.
Then again, I'm not all that surprised that the network would invite her back, or even vet the Housewives they've had over the years, like Jen Shaw, Erika Jayne, Teresa Giudice, and most recently RHOBH newbie AnneMarie Wiley, who's husband has made transphobic comments regarding trans athletes, and is an avid supporter of Coondace Owens.
I'll definitely watch RHONY Ultimate Girls Trip :Legacy - or whatever the hell they plan on calling it, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Ramona to see if she's changed her problematic ways.
Comments