Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (“RHOC”) premiered in 2006, kicking off the start of a reality television universe that has since grown to countless spinoffs, hundreds of episodes, and too many quotable lines to name. Created by reality TV producer Scott Dunlop, “RHOC” is currently in its 19th season, with several other “Real Housewives” series not far behind, including “The Real Housewives of New York City” (“RHONY”), “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (“RHOBH”), “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (“RHONJ”), and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (“RHOA”). If you’re dreaming of becoming the next breakout star (or iconic villain) on a “Real Housewives” series, here’s how Bravo finds its leading ladies.
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The exact events and storylines differ in every “Real Housewives” series, but the premise for each installment of the franchise is the same. The show follows the personal lives of affluent women in various cities, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their inner circles, careers, social interactions, and the drama that unfolds. The unscripted episodes, which are filmed in a documentary-style format, are known for their quirky sound editing and video cutaways that add a comedic element.
Active “Real Housewives” series:
- “The Real Housewives of Orange County” ("RHOC")
- “The Real Housewives of New York City” ("RHONY")
- “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” ("RHOA")
- “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (“RHONJ”)
- “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (“RHOBH”)
- “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (“RHOP”)
- “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” (“RHOSLC”)
- “The Real Housewives of Miami” (“RHOM”)
- "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" ("RHORI" and recently announced)
“Real Housewives” series that are no longer running:
- “The Real Housewives of Dallas”
- “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
- “The Real Housewives of D.C.”
The cast for each “Real Housewives” series varies, but the show has launched numerous notable personalities throughout its tenure. Some of the most famous cast members include:
- Lisa Vanderpump, “RHOBH”
- Kyle Richards, “RHOBH”
- Kim Richards, “RHOBH”
- Yolanda Hadid, “RHOBH”
- Lisa Rinna, “RHOBH”
- Bethenny Frankel, “RHONY”
- Sonja Morgan, “RHONY”
- Ramona Singer, “RHONY”
- Luann de Lesseps, “RHONY”
- NeNe Leakes, “RHOA”
- Kandi Burruss, “RHOA”
- Tamra Judge, “RHOC”
- Heather Dubrow, “RHOC”
- Shannon Storms Beador, “RHOC”
- Vicki Gunvalson, “RHOC”
- Teresa Giudice, “RHONJ”
- Melissa Gorga, “RHONJ”
- Larsa Pippen, “RHOM”
- Marysol Patton, “RHOM”
- Lisa Hochstein, “RHOM”
- Gizelle Bryant, “RHOP”
- Robyn Dixon, “RHOP”
- Candiace Dillard Bassett, “RHOP”
- Ashley Darby, “RHOP”
- Heather Gay, “RHOSLC”
- Jen Shah, “RHOSLC”
- Lisa Barlow, “RHOSLC”
Throughout the seasons, “The Real Housewives” has worked with multiple CDs, including Jennifer Redinger (“Hell’s Kitchen,” “Big Brother”), Matthew Solomon (“Below Deck Mediterranean”), Jessica Jorgensen (“Queer Eye,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker”), and Chanel Perrillo (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”). Bravo host Andy Cohen, an executive producer for the “Real Housewives” franchise, also plays a significant role in casting and approving new Housewives.
Knowing someone in the current cast definitely gives you an advantage if you’re hoping to join “The Real Housewives.” That said, the door isn’t completely closed to outsiders, and producers do keep an eye out for fresh faces who aren’t already in the “Housewives” circle. That’s where things like audition tapes, social media presence, and casting screenings come into play.
Wondering how you can land a role on a future “Real Housewives” series? We suggest expanding your social media circle and submitting audition tapes to increase your visibility. You can also keep an eye out for reality TV casting calls using these guides:
And finally, boost your chances of getting noticed with these helpful articles and tips: