Why Bravo desperately needs RHONY to work after the reboot

Without a doubt, the Real Housewives of New York was a beloved cult classic of the Bravosphere. When the series premiered in March 2008, it was the pinnacle of entertainment. Viewers were drawn into the lives of wealthy Big Apple women who lived lives many of us could only dream of. The drama was as avant-garde as some of her fashions, but we loved it. So when Bravo When the decision was made to reboot, viewers were concerned about the success rate.

Was RHONY Season 14 just a coincidence?

Naturally, everyone was worried when season 14 of Real Housewives of New York first premiered. Plus, they were all new women and much younger. Would viewers even understand this New York? Luckily, the concrete jungle is an ever-changing landscape that always feels at home somehow. The group of new women grew stronger. We fought over sunglasses and not being able to call our parents after coming home to a girls’ dinner. In the midst of the fighting, there was solidarity and laughter. There was hope.

If the Season 15 premiere was any indication, the season is going to be a wild ride. Brynn Whitfield is on her trail since pretty much everyone has turned against the golden girl. But one successful episode doesn’t make a season. As viewers know, there have been flops before. The key to maintaining momentum is consistency. The sneak peek shows us that the fighting is only getting worse, leading to a major conflict between Brynn and Ubah Hassan. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed that this franchise doesn’t let us down.

The low-stakes RHONY drama needs to heat up

One thing that was so easy to enjoy about Season 14 of “Real Housewives of New York” was the low-key drama of the ladies. I’ll never forget how Sai De Silva turned into the Hulk after she got hungry. And how she complained about not having any food. The same goes for Jessel Taank’s husband, who was crucified for flying to Vietnam for a snack. Something about the entire narrative was so deliciously chaotic, without the stench of foul play.

Bravo viewers were urged to give the reboot a chance. And that’s what we did. Fans were repeatedly told that the reboot would be nothing like the original RHONY, and we heeded the warning. Now we want to make sure the piper gets paid. I think it’s safe to say that the reality television sphere has changed. If not, we’d still be looking at the OGs. But the fact is that ratings have dropped, meaning many of us have given up on the group. With the ever-changing landscape, fans now wanted to see women’s raw reactions. They want to experience the good, the bad and the ugly. The reboot has to succeed because the Bravo audience is smart. We won’t buy what the women are selling if it’s not real.

Bravo needs to move on from the RHONY OGs

As much as it pains me to write this for the success of Season 15, I think the network needs to step out of the OGs’ shadow. Nobody will win in a comparison battle. The RHONY ladies who started it all came from a different breed. However, if the network leans into the newer generation, I think they can have a model that stands the test of time. It’s obvious that many believe the show would be more successful if they had some of the originals in the mix, but I disagree. I think viewers would find the crossover extremely confusing.

I mean, why would Sonja Morgan hang out with Jenna Lyons? Erin Lichy wouldn’t even think about Ramona Singer and her loose lips. The women come from two very different generations. In order for the 15th season of “Real Housewives of New York” to be successful, it will have to find its own path outside of the paths already taken. Honestly, Bravo needs the reboot to be a success. The plan to turn around some other franchises is already prepared. And if RHONY somehow fails, what laurels will the company have to rely on?

Real Housewives of New York is currently streaming on Peacock.

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