Former Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member NeNe Leakes has some thoughts about casting for Season 16. Following a rough few years, it’s unsurprising the Bravoverse has been up in arms regarding the future of one of their favorite shows. Since NeNe’s departure in 2020, these Georgia peaches have struggled to keep things interesting.
Shereé Whitfield returned after leaving the series twice before. Marlo Hampton was upgraded to a series regular role after years of being a “friend-of.” They brought in musicians and actors — even an Olympic gold medalist — and still can’t capture the audience.
Once Season 15 wrapped, rumors began circulating that a massive overhaul — Real Housewives of New York style — was headed toward Georgia. Although sources close to production denied the news, veteran Housewife Kandi Burruss seemingly confirmed there was trouble down South. “They [Bravo] are still working on the new cast, so I can’t tell you anything,” she said. “They being real trippin’. They acting like people don’t have a life. People got lives around here. We gotta make plans for other things.”
Producer Leakes gives her opinion on the cast
Since her messy exit from Bravo and the Real Housewives franchise, NeNe hasn’t shied away from sharing her thoughts about the show online. “I think for us [the OG RHOA cast], the relationships started changing, the stories to me, Season 4 or 5. We were real. I often look at them and say that everybody on there is making sh*t up,” the RHOA OG said in September 2023.
So, does she think it’s time to revamp the show and start fresh? “Yes. … They should,” NeNe told TMZ. “If they’re going to keep those same girls over and over … it’s not a good look.”
NeNe later clarified she was only joking before admitting her statements were partially true. “I think they should keep a couple,” she continued before adding, “half of the cast should go.”
It’s still unclear what Bravo plans on doing with the next season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but since they’re taking their time with casting, maybe now is the time for a NeNe and Andy Cohen reconciliation. Let’s make it happen, folks!
TELL US — WHAT DO YOU THINK OF NENE’S COMMENTS? SHOULD HALF OF THE CAST GO?
