Bravo’s hit franchise, “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” has been a favorite since its start in 2016. As one of the only Housewives franchises to maintain a steady cast, viewers are shocked to hear that some longtime cast members will not return for Season 9.
“RHOP” has recently been under fire for its lackluster Season 8. Fans have taken to social media to share their disgust with Season 8, calling it dull compared to previous seasons. They also noted that the storylines went too far at times. Bravo has seemingly heard the fans and is taking action because the “RHOP” Season 9 cast will look slightly different.
Fans hope that some housewives will be left behind.
After a less-than-favorable season, fans have voiced their opinions on who should stay and who should go. Ashley Darby, Gizelle Bryant, and Robyn Dixon top the list of who fans believe should receive a pink slip. Viewers have expressed much disdain for the three ladies’ presence on the show.
Although they were fan favorites when the show began airing in 2016, BFFs Bryant and Dixon were not praised during Season 8. Bryant has been called out for her consistent lack of accountability and nasty spirit.
As for Dixon, both fans and the other housewives have felt that the mother of two has not been candid about her relationship with her husband, Juan Dixon. (Juan) Dixon has been involved in many scandals related to infidelity since they remarried in 2023. However, (Robyn) Dixon has remained tight-lipped and less than forthright about the situation.
This is disheartening to her fellow housewives because they feel that they signed up to share their lives on camera. While some things are better left private, Dixon often leaves out major details. To many viewers’ delight, on April 15, 2023, Dixon confirmed that she had been fired from RHOP and would not be returning for Season 9.
Ashley Darby has tanked in likeability, as fans grouped Darby, Bryant, and Dixon together for their ignorance of colorism within the group. Not to mention, fans and some housewives believe that Darby has a reputation for starting drama within the group and hiding her hands — case in point, the brawl between Keiarna Stewart and Darby’s friend Deborah.
Wendy Osefo and Candiace Dillard-Bassett have been calling the three housewives out on their privileges as light-skin women since Season 7. Osefo and Dillard-Bassett have also stated that they have been held accountable in ways Darby, Bryant, and Dixon have not.
Per various sources, the “RHOP” Season 9 cast will look different.
Since the end of Season 8, many viewers have speculated which housewives will stay or leave. As mentioned, Dixon will not be returning for season 9. MEFeater reported that Dillard-Bassett announced her exit from the show on March 25, 2024, due to her pregnancy.
Rumors have floated around about the fate of Season 8 newcomer Nneka Ihim. According to TV Deets, Ihim was not asked back to the show. However, neither Bravo nor Ihim herself has yet to confirm the rumor. Some viewers have protested the news of her possible exit from the show, as they feel that Ihim deserves a second chance.
Viewers also expressed their desire for Osefo’s friend, Kiearna Stewart, to return for Season 9. TV Deets first reported that Stewart would not appear in the upcoming season. Later, they shared that Stewart signed a contract at the last minute. Bravo and Stewart have not confirmed this new development.
Although Bravo has not officially announced a final cast, housewives Karen Huger, Giselle Bryant, Wendy Osefo, Ashley Darby, and Mia Thornton are expected to return. In addition, TV Deets shared that Stacey Rusch will be joining Season 9 as a full-time housewife, although Bravo has not confirmed the news. So, it’ll be interesting to see which housewives, old and new, make the cut.
Which “RHOP” housewife is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more reality TV news and updates!
