The Real Housewives of Atlanta, abbreviated RHOA, is an American reality television series that premiered on Bravo on October 7, 2008. Developed as the third installment of The Real Housewives franchise, it has aired fifteen seasons and focuses on the personal and professional lives of several women residing in and around Atlanta, Georgia.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta | |
---|---|
Genre | Reality television |
Created by | Princess Banton-Lofters |
Starring |
|
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 16 |
No. of episodes | 320 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Producers |
|
Camera setup | Multiple |
Running time | 41–43 minutes |
Production companies |
|
Original release | |
Network | Bravo |
Release | October 7, 2008 present | –
Related | |
The current cast of the sixteenth season consists of Phaedra Parks, Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore, Drew Sidora, Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, Shamea Morton-Mwangi, and Angela Oakley, with former housewife Cynthia Bailey serving as a "friend of the housewives" 1. Previously-featured cast members include original housewives Lisa Wu, DeShawn Snow, NeNe Leakes Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Shereé Whitfield subsequent housewives Kandi Burruss, Claudia Jordan, Kim Fields, Shamari DeVoe, Eva Marcille, Marlo Hampton and Sanya Richards-Ross.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta has received moderately favorable reviews from critics and has been recognized as a "guilty pleasure" by several media outlets. However, the series has been criticized for appearing to fabricate portions of its storyline. It has anchored Bravo's Sunday night offerings since the show's third season in 2010,[1] eventually becoming Bravo's highest-rated program by 2014.[2]
The success of the show has resulted in ten spin-offs: Don't Be Tardy, The Kandi Factory, I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding, Kandi's Wedding, Kandi's Ski Trip, Xscape: Still Kickin' It, Kandi Koated Nights, Porsha's Having a Baby, Porsha's Family Matters and Kandi & The Gang.
Production
editSeasons 1–4
editThe Real Housewives of Atlanta was announced as the third installment in The Real Housewives franchise, intending to capitalize on the successes of its predecessors The Real Housewives of Orange County and New York City.[3] Throughout its run, the show has been led by five to seven housewives, who are credited by their first name.[4] The first season premiered on October 7, 2008, starred Lisa Wu, DeShawn Snow, NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Shereé Whitfield.[3]
Kandi Burruss joined the show in the second season, which premiered on July 30, 2009.[5] Snow did not return.[6]
Premiering on October 4, 2010, the third season saw Wu depart as a Housewife, appearing as a guest, as well as the addition of Cynthia Bailey and Phaedra Parks.[7]
The fourth season which premiered on November 6, 2011, saw no changes to the main cast, besides introducing Marlo Hampton as the first official "friend of the housewives".[8]
Seasons 5–7
editWhitfield did not return, while Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams joined the show in the fifth season which premiered on November 4, 2012.[9] Zolciak quit the show halfway through filming.
The sixth season premiered on November 3, 2013, and featured the same cast from the previous season, excluding Zolciak, making Leakes the last original housewife on Atlanta at the time.[10] Hampton returned as a guest.
The seventh season, which premiered on November 9, 2014, saw Williams demoted as a friend of the housewives, alongside Demetria McKinney, while Claudia Jordan was introduced as a main housewife.[11]
Seasons 8–11
editThe eighth season premiered on November 8, 2015, which featured Williams returning as a full-time housewife and Kim Fields joining as the latest housewife. Whitfield returned as a friend of the housewives alongside Shamea Morton.[12] Leakes and Jordan did not return as Housewives.,[13] instead featuring as guests alongside Hampton and McKinney.[14]
The ninth season premiered on November 6, 2016, with Whitfield returning in a full-time capacity. Fields did not return. Hampton made numerous guest appearances along with Morton, while original housewives Wu and Zolciak-Biermann appeared in the season finale.[15][16][17]
Leakes returned as a full-time cast member for the tenth season, which premiered on November 5, 2017.[18] Parks did not return, while Zolciak-Biermann and Hampton returned as a friend of the housewives, alongside Eva Marcille.[19][20] Morton and Wu appeared throughout the season as well.[21] Whitfield, for the second time, and Moore left the show after the tenth season.[22][23]
Marcille was promoted to a full-time capacity, alongside the addition of Shamari DeVoe for the eleventh season, which premiered on November 4, 2018. The season also introduced Tanya Sam as a new friend of the housewives, alongside Hampton. Moore appeared as a guest alongside Morton.[24]
Seasons 12–15
editThe twelfth season premiered on November 3, 2019, with Moore returning full-time, and Hampton and Sam returning in recurring capacities.[25] DeVoe did not return. Morton appeared as a guest.[26] Marcille and Leakes announced their departure from the show in June 2020 and September 2020 respectively.[27][28]
The thirteenth season premiered on December 6, 2020, with Drew Sidora joining as the newest Housewife. LaToya Ali joined as "friend of the housewives" alongside Hampton and Sam. Marcille returned as a guest alongside Morton as well as former housewives, Whitfield and Jordan.[29][30] Bailey and Williams departed the series in September 2021.[31]
The fourteenth season premiered on May 1, 2022.[32] Burruss, Moore and Sidora returned, along with Hampton being promoted to a full-time cast member, after seasons in recurring and guest capacities. Whitfield also returned as a full-time cast member for a third time, along with the additions of Sanya Richards-Ross as a Housewife, and Monyetta Shaw-Carter being introduced as a "friend of the housewives".[33] Original housewives, Snow and Wu returned as guests.[34][35]
The fifteenth season premiered on May 7, 2023. Whitfield, Burruss, Moore, Sidora, Hampton and Richards-Ross returned to the series. Shaw-Carter returned as a friend of the housewives, along with Courtney Rhodes. Morton and Ali appeared as guests, alongside former housewives: Snow, Wu, Zolciak-Biermann and Bailey.[36]
Season 16–present
editIn February 2024, it was confirmed the show would be returning for a sixteenth season when Burruss announced she had decided to depart the series. Burruss serves as the longest-running housewife, appearing on the series from seasons two to fifteen and was the first housewife across the entire franchise to reach fourteen seasons.[37] On February 13, Porsha Williams announced her return to the series via an Instagram video.[38] On February 24, Marlo Hampton announced her departure.[39] On March 17, it was revealed that Richards-Ross would not be returning for the sixteenth season.[40] On April 12, Moore officially confirmed her return to the series via an Instagram video.[41] On May 14, the cast for the sixteenth season was revealed with Williams, Moore and Sidora all returning, along with Morton-Mwangi being promoted to a full-time cast member, after appearing in recurring and guest capacities, former housewife Bailey returning as a "friend of the housewives", and newcomers Angela Oakley, Brittany Eady and Kelli Ferrell joining the cast. Whitfield departed the show for the third time.[42]
On June 14, 2024, it was revealed that Moore would immediately cease filming Season 16 indefinitely, due to allegations of an incident in which she knowingly distributed sexually explicit material depicting fellow cast member Brittany Eady.[43]
On July 29, 2024, it was announced that Phaedra Parks would be returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, after a six-season hiatus as a full-time cast member for the sixteenth season.[44]
Cast
editTimeline of cast members
editCast Member | Seasons | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
Lisa Wu | Main | Guest | Guest | Guest | ||||||||||||
DeShawn Snow | Main | Guest | ||||||||||||||
NeNe Leakes | Main | Guest | Main | |||||||||||||
Kim Zolciak-Biermann | Main | Guest | Friend | Guest | ||||||||||||
Shereé Whitfield | Main | Friend | Main | Guest | Main | |||||||||||
Kandi Burruss | Main | |||||||||||||||
Cynthia Bailey | Main | Guest | Friend | |||||||||||||
Phaedra Parks | Main | Main | ||||||||||||||
Kenya Moore | Main | Guest | Main | |||||||||||||
Porsha Williams | Main | Friend | Main | Main | ||||||||||||
Claudia Jordan | Main | Guest | Guest | |||||||||||||
Kim Fields | Main | |||||||||||||||
Eva Marcille | Friend | Main | Guest | |||||||||||||
Shamari DeVoe | Main | |||||||||||||||
Drew Sidora | Main | |||||||||||||||
Marlo Hampton | Friend | Guest | Guest | Friend | Main | |||||||||||
Sanya Richards-Ross | Main | |||||||||||||||
Shamea Morton Mwangi | Guest | Friend | Guest | Guest | Main | |||||||||||
Brittany Eady | Main | |||||||||||||||
Kelli Ferrell | Main | |||||||||||||||
Angela Oakley | Main | |||||||||||||||
Friends of the housewives | ||||||||||||||||
Demetria McKinney | Friend | Guest | ||||||||||||||
Tanya Sam | Friend | |||||||||||||||
LaToya Ali | Friend | Guest | ||||||||||||||
Monyetta Shaw-Carter | Friend | |||||||||||||||
Courtney Rhodes | Friend |
Episodes
editSeason | Episodes | Originally aired | Average Viewers | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | ||||
1 | 8 | October 7, 2008 | November 25, 2008 | 1.52 | |
2 | 16 | July 30, 2009 | November 12, 2009 | 2.71 | |
3 | 18 | October 4, 2010 | February 20, 2011 | 2.86 | |
4 | 24 | November 6, 2011 | April 22, 2012 | 2.85 | |
5 | 24 | November 4, 2012 | April 28, 2013 | 3.10 | |
6 | 27 | November 3, 2013 | May 18, 2014 | 3.73 | |
7 | 25 | November 9, 2014 | May 10, 2015 | 3.08 | |
8 | 21 | November 8, 2015 | April 10, 2016 | 2.85 | |
9 | 25 | November 6, 2016 | May 14, 2017 | 2.62 | |
10 | 22 | November 5, 2017 | April 29, 2018 | 2.20 | |
11 | 23 | November 4, 2018 | May 12, 2019 | 1.96 | |
12 | 26 | November 3, 2019 | May 24, 2020 | 1.79 | |
13 | 21 | December 6, 2020 | May 9, 2021 | 1.25 | |
14 | 20 | May 1, 2022 | September 25, 2022 | 0.95 | |
15 | 18 | May 7, 2023 | September 10, 2023 | 0.87 |
Storylines
editIn its series premiere, The Real Housewives of Atlanta introduced Wu-Hartwell, Snow, Leakes, Zolciak and Whitfield. Leakes and Whitfield were in the midst of a personal conflict, which escalated after Leakes was excluded from Whitfield's birthday party.[45] Meanwhile, Zolciak was revealed to be dating a publicly unknown boyfriend nicknamed "Big Papa",[45] and later decided to pursue her aspirations of becoming a country music singer.[46] Her friendship with Leakes deteriorated after she established a companionship with Whitfield,[47] and was ended after Leakes made sarcastic remarks about Zolciak's music career.[48] Snow and Wu-Hartwell additionally looked to establish prominence as a socialite and a jewelry designer, respectively.[47] Whitfield attempted to launch her own fashion line and organize a lunch for the women to reconcile,[49] although both ventures proved unsuccessful in the finale of the first season.[50]
The second season saw the exit of Snow and the introduction of Burruss, who had recently become engaged to her boyfriend A.J. and expressed interest in reviving her music career.[51][52] An attempted reconciliation between Leakes, Whitfield, and Zolciak failed to come to fruition,[53] with Whitfield notably tugging on Zolciak's wig to "shift it a little bit". Meanwhile, a feud developed between Leakes and Burruss after the latter became friends with Zolciak and helped her record her single "Tardy for the Party".[54] Meanwhile, Zolciak attempted to launch her own wig line and became engaged to Big Poppa,[51][55] while Wu-Hartwell and Whitfield launched their own clothing collections.[56][57]
The third season saw the exit of Wu as a Housewife, and the introduction of Bailey and Parks,[58][59] while Leakes and Zolciak reconciled as the former contemplated divorcing her husband Gregg and the latter began a lesbian relationship.[58] Parks, who was in the middle of her pregnancy,[58] clashed with her husband Apollo Nida over their differing opinions on parenting;[60] she gave birth later in the season.[61] Meanwhile, Zolciak and Burruss continued recording music together, although they clashed over their creative differences.[62] Bailey later became engaged to her boyfriend Peter Thomas, while Zolciak set her affections on football player Kroy Biermann;[63] a conflict between Burruss, Leakes, and Zolciak later ensued while the latter two women embark on a promotional concert tour.[64] Against the advice of her mother and sister, Bailey married Thomas in the third-season finale.[65]
The fourth season begins with Hampton being introduced as a 'friend of the housewives', as Zolciak was in the middle of her first pregnancy by her boyfriend Biermann;[66] she later gave birth to their son.[67] Leakes continued divorce proceedings with Gregg,[68] while Whitfield found herself in financial difficulties after her ex-husband failed to pay child support.[69] Meanwhile, Bailey opened her own modeling agency,[70] while Parks looked to launch a family-operated funeral home.[71] Leakes's new friendship with Hampton caused tension between all of the women, which escalated during a group vacation in South Africa;[72] while Zolciak, who had remained home with her children, became upset by negative comments Bailey (not Burruss) made about her during the group vacation.[73] As the season closed, Leakes began to reconsider her divorce from Gregg.[74]
The fifth season saw Whitfield exit as a Housewife for the first time and introduced former Miss USA Moore and football player Kordell Stewart's wife Williams,[75][76] Leakes reconciled with Gregg and pondered the possibility of remarrying him.[75] Zolciak was forced to move out of her mansion, which she and Biermann had attempted to purchase less than a year earlier,[77] Leakes began to question Moore's seemingly unfaithful behavior towards her boyfriend Walter during a group trip to Anguilla, which began a feud between Leakes and Williams against Moore.[78] Moore wished to marry Walter although their relationship had begun to deteriorate,[79] while Parks and Moore created competing workout DVDs after plans to make the project a joint venture proved unsuccessful.[80] Toward the end of the season, Williams attempted to revive her failing marriage to Stewart with therapist sessions.[81]
The sixth season saw the first exit of Zolciak. Williams realized her marriage to Stewart was not salvageable as the season commenced,[82] while Leakes became upset with Moore after the latter went against "girl code" by inappropriately communicating with Nida.[83] Moore moved out of her rental property after being evicted, while Leakes returned to Atlanta full-time after her television series The New Normal was canceled.[84] Burruss struggled to manage the conflict between her estranged mother Joyce and her longtime boyfriend Todd Tucker,[85] although they attempted to reconcile as the couple became engaged and began planning their nuptials.[86] In a later attempt to salvage the relationships between the women, Leakes hosted a couples pajama party for their group,[87] although the women continued to clash with one another; a later spa gathering failed to resolve residual tension between Leakes and Moore.[88] Meanwhile, Williams attempted to launch her career as an actress after being cast in Burruss's musical.[89] After two seasons of feuding between Williams and Moore, a verbal war ensues at the reunion. It leads to Williams pulling Moore's hair and dragging her across the floor. She was charged with assault.
The seventh season sees Williams demoted to a 'friend of' role, replaced by Jordan, introduced as a friend of Moore's, where the latter helps Jordan adjust to Atlanta life. Jordan and Williams struggle to bond despite working for the same radio company. Parks' husband Nida is charged with bank fraud and identity theft, and in turn, was sentenced to 8 years of prison time. After Nida's behavior became increasingly erratic prior to his conviction, Parks sought refuge in other accommodation. Nida, in retaliation, alleges in conversation with Bailey's husband Thomas that Parks has been having an affair. Bailey brings this rumor to light at a group dinner, orchestrating chaos between Moore and Parks. Parks grows upset about Burruss' lack of defence of her, finding solace with Williams and Leakes. The cast becomes increasingly divided, with one alliance forming between Parks, Williams, and Leakes, and another between Moore, Jordan, and Bailey, while Burruss remains neutral. Leakes makes her Broadway debut as Madame in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, and has come to blows with most members of the group. Leakes bows out of a group trip to Manila, where Parks and Moore reconcile after a years-long feud.
The eighth season sees Williams return to her original capacity as a Housewife, alongside new addition Fields. Leakes is demoted to an extended guest capacity, Jordan does not return, and Whitfield returns as a 'friend'. A video of Bailey's husband Thomas allegedly being unfaithful circulates, leading to a confrontation by Moore to Thomas at Bailey's eyewear line launch party. Moore also clashes with street neighbour Whitfield regarding the construction of both homes. Moore reaches out to Fields' production company regarding her television show pilot. However, Moore begins to increasingly grow more irritated of Fields' condescending behaviour towards her and it falls through. Williams' anger comes into question throughout the season, such as her involvement in a physical altercation with Bailey on a group yacht trip. The group fly to Miami bringing along friend of Cynthia, Tammy McCall-Browning. McCall-Browning's nephew fights with Moore as she feels threatened by him and knocks unconscious aunt McCall-Browning. Bailey chooses Fields' company over Moore's to produce a commercial for her eyewear line in Jamaica. The group head to Jamaica, joined by NeNe and Gregg Leakes, to holiday and shoot the commercial. Parks, a newly single mother following her husbands' arrest, and Burruss' friendship begins to decline.
The ninth season sees Fields and Leakes depart the show, the ladder for the first time. Whitfield returns as a full-time housewife, while Zolciak-Biermann and Hampton return in a guest capacity. Parks spends the season coping with her divorce from Nida. She has ended her friendship with Burruss and forms a close friendship with Williams (who together are deemed "Frick and Frack"). Williams claims she has a source that says Burruss and Tucker conspired to rape her using drugs; this accusation leads to a feud between them, as well as tensions within the group due to its severity. Bailey's marriage to Thomas unravels, and she too begins divorce proceedings with some guilt. Moore beings dating Matt Jordan, but the relationship turns abusive, and she has difficulty in breaking up with him. She and Whitfield also complete construction on their homes, continuing to clash over their decorations. Moore upsets Whitfield by going with Burruss into her home's unfinished basement, which begins a feud with Zolciak-Biermann after the ladder makes disparaging remarks about Moore. Whitfield coins herself as "the bone collector". In the final reunion episodes, Williams reveals that she learned about the claim from Parks, who had seemingly created the claim vindictively against Burruss.
The tenth season sees the firing of Parks over fabricating the rape accusation and other aspects of her storyline.[90][91] Leakes returns as a full-time housewife, while Zolciak-Biermann returns as a 'friend' through Whitfield. Hampton and Eva Marcille join as 'friends' through their connections to Leakes. Williams attempts to reconcile with the women over her role in Parks' smear campaign against Burruss throughout the season. While on the group vacation in Barcelona, a fight between her and Hampton results in her going back home early. Leakes nurses her husband through health issues while revitalizing her acting career by doing stand-up. Burruss launches a restaurant with her relatives and prepares to launch a reunion tour for her former girl group Xscape. Burruss invites Leakes to open for the group on the tour but is forced to drop her after a confrontation between Leakes and a heckler creates controversy. Bailey begins to date following her divorce from Thomas but finds conflict with Marcille when she accuses her new beau of cheating on his girlfriend with Bailey. Moore returns married to New York entrepreneur Mark Daly, the legality of which is met with skepticism from Zolciak-Biermann and Hampton. She finds her marriage under pressure due to their long-distance relationship and his reluctance to be in the public eye. Whitfield alienates the other women due to her friendship with Zolciak-Biermann, whose feuds with the other women draw accusations of racism.
The eleventh season saw the return of most of the cast members with the exception of Moore and Whitfield. Shamari DeVoe, wife of R&B legend and member of New Edition, Ronnie DeVoe was introduced as a full-time cast member along with fashion model Eva Marcille, who was featured last season as a friend. Marlo Hampton returned as a friend of the housewives along with Tanya Sam and Yovanna Momplaisir. This season, Williams finds love in her new boyfriend Dennis McKinley. The ladies are skeptical of McKinley because of his reputation in Atlanta, more specifically Burruss who tried to warn Williams about him. Williams then reveals that she is expecting her first child with McKinley and begins to clash with Burruss. DeVoe gets a warm reception from most of the ladies except Hampton who made several comments about DeVoe’s marriage and children. Bailey is navigating a new love interest in Mike Hill while also preparing college bound Noelle for her departure to Howard University. Marcille prepares for her wedding while also juggling her living situation as she seeks for her family’s safety when she gets surprising news about her daughter’s father’s whereabouts. Marcille also clashes with Hampton after she reveals that Marcille’s bridesmaids were leaking information about her lifestyle and her finances. Burruss and husband Todd celebrate the opening of their new restaurant while also promoting their live show “Welcome to the Dungeon”, which was inspired by allegations made about Burruss-Tucker and Williams in season nine. Burruss has also revealed her plans on expanding her family and even considering surrogacy. Leakes is dealing with the struggles of being a caretaker to her husband Gregg, who is battling cancer. The ladies rally around the Leakes family as cracks also begin to show in Nene and Gregg’s marriage. Leakes begins to question her relationships with the ladies after the Bye Wig party that erupted in chaos after Burruss and Williams went into Leakes closet without her permission. Moore’s surprises the ladies at Bailey’s event in the season finale and reveals her own pregnancy with husband Marc Daly, which upsets Leakes who feels betrayed by Bailey. The season reunion episodes showcased the ladies accusing Hampton of being a serial instigator and Leakes divides her friendship with the ladies.
The twelfth season saw the departure of DeVoe and the return of Moore as a full-time housewife. Sam, Hampton, and Momplaisir return as friends of the housewives. Moore and Williams share a bonding experience as new mothers, which simmers down their longtime tumultuous relationship. Burruss focuses on acting while awaiting the arrival of her baby girl after her and Tucker decided to go through the surrogacy process and clashing over differing parenting methods. Bailey is eagerly waiting for her boyfriend Mike Hill to pop the question and attempts to rebuild her relationship with Leakes after not speaking since the season eleven reunion. Moore struggles with being a new mother while also noticing cracks in her marriage. Growing pains her relationship with husband Daly eventually come to a head after the charity event, which leads to Moore filing for divorce before the ladies trip to Greece. Williams deals with being a new mother to her baby girl PJ with McKinley. As rumors surface of McKinley’s infidelity, Williams calls off the engagement and breaks up with him after it was revealed that he was being unfaithful even during Williams’ pregnancy. Marcille enjoys married life and settles into her new home with her husband Michael Sterling and is now moving forward with steps of changing her daughter’s last name to Sterling. Marcille gives birth to her first child with Sterling. Sam and Moore have feud when a woman who is dubbed the “Cookie Lady” brings information about Sam’s fiancé being unfaithful. Leakes tries to reconcile with the ladies with moderate success. The ladies also deal with a rumor spread by Leakes that someone secretly recorded Bailey talking badly about her which then leads the ladies to confronting Momplaisir and Hampton who are believed to know who the “snake” is. A tense confrontation amongst the group leads to a near violent encounter when they address “Snakegate” on the Toronto trip. While Burruss and Tucker prep for their baby shower for the arrival of their new baby girl, new tensions reignite Tucker’s feud with his mother-in-law, leading to her absence at the party. Moore and Leakes growing feud reaches a point of no return. The season twelve reunion episodes were produced using remote techniques in the wake of the pandemic, so the ladies were home and on Zoom. Moore and Williams discuss newfound issues and the ladies get candid about “Snakegate” which leads to Leakes closing her computer and not continuing the show with the rest of the cast.
Reception
editCritical response
editThe Real Housewives of Atlanta has been moderately well received by critics. Writing for Common Sense Media, Melissa Camacho spoke favorably of the series' emphasis on "a successful and powerful segment of the African-American community" that appears to be frequently neglected by the popular television.[92] Tim Hall from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer commented of his general distaste for reality television, particularly describing The Real Housewives of Orange County as "utterly ridiculous". However, he admitted that the dynamic and conflict between the women, in addition to the wealthy lifestyles they led, to be "somewhat entertaining".[93] In a more mixed review, Alessandra Stanley from The New York Times joked that its portrayal of wealth served as "the best choice for a time capsule of the Bling Decade" when noting the economic downturn the United States experienced around the time that the series premiered, although more seriously stated that the housewives' luxuries "was never all that enviable, and now it looks as if it might not be viable."[94] Hanh Nguyen from Zap2It shared a similar sentiment, criticizing that the "showy elite and rampant consumerism" that the women regularly display "seems rather out of touch" given the United States' economic hardship, although she elaborated that the program "[is] not by any means boring, but you do have to be in the mood to watch."[95]
The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been recognized as a "guilty pleasure" by several media outlets. Writing for About.com, Latoya West commented that the "self-absorbed" nature of the housewives may become irritating to viewers, but noted that the series' "divalicious drama might be addictive."[96][97] In 2009, a writer from Essence mentioned that they "couldn't get enough of the ladies" from the program, and recognized it as the best reality show of the year.[98] Writing for Today, Leslie Bruce commented that The Real Housewives franchise in general rose to prominence for its depiction of "foul-mouthed, often catfighting and always self-promoting" women, and stated that they "dominate water-cooler discussions [...] by showcasing at times the worst of female behavior."[99]
In December 2013, Williams received additional criticism for comments made in an episode aired during the sixth season, where she indicated that she believed the Underground Railroad was an actual railroad line.[100]
American television ratings
editThe Real Housewives of Atlanta is the most popular of the Real Housewives franchise. In 2016, a study from The New York Times of the 50 television shows with the most Facebook Likes found that it was "most popular in the Black Belt, but maintains fairly consistent popularity everywhere" in the US.[101]
The first season maintained an average of 1.495 million weekly viewers; Bravo announced that the series had become the first program from the network to "crack the two million viewer mark among adults 18–49."[102] The premiere episode of the second season was watched by 2.66 million people, setting the record for the highest-rated The Real Housewives premiere episode in the franchise's history at the time.[103] The third season averaged a weekly viewership of 3.6 million people,[104] while the fourth and fifth seasons premiered with 2.8 million and 3.2 million viewers, respectively.[105][106] The sixth-season premiere was watched by 3.1 million people; with 1.9 million viewers being classified in the adults 25–54 demographic, it became the highest-rated episode in this target demographic.[107] As of February 2014, The Real Housewives of Atlanta is the highest-rated installment of The Real Housewives franchise, and is additionally the most-watched series airing on Bravo.[108] The premiere episode of the seventh season attracted over 3.8 million viewers during its initial broadcast on November 9, 2014, including 2.2 million viewers in the 18–49 demographic via Nielsen ratings. It marked as the most watched season premiere ever to air on Bravo. However, viewership has dropped to an all-time low, averaging 1.2 million viewers weekly throughout its 13th season.[109]
Broadcast history
editThe Real Housewives of Atlanta airs regularly on Bravo in the United States;[110] most episodes are approximately one hour in length,[111] and are broadcast in standard definition and high definition.[112] Since its premiere, the series has alternated airing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings and has been frequently shifted between the 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 PM timeslots.[110]
References
edit- ^ "'Real Housewives of Atlanta' moving to Sundays". CNN. October 25, 2010. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ David Hinckley (March 4, 2015). "'Real Housewives of Atlanta' is the top-rated show in Bravo's reality franchise". New York Daily News. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ a b "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Tierney Bricker (November 11, 2015). "The Real Housewives of Potomac: Everything You Need to Know About Bravo's 6 New Ladies". E! Online. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Andy Dehnart (January 16, 2009). "DeShawn fired from Real Housewives for being "too human for a circus show"". Reality Blurred. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7 Cast Info". Bravo. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Rosenfeld, Laura (December 18, 2015). "Who is Cynthia Bailey's Friend Tammy McCall Browning?". Bravo. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (June 22, 2015). "Claudia Jordan Leaving Real Housewives of Atlanta as Full-Time Cast Member". E! Online. NBCUniversal. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 28, 2015). "First Look at #RHOA Season 8: Kim Fields Joins the Crew & Sheree Whitfield Returns". Bravo Media. NBCuniversal. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
- ^ Tierney, Bricker (September 28, 2016). ""Where's Security?" The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 9 Trailer Is Full of Drama, Rumors and Sheree". E! News. NBCUniversal. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
- ^ Alexander, Brenda (May 2, 2021). "'RHOA': Shamea Morton Explains Why She Doesn't Have a Peach". CheatSheet. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ Hawkins, Kalya (May 1, 2017). "Shamea Morton Made A Big 'RHOA' Impression At The Reunion". Bustle. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
- ^ Quinn, Dave (June 14, 2017). "'All Hail the Queen!' NeNe Leakes Is Returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta". People. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (July 18, 2017). "Kim Zolciak-Biermann Returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta". E! Online. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
- ^ Komonito, Ineye (January 19, 2018). "Things You Need to Know About The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Eva Marcille". Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- ^ Rosenfeld, Laura (September 19, 2017). "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Returns This November: Get Your First Look at the "Juicy" Season 10". Bravo. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
- ^ "Shereé Whitfield Is Leaving Real Housewives of Atlanta After 'Low Ball' Season 11 Offer: 'Know Your Worth'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
- ^ "Kenya Moore Was 'Disappointed' to Leave RHOA — But Is Open to Coming Back: 'Never Say Never'". People. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Returns for a Life-Changing Season 11". Bravo TV Official Site. October 1, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
- ^ Alexander, Brenda (January 17, 2020). "RHOA: Who Is Friend To The Show, Yovanna Momplaisir?". CheatSheet. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Relationships and Friendships Explode in Season 12 Trailer". People. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Eva Marcille Explains Her Exit From "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta" RSMS". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
- ^ "Listen Closely, I got something to tell you! - Nene Leakes via YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021.
- ^ Chambers, Hannah (January 26, 2021). "Shamea Morton Says This RHOA Moment Was a "Big Deal" to Her". Bravo. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ Rosenfeld, Laura (October 29, 2020). "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Returns for Season 13 with a New Cast Member". Bravo TV. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ Curto, Justin (September 30, 2021). "Porsha Williams Is Leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta (But Not Bravo)". Vulture. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ "'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' Cast Will Miss Porsha Williams And Cynthia Bailey". The Inquisitr. October 4, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 14 Cast Announced". Bravo TV Official Site. October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
- ^ Abedian, Anita (July 11, 2022). "Sanya Addresses Her Tense Moment with This OG RHOA Housewife at Sheree's Slumber Party". The Daily Dish. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Witter, Brad (July 17, 2022). "Fatum Alford Is Really Coming For Drew Sidora On RHOA Season 14". Bustle. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (March 30, 2023). "'The Real Housewives Of Atlanta' Season 15 Trailer Drops With Kandi Burruss Blasting Marlo Hampton & OG Peaches Returning". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- ^ Earl, William (February 4, 2024). "Kandi Burruss Says She's Leaving 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta': 'I'm Going to Take a Break'". Variety. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
- ^ Wenger, Stephanie (February 13, 2024). "Porsha Williams Guobadia Will Return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta for Season 16". People. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ Quinn, Dave (February 24, 2024). "Marlo Hampton Departs The Real Housewives of Atlanta Ahead of Season 16: 'A Fresh Start'". People. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (March 17, 2024). "Sanya Richards-Ross Exiting 'The Real Housewives Of Atlanta' After 2 Seasons & Amid Cast Shakeup". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 12, 2024). "Kenya Moore Will Return for RHOA Season 16: "Longest Standing Peach"". Bravo). Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ Quinn, Dave (May 14, 2024). "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Sets Cast for Season 16 After Shakeup: Meet the New Housewives". People. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ Dominic, Anthony (June 14, 2024). "Kenya Moore Suspended From 'RHOA' Production, May Lose Spot on Show". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ Quinn, Dave (July 29, 2024). "Phaedra Parks Joins Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 After Kenya Moore Departure: 'You Called, I Answered'". People. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Welcome One, Welcome ATL". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 6, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Who's Your Poppa?". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 21, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ a b "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Bring on the Bling". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 28, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Out of Tune". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 4, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Dream a Little Nightmare". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 11, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2008.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 1 Best of Enemies". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 18, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ a b "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 New Attitude, Same ATL". Bravo. NBCUniversal. July 30, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Kim-Tervention". Bravo. NBCUniversal. August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Unbeweavable". Bravo. NBCUniversal. August 13, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Precious Pocketbook". Bravo. NBCUniversal. September 24, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 High Heels and Record Deals". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 8, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Throwing Shade". Bravo. NBCUniversal. September 10, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 2 Catwalks & Cat Fights". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 22, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Episode 1: New Attitude". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 4, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Episode 2: Model Behavior". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 11, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Episode 3: White Hot". Bravo. NBCUniversal. October 18, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Is There A Doctor In The House?". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 21, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 Trashed Collection". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 7, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 She Can Dance?". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 14, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 NeNe Get Your Gun". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 28, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 3 The Bride and the Doom". Bravo. NBCUniversal. January 30, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 1: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 6, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 6: Three Wigs and a Baby". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 11, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 3: Shower the Baby, Muzzle the Boy". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 20, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 5: Whine Bar". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 4, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 8: New Tricks". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 18, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 9: Unlikely Duos". Bravo. NBCUniversal. January 8, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 13: Make It Rain Down in Africa". Bravo. NBCUniversal. February 12, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 15: From Motherland to Haterville". Bravo. NBCUniversal. March 4, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 Episode 17: The Error Apparents". Bravo. NBCUniversal. March 18, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ a b "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 1: Got Sexy Back". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 4, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 3: Call Me Miss U.S.A." Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 18, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 4: Unmoved". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 25, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 7: I Do...But, I Won't". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 16, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 10: Off the Hook". Bravo. NBCUniversal. January 10, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 12: Battle of the Booty". Bravo. NBCUniversal. January 20, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 Ep 19: Donktabulous!". Bravo. NBCUniversal. March 24, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 1: Bye Bye With The Wind". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 3, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 2: Girl Code Breakers". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 10, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 3: All in a Day's Twerk". Bravo. NBCUniversal. November 17, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 5: Save the Drama for Mama". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 1, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 6: The Old Lady and the Shoe". Bravo. NBCUniversal. December 8, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 13: Pillow Talk or Pillow Fight?". Bravo. NBCUniversal. January 26, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 14: Peaches Divided". Bravo. NBCUniversal. February 9, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 6 Ep 15: Dropping the Ball". Bravo. NBCUniversal. February 16, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Bricker, Tierney (May 8, 2017). "Phaedra Parks Is Not Returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta". E! News. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
- ^ Zimmerman, Amy (May 9, 2017). "'Real Housewives' Star Phaedra Parks Reportedly Fired Over Rape, Drugging Rumors". The Daily Beast. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
- ^ Melissa Camacho (October 17, 2008). "The Real Housewives of Atlanta". Common Sense Media. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Tim Hall (November 11, 2008). "The Real Housewives of Atlanta". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Alessandra Stanley (October 9, 2008). "Shop as if There's No Tomorrow". The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Hanh Nguyen (October 6, 2008). "TV Review: 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'". Zap2It. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Layota West. "The Real Housewives of Atlanta". About.com. IAC. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "Guilty Pleasures Reality TV Showdown: 'Real Housewives' of Atlanta vs. New Jersey". Entertainment Weekly. December 3, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "Year In Review: 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'". Essence. December 28, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Leslie Bruce (January 9, 2012). "'Real Housewives': The guiltiest pleasure on TV". Today. NBC. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Wade Rouse (December 23, 2013). "Real Housewives of Atlanta's Porsha Stewart Thinks the Underground Railroad Was a Real Train". People. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Katz, Josh (December 27, 2016). "'Duck Dynasty' vs. 'Modern Family': 50 Maps of the U.S. Cultural Divide". The New York Times.
- ^ Andy Dehnart (December 17, 2008). "Atlanta housewives renewed; parts of show faked; four of five housewives called "broke"". Reality Blurred. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "Bam! Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" Garners Biggest Series Premiere Among Entire Housewives Franchise with Nearly Four Million Cumulative Viewers". The Futon Critic. July 31, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (September 26, 2011). "NeNe's Back! As Bravo's "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta" Returns November 6". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (November 8, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead,' 'Hell On Wheels' Lead AMC + 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "Sunday's Cable Ratings: Another Monster Showing for AMC's "Walking Dead"". The Futon Critic. November 26, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Jethro Nededog (November 5, 2013). "'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Scores Highest-Rated Season Premiere". The Wrap. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 19, 2014). "Bravo and Oxygen Media Score Record Ratings on Sunday Night". TV by the Numbers (Press release). Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
- ^ "Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7 premiere breaks Bravo record". The Grio. November 12, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
- ^ a b "Shows A-Z – real housewives of atlanta, the on bravo". The Futon Critic. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "iTunes – TV Shows – The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 1". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. March 2, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
- ^ "iTunes – TV Shows – The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 5". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. November 4, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2014.