Andy Cohen recently addressed the cancellation of the Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) reunion show and the delay of BravoCon, amidst ongoing legal battles involving the network. Speaking at a Tribeca event with Anderson Cooper, Cohen confirmed that the RHONJ reunion special would not take place for the first time in the show’s history. He hinted that viewers would understand the decision once they see the season finale, which has been marred by escalating tensions between stars Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga.
Cohen also dispelled rumors about casting changes for the next season, stating that no discussions had taken place yet. He hinted at a potential revamp for the 15th season but emphasized that the focus was currently on wrapping up the current season. “We are gonna cross next season as that comes,” he said, indicating that the future of the show remains fluid.
The conversation also touched on BravoCon, the fan convention that has become a staple for Bravo enthusiasts. Despite its success, Cohen revealed that it was “too soon” for another event this year. He expressed uncertainty about the next location, although the network had previously announced that BravoCon would return to Las Vegas in 2025. “I hope it’s in Vegas, but I don’t know where it’s going to be,” Cohen said, reflecting the ongoing planning process.
An audience member raised concerns about the increasing litigious nature of the show, referencing lawsuits from former cast members like Leah McSweeney and Brandi Glanville. McSweeney had sued Bravo and Cohen, alleging a toxic workplace environment, while Glanville accused Cohen of sending her an inappropriate recording. Cohen responded confidently, stating, “We keep doing exactly what we’re doing, because the truth is the truth, and we are proud of how we conduct ourselves and how we produce these shows.”
The discussion also touched on a recent profile of Cohen in New York Magazine, which dubbed him “The Last Inappropriate Man on Television.” The article had sparked controversy, with former RHONY star Carole Radziwill criticizing Cohen on social media. Radziwill accused Cohen of being vindictive and suggested that his response to the article confirmed her point.
The cancellation of the RHONJ reunion show has been a significant talking point, especially given the long-standing tensions among the cast. The show, which premiered in 2009, has been one of Bravo’s most successful franchises. However, the ongoing feud between Giudice and Gorga has made it challenging to bring the cast together for a traditional reunion. “A reunion is meant to have resolution, and it’s clear in the season final that there is no path forward in that type of setting,” an insider told People Magazine.
The network is reportedly exploring alternative ways to wrap up the season, given the impossibility of a conventional reunion. This decision marks a significant shift in how the show has traditionally concluded its seasons. The cast, including Dolores Catania, Margaret Josephs, Jennifer Aydin, Danielle Cabral, Rachel Fuda, Jackie Goldschneider, and Jenn Fessler, has been divided, with various members suspended from filming due to on-set altercations.
Cohen also addressed the issue of leaks from the RHONJ production, expressing his frustration. “I hate leaks as you can imagine because it just, I mean that’s what was so fun about that Reality Von Tease thing. It was like no one knew about it and it was just so fun as a viewer,” he said. He acknowledged the deep-seated distrust among the cast members, which has contributed to the show’s current challenges.
Despite these hurdles, Cohen remains optimistic about the future of RHONJ and BravoCon. He emphasized the importance of taking time to figure things out rather than rushing into decisions. “Some things take time, and we want to take a minute to figure things out,” he said, drawing a parallel to the recent hiatus and casting shakeup for The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
As Bravo navigates these turbulent times, Cohen’s role as both a host and executive producer remains pivotal. His ability to address controversies head-on while maintaining the show’s popularity is a testament to his enduring influence in the reality TV landscape. With plans for BravoCon 2025 already in motion and ongoing discussions about the future of RHONJ, fans can expect more drama and excitement in the years to come.
