There have been many new housewives during the 14 years these women have been in our lives, and I’m here to answer the question of which new real housewife is the best.
Everyone who enjoys good television, loves watching the real housewives of any city. Whether they like to admit it or not, we all know they’re fans. However, a show is only as good as its cast. Make sure the chemistry between the ladies is organic and you’ve got yourself a successful reality show. Bring in a not so interesting newbie and you’re in for a lackluster season. Here is a definitive list of all the best newbies who proved they were anything but a boring housewife. We love a strong housewife who doesn’t back down under any circumstances.
Shannon Beador
Shannon came into season 9 of the Orange County franchise on fire! Right off the bat Shannon was open and honest about the struggles in her relationship and wasn’t afraid to reveal her husband’s affair. Her clashes with Heather Dubrow were legendary and most of her first season revolved around their inability to find common ground. The most interesting thing Shannon brings to the table is her unconventional lifestyle. Her holistic approach to life is truly inspiring and made for one really legendary tagline. Watching now in season 14, it is hard to imagine a time when Shannon wasn’t a housewife, back before season 9.
Yolanda Hadid
Yolanda Hadid and her refrigerator are forever cemented into Bravo history. Seriously, I want that fridge in my house. She came in with her take no prisoners attitude and was a fresh new adversary for the Beverly Hills originals. She proves herself to be protective of the underdog when cast member Brandi finds herself under attack by Adrienne Maloof, who was basically feuding with everyone at this point. Her first season gave us one of the most iconic housewives quotes of all time! That in and of itself is an impressive feet. Her saying “who is Adrienne Maloof in this world” was the best insult she could have given to fame obsessed Adrienne. Her story line then turned into spreading awareness for Lyme Disease which was admirable and she is missed by all since her season 6 departure.
Heather Thomson
After a subpar performance by Cindy Barshop, Heather was brought in as a Bethenny replacement and immediately became my favorite. I’m still not over her departure after season 7. I’m not sure what it is about her time on the show that made me love her so much, but I just do. I think it was her ability to fight like a gangster and tell it to you straight, while also being super sweet and comforting. I also felt like she was the only one who was outdoorsy and not afraid to break a nail. She was a perfect Bethenny replacement! My favorite thing to watch though was her friendship with Carole play out on screen.
Erika Jayne
Erika had a great first season which mostly revolved around the other girls talking about Yolanda and her Lyme Disease. Otherwise known as Munchhausen Gate. In this world of glitz and glam, Erika and her alter ego fit in perfectly. She doesn’t give a shit about what anyone thinks of her and does and says whatever she wants. She has a chapel in her house and is married to a man over 30 years her senior. I mean, that’s pretty awesome. The best part about her though, is her career as a pop star. Also the fact that she saw Lisa Vanderpump for what she really is right from the start and wasn’t afraid to make it known. I loved her then and I’m still loving her now.
Kelly Dodd
Kelly Dodd had a rough start with everyone…including her friend Meghan who brought her into the group. Fresh off the heals of the Brooks cancer scandal, Kelly made friends with Vicki, which really rubbed the other women in a bad way. They hate Vicki so they hate her. In true Shannon fashion, of clashing with the newbie of the season, her and Kelly fight for this entire season, and much of the next. The Orange County franchise in the later seasons has struggled with remaining interesting and Kelly is a great solution for that. She’s unpredictable and crazy and makes for great TV. That Ireland trip, for example, would have been so boring had it not been for her. She’s also great on Instagram (especially when stalking Heather Dubrow outside the gym).
D’Andra Simmons
When D’Andra first appeared, it was hard to believe she was friends with LeeAnne. D’Andra is 100 percent always herself and is honestly just hilarious. She came in as LeeAnne’s voice of reason, trying to help her repair her relationship with all the other ladies. I’m so happy she came to her senses and dropped that friendship in season 3. She opened up about her father’s alcoholism and subsequent suicide which no doubt helped so many viewers deal with similar struggles. Her issues with her mom and running a business are also discusses. I have realized that any housewife who isn’t afraid to talk about real issues, and not just to get sympathy, is the most successful all around. I’m sure she’s embarrassed by her business failures, but she still talks about it and that is admirable.
Leah McSweeney
Leah’s debut season hasn’t even finished airing and I am already obsessed with her. She is younger than the rest of the cast and was a great addition to an already phenomenal cast. I was scared of a season without Bethenny, because let’s face it, Bethenny is the end all be all of housewives, but Leah really filled that space. She has tattoos, her mother kicked her out as a teenager, she’s been to jail and she runs her own clothing line. Talk about a woman with a past who was able to rebuild. She tells it how it is and puts everyone in her place which is all you can ask for from someone who’s supposed to be a Bethenny replacement.
Lisa Rinna
Lisa Rinna came in guns a blazing and without fear of asking the tough questions. Unlike other housewives, Rinna wasn’t afraid her first season on the show. Her first season consisted of an argument to end all arguments and the beginning of a hate saga. That dinner in Amsterdam where she almost killed Kim Richards is award winning television. Since that dinner, her star has only risen and she has given us everything. She was and continues to be the funnest cast member on that show. So many iconic quotes have out of her mouth. The Beverly Hills franchise would literally be nothing without her.
Margaret Josephs
The first time I watched Margaret’s debut season, I hated her. However, I recently re-watched it and realized I only hated her because I loved Siggy and all she did was clash with Siggy. She’s actually great comedic relief and very sincere. Any time she hurts someones feelings, she is very quick to apologize and admit wrongdoing. That is not a quality we see in every housewife on TV. She has proved to be a great friend who will be there for you no matter what. I hope she stays on the show for as long as possible! Controversial opinion though, I’m happy she got rid of the pigtails. They were not a good look.
Dolores Catania
I have a special place in my heart for Dolores and have loved her since her first season. She is the only housewife I would actually be afraid of if I were on her bad side. Despite that, she is also one of the most kindhearted and loving housewife there is. She is fiercely loyal and will always stick up for her friends. I also find Dolores to be a kind of calm in the storm and can always count on her to be a voice of reason in the Jersey group. I just wish her and Frank would give the people what we want and get back together already.