Ashley Iaconetti has had her share of reality TV time thanks to \u201cBachelor in Paradise,\u201d but being part of the \u201cReal Housewives\u201d is a whole other experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn \u2018Bachelor,’ it\u2019s about love and drama and on \u2018Housewives\u2019 it\u2019s a little bit more about drama, that\u2019s the big difference for me,\u201d she told PauseRewind\u2019s Kevin Zelman at the iHeart Radio Awards red carpet. \u201cIt was a totally different experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first episode of \u201cThe Real Housewives of Rhode Island\u201d premiered Thursday, with Iaconetti, Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi as they navigate the Rhode Island life and the close-knit social scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was friends with one of the girls, we were set up on like a girl date, and we hit it off immediately. And then she was involved and I was like, \u2018I guess if given this opportunity\u2019\u201d Iaconetti said of joining the show.<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cIt took us a lot of deep conversations, but given the opportunity, how could I say no?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Real Housewives of Rhode Island\u201d is Bravo\u2019s first new \u201cHousewives\u201d franchise in four years and promises as much drama as the other locations.<\/p>\n
Describing the series to Deadline<\/a> ahead of its launch, producer Andy Cohen said, \u201cIt\u2019s interesting that it\u2019s one of the smallest states and it kind of feels like this insular community where everybody knows each other [and] you can\u2019t get away with anything. It is the perfect spot for a \u2018Housewives.\u2019 Plus, it\u2019s also so beautiful, it\u2019s aspirational. It\u2019s the Ocean state \u2013 it\u2019s teeny. And the women are outrageously fun and great for TV.\u201d<\/p>\n Iaconetti hadn\u2019t seen any episodes yet by the time she hit the iHeart carpet, but told fans, \u201cI think the first episode is going to be light and funny, very comedic. I think they\u2019re going to get some maybe New Jersey\/New York vibes. I think they\u2019re going to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram @WeArePauseRewind<\/a> for all your pop culture obsessions.<\/p>\n