The Real Housewives of New York is roaring back for Season 16, and Carole Radziwill is once again clutching an apple. As you may recall, the original series was rebooted for Season 14 with an all-new cast. The result? Lackluster ratings, proving that the newbies couldn’t replicate the magic of the previous New York fan favorites.
While Bravo tried to come up with a winning formula to attract viewers, RHONY was paused. Casting for this once-legendary series had to be perfect, and Carole answered the call to return. Season 14 and 15 cast members Sai De Silva, Jessel Taank, and Erin Lichy also received their apples. And newbies Hailey Glassman, Erika Hammond, and Daisy Toye signed on.
Now, one big question remains. Can Carole carry the franchise to ratings success and make RHONY must-see TV again?
RHONY needs to rediscover what made the original series work
Photo Credit: Frances Tulk-Hart/Bravo
The original RHONY blended humor, shade, and drama without being too serious. In later seasons, the franchise veered into deeper subject matter, tackling politics, divorce, and alcohol abuse. Plus, some viewers were tired of cast members who lacked authentic ties and the over-the-top drama that ensued.
Still, RHONY was well-known for viral moments, like Kelly Bensimon’s unforgettable voyage to Scary Island and Luann De Lesseps tumbling into the bushes. And who can forget Dorinda Medley, who “made it nice” for her co-stars at her Berkshires Estate, Bluestone Manor? These moments were reality TV gold.
In the early seasons of RHONY, the cast members were actual friends and acquaintances, which gave the series an authentic vibe. However, following cast changes in later seasons, the ladies failed to gel.
A disastrous Season 13 resulted in the reunion being canceled, and the series was rebooted. I don’t think that Bravo had any other options.
For RHONY Season 16 to thrive, the cast needs to have an organic connection. Since this cast is a mix of newbies and established co-stars, they must function as a cohesive group. It is imperative for the show’s success. Perhaps Carole will serve as the center of this friend group.
What Carole Radziwill brings to Real Housewives of New York
Photo Credit: Rich Polk/Bravo
Carole showcased her fiercely independent, intelligent, and witty side during her previous stint on RHONY. In addition, the journalist and author had an interesting backstory. In a jaw-dropping twist, Carole is forever linked to the Kennedy family.
The RHONY star’s late husband, Prince Anthony Radziwill, was Lee Radziwill’s son. And Lee was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ sister.
While Anthony was best friends with his cousin, John F. Kennedy Jr., Carole was close with John’s wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Still, Carolyn and John’s death in a plane crash and their tragic love story continue to be a topic of fascination. Of course, Carole was a part of this tapestry, which never fails to garner attention.
During her time on RHONY, fans also embraced Carole’s relationship with a younger man, Adam Kenworthy. The chef and writer dated for about three years, and Carole brushed off criticism from some cast members. After breaking up, the friends continued to meet for “coffee.”
Plus, Carole was never afraid to speak her mind, which is the key ingredient for an excellent housewife. She fiercely argued with Bethenny Frankel, eventually dragging Andy Cohen into the verbal fray at the Season 10 reunion. This argument ignited a years-long feud with Andy.
With Carole stepping back into a major role on RHONY, her presence could help steady the ship.
Carole could give RHONY some high-stakes drama with her Ghislaine Maxwell connection
Meanwhile, Carole has also been in the headlines because of her connection to Ghislaine Maxwell. To her credit, Carole didn’t shy away from the fact that her name was mentioned in the infamous Epstein Files. These files are related to the criminal investigation of the late Jeffrey Epstein and his ties to sex trafficking.
In 2021, Ghislaine was convicted of sex trafficking and handed a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Of course, the fact that Carole and Ghislaine were friends in the early 2000s brought Carole back into the spotlight. In the RHONY Season 16 trailer, someone yelled at Carole on the street about the Epstein Files.
Meanwhile in the teaser, Sai seemed more than happy to question Carole about her alleged relationship with Ghislaine and Jeffrey. There is no denying that this will be a big story this season on RHONY, and one that puts Carole in the center of the storm.
During a Q&A with Andy, Carole addressed the sticky situation. “Me and many, many, many more people found our names in these files, and it’s not something I shy away from because I think, really, it’s important to talk about it,” Carole explained. Naturally, Carole was horrified by the allegations about her former friend.
Obviously, our favorite “writer girl” gave Bravo what they wanted, because she was reportedly upgraded from part-time to full-time apple holder. With her alleged ties to the Epstein scandal, interesting history with the Kennedy family, and her brilliant observations, Carole could be RHONY’s saving grace.
The Real Housewives of New York Season 16 premieres on September 8 on Bravo. It also streams on Peacock.