The dramatic return of Karen Huger to the Real Housewives of Potomac fold has been officially confirmed, sending fans of the Bravo reality series into a frenzy. The network announced on Thursday that the 62-year-old star, known as the 'Grand Dame', will be taking her seat at the upcoming season 10 reunion, marking her first reunion appearance since her legal troubles.
A Grand(e) Surprise in the Seating Chart
Bravo made the exciting revelation by posting the official reunion seating chart on Instagram. The graphic prominently featured Huger's image alongside host Andy Cohen and her fellow castmates. The caption played on her famous nickname, stating: 'Wait for it… the RHOP Reunion seating chart is here and has some grand(e) surprises.'
The announcement was met with an immediate and overwhelmingly positive response from fans. Comments flooded in, with one supporter writing, 'Now we're cooking with grease,' and another simply declaring, 'Yes for Karen being back.' A particularly enthusiastic fan commented, 'Bring Karen Out! Now I gotta make my T-shirts. I’m so EXCITED and the first chairs are RIGHTFULLY EARNED!'
From Prison Release to Standing Ovation
Karen Huger's path back to the spotlight has been a turbulent one. The Surry, Virginia-born reality star was released from Maryland's Montgomery County Detention Center in September 2024 after serving six months of a one-year sentence. Her incarceration stemmed from a drunk driving conviction earlier in 2024, which also included charges for speeding, driving with suspended registration, and failure to report an address change.
Her re-emergence into public life began in earnest at BravoCon in Las Vegas last November. There, she received a standing ovation from fans during an awards segment. Huger also served as a presenter, honouring fellow Housewife Phaedra Parks. Reflecting on the warm welcome, she told her 593,000 Instagram followers, 'Thank you @nbcuniversal and @bravotv for the incredibly warm and welcoming energy. My heart is full.'
Reflecting on a Difficult Chapter
The legal saga began with a single-vehicle collision in Maryland in March 2024, where Huger crashed through a median and struck several street signs. She was not injured. Following the incident, a jury found her guilty on all charges except reckless driving in December 2024.
In the aftermath, Huger entered a recovery programme in Florida, stating she wanted to 'get to the bottom' of why she was 'taking antidepressants and drinking.' However, she has publicly denied being an alcoholic, asserting in a video message, 'No, I'm not an alcoholic - let's be clear.' She expressed deep remorse for the impact on her family, saying, 'I don't care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.'
Her sentencing was delayed due to the rehab stint, which also caused her to miss the season nine reunion. Recently released police bodycam footage from her arrest showed her husband, Ray Huger, coming to her aid and suggesting another vehicle may have been involved.
Her highly anticipated reunion interview with Andy Cohen is set to air during the season 10 finale, where Cohen is seen telling her, 'Here we are - you are a free woman.' The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays on Bravo in the US and is available to stream on Peacock.
