Andy Cohen has acknowledged that The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) is in need of a major overhaul, as season 14 draws to a close amid deep cast divisions. The executive producer told a caller on his SiriusXM show Andy Cohen Live that producers are “going to figure something out” after the current cast proved unwilling to film together, leading to a scrapped cast trip and the cancellation of the traditional reunion.
The fan who called in suggested a “rebrand” similar to the complete cast overhaul of The Real Housewives of New York City for its 14th season, noting that RHONJ has become too negative. Cohen agreed that the show needs a change, saying: “We are all on the same page about that.”
The rift centres on Teresa Giudice’s fallout with her brother Joe Gorga and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga, which has split the cast into two factions, making ensemble filming difficult. Melissa Gorga recently told Entertainment Tonight that “things have gotten really toxic” and accused two cast members of playing dirty behind the scenes.
Despite rumours she might leave, Giudice has said she will not quit. “No, I’m not leaving. I started the show, and when Bravo wants me to leave, that’s when I’ll leave,” she said on Live with Kelly & Mark. Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to call for the removal of Giudice, Jennifer Aydin and Jackie Goldschneider, while others urge Bravo to keep the rest of the cast.
Cohen’s comments come as the network considers how to move forward with the franchise, with no final decision yet announced on the cast for season 15.
