Get ready for some serious drama and glamour as Bravo expands its empire with a brand new addition to the Real Housewives franchise – The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just another installment; it’s a celebration of 20 years of Housewives history, set to premiere in 2026. And this is the part most people miss – Rhode Island, one of the smallest states, is about to become the biggest stage for high-stakes social dynamics and jaw-dropping moments. Why? Because, as Andy Cohen puts it, it’s an ‘insular community where everybody knows each other, and you can’t get away with anything.’ Perfect for Housewives, right? But here’s the controversial part: can a state so small truly deliver the larger-than-life drama we’ve come to expect? Let’s dive in.
During BravoCon’s ‘Ask Andy’ panel, Cohen unveiled the first look at this highly anticipated series, introducing seven new Housewives who are poised to take the franchise by storm. Meet Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi. These women are not just navigating Rhode Island’s tight-knit social scene – they’re redefining it. From runaway brides to cannabis queens, each Housewife brings a unique flavor to the table. And let’s not forget Dolores Catania, the beloved star from The Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Traitors Season 3 winner, who joins the cast as a friend, adding a dash of Jersey flair to the mix.
Alicia Carmody, a Rhode Island native through and through, isn’t afraid to wear her roots on her sleeve – or her accent. After eight years of engagement to fiancé Billy Kitsilis, she’s still dodging wedding bells, even with daughter Celina in the picture. When she’s not playing runaway bride, Alicia co-manages Billy’s restaurant, Pizza Mamma, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in and out of the kitchen.
Rosie DiMare, a former local TV news anchor, now shines as a lifestyle program host and in-demand DJ. Celebrating her first wedding anniversary with husband Rich DiMare, a Frank Sinatra-style singer, Rosie calls North Kingstown home, where they live with their dog, Clementine. But don’t let the fairy tale fool you – Rosie’s got a sharp edge and a knack for keeping audiences hooked.
Ashley Iaconetti, a Bachelor in Paradise alum, traded rose ceremonies for real life with husband Jared Haibon, a Rhode Island native. Now a mom to two boys, Dawson and Hayden, Ashley has built a thriving career as a social media powerhouse while adjusting to life in her husband’s home state. But balancing motherhood, marriage, and fame? That’s where the drama begins.
Liz McGraw is Rhode Island royalty – the Cannabis Queen. Alongside husband Gerry, she runs The Slater Center, the state’s largest cannabis dispensary. But Liz isn’t just a business mogul; she’s a devoted stepmom to Miranda, Briana, and Skyla, juggling family, entrepreneurship, and a killer sense of style. And here’s where it gets controversial: can a woman who’s got it all truly relate to the everyday struggles of her castmates? We’ll have to watch and see.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli is the financial powerhouse of the group, a Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager to the East Coast’s elite. Married to prominent podiatrist Brian, Rulla juggles her empire with motherhood to Luca and Laila. But in a world of high finance and high society, how will she fit into the Housewives dynamic?
Kelsey Swanson, former Miss Rhode Island, is one of the state’s top makeup artists and has been in a decade-long relationship with a notable Rhode Island figure. Living a life of luxury, Kelsey’s social calendar is always full, but will her privileged lifestyle make her a target for jealousy or admiration?
Jo-Ellen Tiberi, the self-proclaimed town gossip, knows everyone and everything worth knowing in Cranston. As a top aesthetic practice development manager, she balances her career with family life alongside husband Gary and their three kids. But in a group of strong personalities, will Jo-Ellen’s knack for knowing it all make her the ultimate ally or the biggest threat?
And finally, Dolores Catania, whose heart was captured by Rhode Island years ago, is returning for a sun-soaked summer with friend Liz McGraw and a shared business project on the horizon. But as a Jersey girl in a new town, will she fit in or stand out?
Produced by Evolution Media, an Amazon MGM Studios company, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is executive produced by Lucilla D’Agostino, Barry Poznick, Jen McClure-Metz, Joseph Ferraro, Bianca Barnes-Williams, James Brangert, and Andy Cohen himself. With such a powerhouse team behind it, this series is poised to be a game-changer.
But here’s the question we can’t stop asking: Can Rhode Island, with its small-town charm and tight-knit community, deliver the same level of drama and glamour as its predecessors? Or will it redefine what it means to be a Housewife? One thing’s for sure – with this cast, the stakes have never been higher. What do you think? Will The Real Housewives of Rhode Island live up to the hype, or is it destined to be just another installment in the franchise? Let us know in the comments!
