Gray Bunny

What's the link? EDIT: Nevermind googled it

***THE BEST & WORST OF 2020*** It's that time of year again, Real Housewives fans! Last year, I did a play on SOD's annual Best & Worst editions. This year, how about an overall State of the Housewives address, show by show? I'll start. Please make your own lists and share reasons why Love y'all! Best Show The Real Housewives of Potomac After waiting extra long for the women of the 20854 to return to TV (thanks, COVID!), absence indeed made the heart grow fonder when leading ladies Karen, Ashley and Monique returned, alongside supporting players Gizelle, Robyn, Candiace and newcomer Dr. Wendy. Never a stranger to breaking the 4th wall of reality TV, Potomac DELIVERED with juicy scandals onscreen and off. Though never a ratings powerhouse, this year's focus on the Monique vs. Candiace physical altercation gave the show mainstream attention as well as a healthy bump in their Nielsen numbers. Most Entertaining Show The Real Housewives of New York City The true comeback kid of all the Real Housewives, RHONY was re-energized starting in Season 7 with the return of Bethenny, the addition of Dorinda, and the rising star power of Countess LuAnn. As always, this past season provided belly laughs galore as well as plenty of tears and drama. I am cautiously optimistic about their new season coming in 2021, as their 2.0 reboot roster has left us one by one (first Carole, then Bethenny, now Dorinda and Tinsley), leaving us with our usual powerhouse players Luann, Ramona, and Sonja (the same 3 that survived the mass exodus of 2011), alongside relatively successful newcomer Leah. Knowing our RHONY vets, I'm sure they'll provide us with another year of laughter and bickering, but let's hope they ease up on the boozing this time around... Show You Love to Hate The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Love 'em or hate 'em, we're still watching them. While most of them are reviled pieces of garbage, we still view it like a bloody trainwreck. After chasing off the show's top star, Lisa Vanderpump, in the previous season, the RHOBH Mean Girls coven picked a new target this year in the form of Denise f**king Richards. Though some castmembers were finally called out for their shady financial dealings, they were mostly left unscathed. However, the tides seem to be turning on at least one housewife (Erika Jayne, a "pretty mess" indeed), which will make for a salacious story in 2021, as long as producers don't protect her again. Though Denise's performance was sometimes shaky, the majority of the audience remained on her side. Sadly, she will not be returning, but we were blessed with two fabulous newcomers (Garcelle Beauvais and Sutton Stracke) with strong rooting potential. Knowing Kyle's petty animosity and insecurity, Garcelle will surely be Vile Kyle's next target... Show You Don't Watch The Real Housewives of Dallas Sorry folks. I never got into this one. Show That's Heating Up The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City The new kids on the block, the women of the Beehive State are providing a strong and entertaining freshman season. Surrounded by snow, mountains, and the Mormon church, newbies Heather, Meredith, Whitney, Jen, Lisa, and kooky Mary have already given us much drama, laughter, and fabulosity. They also are not afraid to reveal intimate and vulnerable aspects of their lives (well, most of them. Jury is still out on Jen...). In just a short time, RHOSLC has become Must-See-TV in the world of reality junk food television. I look forward to seeing more! Show That's Cooling Off The Real Housewives of Atlanta The crown jewel of Bravo has taken a hit in the Nielsens in recent years, with RHOBH taking over as the network's top rated Housewives of 2020. Once upon a time, Nene Leakes was their leading lady, but her final year gave us nothing but mean mugs and polarizing appearances. This season seems to be a soft rebuild as they try out some new players to mix it up with their vets. The ratings are down as they slowly simmer to an eventual boiling point in storyline drama. Still, RHOA gets mainstream buzz and attention, as veterans Kandi, Cynthia, Kenya, and Porsha crank out yet another year of fun shade and reads. However, this may just be the beginning of a retooling of this aging franchise. Show That's Just Staying Afloat (TIE) The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Real Housewives of New Jersey Unlike Potomac, which leaked oodles and oodles of juicy storyline nuggets during their long break between seasons, it seems to be "Out of Sight; Out of Mind" for the women of the Garden State. We've heard virtually nothing about the new season of RHONJ, save for the fact that Teresa Guidice is finally dating a new man. Still, it must be noted that RHONJ successfully rebounded with their own 2.0 reboot after languishing for years with poor casting additions after the endless Teresa/Melissa/Jacqueline/Caroline/Kathy quintangle was finally put to rest. The addition of the hilarious Margaret (and don't forget Marge Sr.!), as well as Dolores (a real-life friend of Teresa), and relative newcomers Jennifer and Jackie, have helped rebuild this once-massive Bravo hit. Now that Danielle Staub has officially sworn off Housewives for good, let's see who's the target in 2021. My guess is the friction between Margaret and Teresa hasn't completely settled... Meanwhile, over on the west coast, RHOC decided to kick out their OG, Vicki Gulvanson as well as their long-running resident pot-stirrer, Tamra Judge, and rebuild the show around remaining vets Shannon Beador and Kelly Dodd, and a gaggle of B-list supporting players (Gina, Emily, Braunwyn) and newcomer Elizabeth. Having the unpleasant distinction of filming during the lockdown quarantine of COVID-19, this season has showcased this weak cast's unlikable qualities more than their redeeming ones. There's drama brewing, with Braunwyn's newfound sober life and Kelly Dodd's crass and unlikable opinions about current social issues. With Nielsen numbers down and a general disdain from viewers for the majority of the women, they might want to try bringing back one of their stronger vets for next season...

See, now that's another thing that's infuriating. Monique's progress was real. Putting the "real" in Real Housewives. The fact that she found her trigger moment (her dad putting his hands in her face as a young kid, and no ability to defend herself) shows a therapeutic journey and real progress. It wasn't something just made up out of thin air. What kind of emotional journey has Crusty Napkin gone through? My guess is a very, very short one. In the end, Monique wins. She has the loving husband, the beautiful children, the gorgeous FOUR homes, financial security, and confidence in herself. Other than having beautiful girls of her own, what else can Gizelle boast?

Maybe we can finally get Katie Rost back If she's back in a better position from a mental and emotional standpoint. Recently rewatching Season 1 gave me a new appreciation for her, and she'd be a friend to Ashley and likely Karen.

Finally catching up on this thread and SON.... A belated Merry Christmas to everyone! That Potomac reunion had me fired up and left me feeling gypped, to be honest. For as juicy and epic as this reunion was, they gave the Samuels the short end of the stick, at least Andy did. I wanted to hear more from that binder! But Cokehead wasn't allowing it, other than reluctantly acquiescing in Part 1. I wanted to hear Chris and Monique be able to explain how everything went down and what they knew, and have ZERO interruptions from Cokehead, the GEB's, or the Crusty Napkin, but of course we couldn't get that. Thank goodness production had the Samuels' back and aired Gizelle's dirty laundry (i.e. the unaired footage). And I *loved* how Chris spoke directly to Gizelle about being the main potstirrer of the trainer/baby rumor. "Hurt people hurt people. Go get some help." That was delicious. Peace out. This was Gizelle's worst reunion but when you have Andy trying to placate the attacks, it's obvious they're still trying to make Gizelle happen. Just like "fetch," Gizelle is NEVER gonna happen, Andy! With all the drama about the fight and rumor, it's kind of funny how that final altercation between Michael Darby and non-factor Chris became an afterthought. I think had Michael and Juan been in attendance, we might've gotten an official 4th Part to this reunion. But sadly, there really is nowhere for them to go from here than to make cast changes. I'm saddened that Monique is not returning, but I understand why. I hate to think Gizelle/Candiace etc. are cackling right now about how they "won," but perhaps one of *them* won't be asked back...? Even though Ashley wasn't in the middle of things as much this reunion, her and creepy Michael help make Potomac what it is, just as Alex & Simon's unconventional marriage helped round out the early years of NYC. As long as The Grande Dame and Ashley return, I'll gladly tune in next season. And Robyn can return only so we can continue seeing Juan. I agree "a thousand percent!" (©Jill Zarin). All the more infuriating when you see bad behavior continuously rewarded (See: 86% of the Beverly Hills cast). I'm sure Gizzard will get another year, just as Rinna, Richards, Erotika etc. did on BH for two years straight now.

LOL y'all are reading something out of nothing.

Yeah, I don't get why primetime network melodramas have to be so fast-paced and plot oriented. We got through watching Filthy Rich on FOX (the one with Kim Cattrall) and once again, a drama on speed. They burn through plot so quickly with no reflection or ramifications or a real sense of the characters. The streaming shows do it right, why are the networks so skittish on slowing things down? +1 This Is Us is the one exception to the rule. I would also say A Million Little Things has a good pace.

Agreed. The article posted certainly highlighted on the newer (i.e. those who've been around for 3-4 years) folks needing to step up their game. On nights when Cecily Strong is off, Aidy is MIA, and McKinnon only does the opening sketch, there are some weak sauce players and the skits don't gel. They've got a great team of players overall, but I agree some of the sideline players need to sieze the moment and become the next big breakouts. That said, newbies Bowen Yang kills it in everything he does, and Chloe Fineman is definitely picking up the pace. And Ego excels - they need to build on her.

Thank you for these ratings nuggets of info. Ever since the demise of TVByTheNumbers, I've forgotten to check numbers out. Great for Potomac though! And glad to hear SLC is a success.

I was thinking the same thing. By herself, she's harmless. She'll always be a supporting player no matter what, but without Gizelle to prop her up, I'd like to see how/if she stands on her own. Gizelle is the Kyle Richards and Karen is the Lisa Vanderpump. Bravo/Andy went into Potomac thinking Gizelle would be the breakout star just as he and Kyle herself thought *she* would be the breakout of Beverly Hills, but the fabulous elders took over as the fan faves. Candiace has zero sincerity about anyone on this show. Zero. Preach! And yes, I loved how Bravo's own editing team betrayed Andy's words. Nice try Miss Cohen.

Yikes. Shane got it bad. Let's see how Sloppy Kelly Dodd reacts.

What bugs me the most about Gizelle's new home is that she has put ZERO effort into any type of landscaping. From the outside, it looks like a condemned house. Plant a bush, get some mulch, get some rocks, put in some cute trees... something!! +1 Yaaass! RHOA: Yes @j swift LaToya is a definite try-hard. I wasn't impressed. I'm liking what I see of Drew so far. The marriage of her and Ralph is contentious to say the least, but on a shallow note --- WOW --- he's giving Apollo and Ed Hartwell a run for their money as the all-time hottest House Husband, at least in my opinion

Side note: I loved how Karen used Gizelle’s own tag line (“word on the street”) against her a good three times or so. 😝

I'm down for that.

How about Mario Lopez? lol

Wendy Oafsefo trying with that "aggressive" comment against Ashley, but she's okay with her BFF Candy Cane calling Monique a hood rat? Gurl bye. Please be a one-and-done. Robyn asking what's the point of all this? Um, the chickens have come home to roost, miss booboo the foo'. Gizzard, Crusty Cane, and Cha-Cha got down and dirty, trying to plant a disgusting rumor about Monique's child and her family, and it's time to pay the price. That's the point. Karen's direct questions to Gizzard had me hollering. Monique's flawless takedown of Gizzard at the end is something every single housewife on these shows should take note of, especially those who have been wronged by other women [Side note: I could see someone like Lisa Rinna doing this at the next Beverly Hills reunion, but it'll be for ugliness and viciousness, not vindication]. Someone put a muzzle on Crusty Cane. Just because you're loud, doesn't mean you're right (© Bethenny Frankel). That was such a treat to watch. I even enjoyed the lightheartedness at the beginning where they all clowned each other's fashion and hair choices of the past 5 years. I'm wondering that too. We're past the point of light shade and catty banter. Some people will be refusing to film with others (they already did that to Monique this past season). Between Monique vs. the women on the right couch (plus Robyn), Ashley's hubby vs. Crusty's hubby, plus Karen and Gizelle taking it down to a new level, I'm wondering what next season will look like... However, if the Hugers and Darbys can still break bread together, anything is possible. And another example of why Karen and Ashley are MVP's and both are necessary for this franchise.

EPIC. What will surely go down in Housewives herstory....

I cannot wait to read this thread, LOL because "Potomac gave me LIFE!" was my exact thought and Gizelle's stank ass with nothing to say to Monique and Karen left me dead, buried, resurrected and dead all over again. Monique was BOSS and gave zero effs with all the tea she dropped... and it's only PART ONE! LIVING for Potomac! Monique and Karen are the MVP's hands down.

Ditto. My reaction too.

They need to bring Jonah Carver back...

Oh, so it's not a Wendy Reardon recast? LOL Wow, she won't appear until mid-March. Clearly, they've been cranking out new episodes this past fall since they went back to work!

Perfectly stated Cat. ICAM. Especially the part above about Karen. We get it. We get the schtick and the pomp and circumstance.

What did Porsha say to Gizelle on the Chatroom? I didn't watch. God, that was a fun, delicious finale. We were rolling with laughter watching Michael drown his sorrows as his wanted lover became betrothed to another. Lawd, can he be any more obvious? But we can see there is a friendship there, as Juan confirmed everything is cool with them. But man, is Michael Darby a messy, creepy drunk. He didn't deserve to be manhandled by Candiace's hubby (I can't remember his name either) who was way too hot-tempered, but Michael's erratic "you're going to jail!" with that crazed expression on his face was creepy AF. And then he continued afterwards with the production team. MESSY! Another creepy moment: when he said he and Juan should do a bachelor event in Las Vegas, just the two of them alone, with no cameras. And then let out the maniacal laugh. LOL. Charrisse suddenly needing a drink right when the conversation was getting good. LOL. Thank you production team! Dr. Wendy acting a fool when Juan was getting on his knee to propose to Robyn. Girl, you've known the bitch for 5 minutes! Sit down! Aside from that, I actually really liked the therapy session Robyn and Juan had. I think they'd benefit from a new more sessions to get to the root of their original breakup (off-camera, of course). If the hags think they can ice out Karen and Ashley like they're Season 4 Jill/LuAnn/Kelly trying to boot off Alex McCord, sorry ladies, but Karen and Ashley are the Bethennys of Potomac; they won't be leaving until they're good and ready to leave on their own. Monique: WINNING. This reunion is gonna be gooooood. Bring on the binder, Mrs. Samuels!

SLC Yeah, hubby made note of that busted up Toyota too. It's all a ruse for the cameras. I think she could be another Charrisse, playing it off like she's rich and fabulous, but has an out-of-town hubby that's all but divorced her. But we'll see. The polar icecaps are melting and Lisa actually softened in this episode. I finally kinda liked her. She comes off much better as a close friend to Meredith. Let's play the drinking game every time Lisa over enunciates the phrase "I LOVE THAT" though. LOL. Glug glug glug... Cousins Heather and Whitney continue to be the winning team. Very level-headed people. Heather is a great friend. She will have your back but can take a step back and sees the clear picture when their friend is in the wrong (i.e. Jen). Jen's blowup towards Meredith was ridiculous. I've seen ridiculous Housewives tiffs and this one is probably one of the most petty ones I've ever seen. Jen is trying too hard and looking like a clown. Kudos to Meredith for "disengaging." And a big F--K YOU to Jen for spilling all the tea about Meredith's marriage, and the game of telephone trickled down to nearly ever other castmember. That was dirty of Jen. In the words of non-factor Dr. Wendy Osefo, "she's not your friend," Meredith. Mary's lunch was odd but so fun to watch. She's giving Ramona Singer a run for her money with the googly eyes. You know what? I really like this show. I'm a fan.