Local enthusiasm played role luring 'Real Housewives' to RI. What we know about the show.
On Wednesday, May 7, the dreams of fans of that idea came true when Bravo posted on X the news that "Real Housewives of Rhode Island" would be, well, a reality.
But that headline, along with a vague plot tease was all that Bravo had to say, along with a vague plot tease:
"Set against the shores of the Ocean State, 'The Real Housewives' franchise expands into the world of a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations. With aspirational lives, thriving businesses and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there's no escaping your past … or each other."
So, will Bravo talk about when will it be on, who will be in the cast, where it will take place?
A publicist for the show told The Providence Journal that all that will be announced when the show's premiere gets closer.
So, when's that?
No amount of reporter sweet-talking could get that out of the network.
But, social media sites offer some clues, even if they are highly unofficial, maybe even unreliable.
Last year, just after Christmas, the hype began building when someone – it's still not clear whether they were officially affiliated with Bravo – posted an Instagram site touting a Rhode Island version of "Real Housewives."
The site showed six women, along with their husbands or fiancés, who presumably were being considered for the cast:
Elizabeth and Gerald.
Rosie and Rich.
Monique and Patrick.
Rulla and Brian.
Joellen and Gary.
Alicia and fiancé Bill.
It also shows photos of seven houses, along with the purchase prices. Is this where the "Real Housewives of Rhode Island live?
A Cranston house that sold for $750,000.
Another Cranston house, for $350,000.
A Lincoln residence, the priciest of the group at $1.29 million.
Yet another Cranston place, $755,000.
The southernmost, in North Kingstown, $689,000.
Affordable housing in North Providence, $264,000.
A cozy spot on the East Side of Providence, $735,000.
Though no one has officially owned up to creating the Instagram site hyping the "Real Housewives of Rhode Island" back in December, it played a critical role, according to Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office.
The vague possibility that the series was coming to Rhode Island consumed the social media world around Christmas. TV and newspaper reporters tried to confirm the story, but the only official word was from Feinberg, who called it "speculative at best."
Turns out that's all it was. But Rhode Island's feverish reaction to the rumor convinced producers to give Rhode Island a second look.
"The buzz around Christmas time showed our enthusiasm," Feinberg told The Journal on May 7. At that point, producers were considering several states as the location for the next "Real Housewives" series. But Rhode Islanders reacted so positively that it made Little Rhody a big contender. "That buzz helped propel us," Feinberg said.
Then, a month or two ago, the decision was made that the show would come to Rhode Island.
The first widespread confirmation of the series Wednesday came from Feinberg in a Facebook post. "One of the most popular reality-shows ever to grace television, 'The Real Housewives' franchise sparked an avalanche of enthusiasm when word spread that this entertaining series just might land in the Ocean State," Feinberg said. "Well, good news, folks. 'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' is ready to roll and take the world by storm! Action!"
Gov. Dan KcKee joined the buzz, welcoming the show to the Ocean State with a post on X saying, 'You can find me where the chowder's clear, the coffee's milk, and the Housewives are Real.'
In a more formal news release from Feinberg's office, Gov. Dan McKee said, 'We're excited to welcome 'The Real Housewives' and their millions of viewers to Rhode Island. Our state is home to vibrant communities, amazing food, rich history, and stunning coastal beauty – perfect for the spotlight. This is a great opportunity to support our local economy and bring national attention to all Rhode Island has to offer.'
'The filming of 'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' is a great way to showcase some of the Ocean State's world-class dining and hospitality,' said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
'I am pleased to welcome Bravo's 'Real Housewives' franchise to Rhode Island, and I am excited for the show's millions of fans to get a glimpse into our state's rich history, culture, and natural beauty," said Valarie J. Lawson, president of the state Senate.
The show is produced by Evolution Media, with Lucilla D'Agostino, Joseph Ferraro, Jen McClure-Metz and Andy Cohen as executive producers.
"Real Housewive of Rhode Island" will join established series set in Orange County, New York City, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, New Jersey, Potomac, Salt Lake City and Miami. Three other locations have also hosted "Real Housewives" shows: Dubai, Dallas and Washington, DC.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Real Housewives of Rhode Island: What to know about the new Bravo show
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