Never watched the Real Housewives? The Rhode Island ladies are the perfect first taste

There are too many episodes! It would take me years to catch up! I can’t remember that many names!

Just some of the (poor) excuses friends of mine have given me when I’ve told them they really should be watching The Real Housewives.

Yes, the Real Housewives kicked off in Orange County a whole two decades ago. Its 20th season is set to come later this year.

Since 2006, 11 other franchises have launched under TV network Bravo, including the currently rested or cancelled DC, Miami, Dallas and Dubai.

Series in New York City, Atlanta, New Jersey, Beverly Hills, Potomac and Salt Lake City are all still in production, too.

In total, 112 seasons of The Real Housewives have aired. So, yes, okay, maybe it would take my friends years to catch up.

That’s why I’ve told them to give The Real Housewives of Rhode Island a go.

Why The Real Housewives of Rhode Island?

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is the latest location of the reality television formula – and it only started this month.

Based in the smallest US state by area, Rhode Island, the show is already gearing up to be one of the best Real Housewives currently airing.

The cast is made up of Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehma Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.

We’re just a few episodes in, but these ladies have got me HOOKED already.

It’s clear the relationships between the women are real and span years, whereas some of the shows feel slightly more artificial.

And with real friendships, comes real drama.

Polyamory, family ties and running someone over

Just two episodes in, and so much has happened that I feel the need to rewatch to let everything sink in.

Swanson got accused of “polygamy”, before confirming that no, she is not married to multiple men. But she had been dating two.

One of her men also had another girlfriend, spending half of his year in Florida while still providing for Swanson’s lavish life in Rhode Island.

Carmody casually mentioned that she’d ran someone over with her car.

Pontarelli was fending off accusations that her husband had a mistress, even when photographic receipts were thrown her way.

And McGraw revealed she’s actually related to her husband – and not just by marriage.

So if you’ve been dying to give The Real Housewives a go but have been too intimidated to start, the Rhode Island ladies are the perfect way to test the waters.

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island airs Sundays on Bravo in the US, and streams Mondays on Hayu in the UK.

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