Real Housewives of New York really delivered this season. Bethenny Frankel played an important role in getting Luann de Lesseps back into rehab. In May, Luann violated her probation by drinking, and was taken into custody. She agreed to a new plea deal, and her adventures as a cabaret star continued. The other New York Ladies wished that “Countess Cabaret” would tone it down and stop being so entitled.
We watched Bethenny navigate the death of her on-and-off boyfriend Dennis Shields from a suspected drug overdose. She had a nearly fatal allergic reaction to fish, and was saved by her new boyfriend, Paul Bernon.
And Season 11 saw more of Sonja Morgan being—well, Sonja. In Miami, she was drunk out of her mind and fell against a dinner table. Bethenny made sure that she was checked out by some hot paramedics. Sonja also had a screaming meltdown in the “Bezerkshires” about the Morgan family letters, even though Dorinda Medley tried to make everything nice for Sonja.
Hollywood Life reports that Luann and Sonja’s interview on BUILD Brunch took an awkward turn when the subject of Bethenny came up. One of the hosts, Lukas Thimm, asked the ladies how they felt about Bethenny returning to RHONY after a three-year absence. Lukas implied that the Skinny Girl maven’s return saved the show. “The show’s been on for 11 seasons — it is one of the most successful shows of the franchise — and I’ve watched it since Day 1. And you had this middle area [without Bethenny], and then [she] came back,” Lukas said. “It seemed like a revitalization of the show with getting back to its original DNA. Do you think her return, and kind of restoring the original relationships, was a big part of keeping the show on now for so long?”
RELATED: Luann De Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, And Dorinda Medley Dish On Ramona Singer Throwing A Party The Same Night As Luann’s Cabaret Show
Now Lukas had two riled up Housewives on his hands. Luann stated, “Well, Bethenny was gone for years, and we managed to carry the show. Obviously, Bethenny’s a big character and it’s great to have her back, but you know…”
Then Sonja interjected as only Sonja can. “What the hell are you talking about?! Have you lost your mind? Luann and I both emailed Bethenny and said, ‘We’re so happy you’re coming back,’ and gosh, we do feel the DNA is back or whatever, as you said, but what was that other thing you said?!” Sonja exclaimed.
RELATED: Luann de Lesseps Says Bethenny Frankel’s Miami Meltdown Was “Horrible” And “Over The Top”
Sonja continued, “Do you think that’s the reason the show has lasted this long?’ [This is] The Real Housewives of New York City. Ramona Singer will be in diapers and a wheelchair with or without Bethenny! I mean, come on.” I’ll just skip that visual of Ramona, thank you very much. And Sonja is already a diaper fan, so maybe she is angling for a diaper endorsement?
Once Lukas realized that he had really started a sh*t storm offended both his guests, he tried to diffuse the situation. He commented on the “authentic relationships” between the “OG” Housewives and their chemistry. Lukas remarked that RHONY “blew up” when Sonja joined the show in Season 3. Compliments usually will get you somewhere with any Housewife, but not with this angry duo. “He’s trying to repair it now,” Luann remarked.
RELATED: Exclusive Interview: Luann de Lesseps Opens Up About Miami Drama, Sobriety, & The “Feelin Jovani” Music Video
Sonja has been a full-time Housewife since her debut season. Luann appeared full-time for every season except for Season 6, when she was demoted to Friend of the Housewives. After Season 3, Bethenny jumped ship for her own Bravo spin-off. In 2015, Bethenny came back as a full-time RHONY co-star.
So, did Bethenny rescue the show? The show was lackluster at the point when Bethenny came back. And say what you will, but Bethenny’s shady comments and confessionals can be hilarious. Just don’t say that to Sonja or Luann!
RELATED: Luann de Lesseps Says She’s Writing A Tell-All Book
TELL US- DID BETHENNY SAVE RHONY? SHOULD SONJA AND LUANN HAVE BEEN INSULTED BY THE HOST’S COMMENTS?
[Photo Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo]
