Even though the King of Bravo fancies himself quite the journalist, there are times he lets his bias shine through. Andy Cohen has been called out more than once for his clear favoritism when interviewing Bravo stars. In recent years, particularly with the Real Housewives franchise, the network and Andy have come under fire for the ever-prickly reunions and seasons that often devolve into a women vs. Andy dynamic.
Andy is supposed to be the impartial moderator keeping Bravo stars in line. However, more often than not, he sits in his comfortable throne-like chair, enjoying himself as the drama unfolds around him. It’s only natural to have favorites, after all, Andy has interacted with some Bravo stars for decades. But there are times when Andy’s favoritism gets the better of him. King of the network or not, some are becoming very wary of this Joker’s game plan.
Andy Wear Kid Gloves
There is no denying that it is adorable when Andy brings one of his children to the set to interview. However, the same can’t be said when he coddles and protects the Bravo stars he’s interviewing.
One recent example was with Monica Garcia on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 reunion. The rookie should be annihilated for her part in the troll account Reality Von Tease. But instead, Andy seems extra sympathetic and is actually relating to her. Andy has shown little snark to the newcomer and, in fact, has been encouraging her to let her side out.
It could be that Andy knows something we don’t. However, based on what we’ve seen, it seems like he has a new favorite from the Utah franchise. Andy’s clear favoritism has prevented him from grilling Monica and demanding answers. The entire reunion suffered as a result.
Andy Zones Out When He’s Not Interested
Andy might want to take a few notes from his pal, Anderson Cooper, before going into his next interview. After years of interrogating the women of the Real Housewives on his terms, fans have flipped the script, often pointing out the hypocrisy of it all. But the housewives aren’t always the target, as Below Deck was also hit with a missile.
Below Deck Season 7 stuck in fans’ minds since it seemed like Andy was checked out and didn’t care about how badly the seamen had acted. During his Series XM show, Andy Cohn Live, the host addressed criticism that he hadn’t even watched the show. noting, “Of course, I watch every show that I do a reunion…for,” he claimed.
But if die-hard fans are questioning his credibility, he should be worried. If Andy didn’t have the time or bandwidth to commit to a reunion, he shouldn’t have—end of story; no excuses. Otherwise, Andy will continue to disappoint fans with lackluster reunions. It’s ok if Andy isn’t the biggest fan of Below Deck, but for the viewers’ sake, he should pass the hosting torch to someone who does enjoy the nautical franchise.
Andy Comes Across as Biased
Long before he started interviewing tactfully, Andy had a no-nonsense way of questioning those who he felt had done wrong during the season. Case in point, Monique Samuels from Real Housewives of Potomac. Season 5 was harrowing for all involved after a fight broke out between Monique and Candiace Dillard Basset. The barn brawl showed the two women egging one another on, tussling hair, and pointing fingers.
After their rumble, the ladies sat down for the reunion with Andy, who seemed visibly upset at the time. He accused Monique of not being emotional enough, stating the mother of three was “matter of fact and dry about the whole thing.” I understood where Andy was coming from, especially since Candiace had already sued about a zillion triangle corners. But instead of coming across as astute or poised, it felt like Andy had another clear favorite, and it wasn’t Monique. Andy definitely failed to remain neutral in that cross-examination moment.
Monique later told Business Insider, “I was definitely held to a different standard. I believe that his responsibility should be to get down to the bottom of whatever questions may have been unanswered during the season. It’s his responsibility to treat everyone equally.”
Andy Can Come Across as Mean
When Andy shows favoritism towards one, it can also come across as a bit mean to others. I mean, the host is a chaotic Gemini. At times, his line of questioning can seem a bit like he is mistreating the women. For example, while I think he likes the cash cow that is Teresa Giudice, I believe he thinks she’s stupid. Andy has often dumbed down words or explanations for the OG and, on the last reunion, actually yelled at the top of his lungs at her.
He later apologized for his actions, but the damage was done. Now, he is playing extra nice with the mother of four. Could it be that Andy is afraid of Luis Ruelas digging up dirt on him? While trying to make amends, he lobbed softball questions at the couple toward the end of the reunion, leaving fans with many unanswered questions, mainly whether Tre is a favorite or not. Just kidding, she is a fave!
TELL US – DO YOU THINK ANDY PURPOSEFULLY PICKS FAVORITES?
