Season 14 of Real Housewives of New Jersey didn’t live up to prior seasons. Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga settled their long-time feud at the Season 13 reunion when Teresa disowned her brother, Joe Gorga, and Melissa, his wife. No more sprinkle cookie digs!
But Melissa and Teresa refused to interact on camera, which isn’t ideal for a reality show. It seemed like RHONJ was two different shows edited together. But the sisters-in-law weren’t the only ones feuding. Jennifer Aydin and Danielle Cabral were involved in a physical altercation over a charity and hairstylist. Oof.
This season, the friendships shifted and everything seemed out of balance. When Bravo announced that the Season 14 reunion was scuttled after the explosive finale, and the refusal of some of the ladies to film together, it seemed ominous. There will be some type of special to wrap up this dirrttty season. Looking ahead to Season 15, there are four roads that RHONJ could take. So, what are the options on the flipping table? Let’s find out.
Andy Cohen teases a “rebrand” of RHONJ
According to Bravo’s national treasure, Andy Cohen, there are four possibilities for the future of the franchise. Of course, if the situation is so dire that the reunion has to be canceled, a casting change is blowing into the Garden State.
Even Dolores Catania knew when to wave the white flag. The finale, filmed at Rails Steakhouse, exploded into screaming matches and shattered glass. “It’s definitely closure for people, and you can’t come back from the stuff that you’re going to see at the finale. No coming back,” Dolores told US Weekly.
And now Andy confirmed that RHONJ is going to be getting a “rebrand.” He took a call on his Sirius XM’s Andy Cohen Live show about changes for the Jersey franchise.
“I think it’s time to do what happened with New York. Bring fresh faces in,” the caller stated. She was referencing how Real Housewives of New York’s Season 13 cast was fired, and the series was rebooted with new faces. As you may remember, Season 13 of RHONY was the only other Real Housewives show to ever skip a reunion.
Plus, the caller pointed out the “negativity” from the long-time cast members. “Set them free. Let them move on to the new,” the fan added. But she did advocate for keeping Rachel Fuda and Danielle.
“We’re gonna figure something out. We’re gonna figure something out,” Andy stated. “We are all on the same page about that.” So, it sounds like a complete reboot could be on the table, and a viable option. And honestly, if there was ever a time for it, it would be now.
A partial reboot with Teresa Guidice for RHONJ
Another option would be to keep Teresa, the show’s OG. Fans have watched Teresa change a great deal over 14 seasons. She went to “camp” (but not the summer kind), got divorced, and remarried. But her behavior has made her a somewhat polarizing figure.
Fans used to enjoy watching her scenes with her family. But now Luis Ruelas, Teresa’s new hubby, is also in the mix. Many fans would love to remove this man, and his controversial baggage, from their TV screens.
Plus, Teresa and Jennifer were recently accused of allegedly leaking details about RHONJ to bloggers. And Andy doesn’t like leakers. Oops!
If Teresa were to stay, her most loyal supporters, Jennifer and Dolores, would likely stay on, too. Of course, more new faces would need to be added to the cast. But keeping Rachel, who has been feuding with Teresa all season, might be a smart move.
A partial reboot with Melissa Gorga
Then, we have the other side of this divided franchise. If Bravo decided to oust Teresa, then keeping Melissa and her clique could be an option. She has been a cast member since the third season, but part of her main storyline has always been her feud with Teresa.
Melissa has also grown over the seasons. She gave up on her musical aspirations to open a boutique, Envy by Melissa Gorga. It is doing well and she opened a second location. Viewers have also watched her children grow up before our eyes, just like Teresa’s daughters.
If Melissa stayed on RHONJ, members of her crew, including Margaret Josephs and Danielle might stay on. Again, as the Switzerland of the group, Dolores could also be part of this cast. And new blood would need to be added.
Even Melissa agreed that the franchise needs a make-over. “I agree with Bravo that there needs to be changes… I think things have gotten really toxic,” Melissa told Entertainment Tonight. “So, I feel like whoever they decide to cast — or not cast — I’m fine … and I’ll deal with it when I have to deal with it.”
Just press pause on RHONJ
The final option could be a break or cancelation, like Real Housewives of Miami. Miami was benched after Season 3, only to rise from the ashes eight years later. The cast included familiar faces, like Alexia Nepola and Lisa Hochstein, along with some newbies, like Dr. Nicole Martin. And it was the spicy treat that fans had been missing.
Taking a break could give Bravo the time to see if the temperature cools down among the Garden State ladies. They could also determine if a complete reboot is necessary, or a partial reboot, like Real Housewives of Atlanta. That franchise underwent an overhaul, with mainstay cast members like Kandi Burruss leaving, and previous cast members like Porsha Williams returning. They also sprinkled in some newbies for good measure.
So, those are the four roads that RHONJ could take for Season 15. Now viewers need to watch the remainder of Season 14 and wait for casting news.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FOUR ROADS THAT RHONJ COULD TAKE FOR SEASON 15? WHICH IS THE BEST CHOICE?
