When Rachel Fuda first joined the Real Housewives of New Jersey during Season 13, she was the new shiny housewife. At first, fans didn’t know what to make of Rachel. But as the season went on, she showed just how valuable she was to the franchise. Her freshman season was a bit boring, I’ll be honest, but her sophomore year, she had a glow-up.
Rachel isn’t afraid to choose sides and is currently taking quite the stance. The newbie isn’t playing by the rules and has branched out on her own, choosing to go after a staple housewife. I can respect Rachel for her ballsy moves and acknowledge what she is trying to do. The mother of two is outspoken, young, and willing to put her neck on the line when it comes to arguing. So do I hope that Rachel returns for another reason of RHONJ. Hell yes! And here is why you should, too.
Rachel Fuda is likable
I didn’t want to like the new girls, but I found myself enjoying the scenes with Rachel. In my opinion, she is totally relatable. The 33-year-old is living in a pretty realistic world compared to the other Real Housewives. She is a mother and wife who seems to be living her authentic life in the series. There is no doubt that Rachel has a lot going on and, at times, can take herself a bit too seriously. But I would argue this trait is what makes her likable. As humans, we all take ourselves too seriously at times. Rachel is just showing the reality of most of our lives. That could be why some fans have had such a visceral reaction to her.
Not every housewife gets to live a drama-free, easy-going lifestyle. Rachel doesn’t have the luxury of taking on a passion project like Envy or a podcast. She is working and volunteering her time to make a difference. Unlike some of her cast members, Rachel seems to understand the work-life balance and isn’t afraid to make tough decisions.
Rachel Fuda stands up to Teresa Giudice
I don’t know about you but, I am waiting for the day the Tre topples over. Teresa Giudice has been a thorn in viewers’ side for years now due to her tired storyline. And while she may be an OG, sometimes it is good to challenge her with some fresh meat. Rachel has been spot-on with her commentary – especially when it comes to Teresa. In this fan’s opinion, it’s good to have someone strong-willed go against Teresa. I say this because Rachel isn’t wrong about what she is saying. Teresa has acted like a “bully” multiple times.
Even though Rachel isn’t throwing fists, she knows how to fight. What I find enjoyable about her is that she does not back down. She is like a dog with a bone, especially when she knows she’s right. Rachel doesn’t need backup as she can defend herself.
The downside
As much as I love Rachel and want to see her back, I think her constant fighting with Teresa and Jennifer Fessler could make her a one-trick pony storyline. Some fans are tired of her obsessive need to talk about Tre and her incessant crying. Many have pointed out that Rachel never seems to be in a good mood. But would you be happy if your husband’s past was constantly being called into question? Probably not.
If I could give Rachel any advice, it would be to tweak her attitude just a bit. She hasn’t shed that “well, it’s my opinion, and if you don’t agree with it, you’re a stupid” high school attitude, and to some fans, it’s very off-putting. But if there is going to be a reboot, I say, why not keep Rachel and Danielle Cabral? Both are young and fresh. Let Rachel and Danielle embrace their millennial side and usher forth a new era for the Real Housewives of New Jersey.
RHONJ can be streamed on Peacock.
TELL US — WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE RACHEL BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON? OR IS HER TIME UP?