Bravo created a hit when they released Southern Hospitality. It was a fresh take on what felt like a Vanderpump Rules-themed series. The backdrop was Republic, a popular nightclub in Charleston on King Street. The girls had uniforms, and there was plenty of drama overflowing. But nothing seemed sweeter than Joe Bradley’s love interest with Maddi Reese. The VIP host was head over heels, but the DJ needed some time to warm up to the idea. Now, together, Maddi seems happier than ever, but should she be keeping an eye on her playboy boyfriend?
The Joe Bradley and Maddi Reese timeline
Usually, we don’t talk about the timeline, but we are today. During the season premiere, Maddi shared, “I feel like I’ve always liked Joe. It’s just we work so well together, and we’re best friends, so to make it romantic was just a huge risk. But at the same time, I know this man’s been in love with me for years.” And Maddi is not exaggerating as Joe has professed his love more than once since the franchise began. The two began seeing one another officially in February 2024, shortly after his hookup with Luann de Lesseps. But according to Joe, he only has eyes for Maddi.
In his own confessional, he noted, “Dreams really do come true. Maddi Reese finally agreed to love me back. The only thing I could do was wait it out and be patient, and in New York, she was finally like, ‘Come here motherf*cker,’ grabbed me and kissed me right on the mouth.” Joe added, “Since that moment, we’ve been inseparable, and I’ve never been happier in my life.” But if I were Maddi, I would be a little worried about Joe’s track record.
Joe Bradley is known as a player
Maddi has already had her heart broken on national TV once. And I don’t need that to happen to her again. Southern Hospitality fans watched as Trevor Stokes lied and gaslighted the server. He had cheated multiple times on Maddi, and when she finally figured it out, she broke his phone in anger. Joe, however, has been a busy bee since proclaiming his love for Maddi during Season 1. He tried to date Salley Carson but overreacted to her kissing TJ Dinch’s roommate before their date. And then there was the countess.
It wasn’t the fact that Joe might like a MILF. It was more that he chose to lie for months on end about his one-night stand with the Bravoleb. For me, this is a major red flag. I would think Maddi would have also taken note but it seems that she is still wearing her rose-colored glasses. While it must be nice to have a boyfriend who has pined for you for years I am not sure how Maddi is so comfortable with Joe’s ability to lie.
Maddi Reese is ready to make a relationship work
During her confessional, Maddi shared, “With my ex, I constantly felt like what is he doing? Where is he? I was always so anxious. I was more into Trevor than he probably was into me. It’s nice being in a relationship where it maybe right now is like the opposite. I feel safe, secure, everything I need right now.” But only time will tell if these two are a match made in heaven. Maddi is taking life one day at a time, but Joe seems ready to put a ring on it and make chicken parm forever together.
This could be another bump in the road for the duo. If they haven’t talked about the future, they both could have different expectations. Maddi has a lot of dreams when it comes to her DJ career, and I can already imagine Joe following right behind, which might not be the best look. I think Maddi would be smart to keep one eye on Joe as he navigates his way. Not only is he a known ladies’ man but he always just recently ended his years-long friendship with TJ. All of these moments combined would have been on guard if I were Maddi. But I have my fingers crossed that these two will work out. If only because it is a great storyline.
Southern Hospitality is available to stream on Peacock.
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