It was a sad day in 2017, shortly after Season 9 aired. At the time, Bravo announced that Phaedra Parks had been fired from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. For years, the mother of two had been serving up the sweet tea in the ALT. Phaedra was a force to be reckoned with between her feuds with Kenya Moore and her multiple business ventures. After helping spread a damaging rumor about Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, the network had no other choice but to give her the pink slip.
For years, viewers have had a Phaedra-free show. But this past year, Season 2 of The Traitors reminded (some of) us how much we missed the mortician. Now that Kandi has left the building for bigger and better things, there are rumors that the network is in talks with Phaedra about bringing her back into the fold. With all the shake-ups afoot, this could be the best move Bravo has made in a while.
Phaedra Parks has game
As a true Real Housewives star, you have to be able to navigate crises. You also need to remain calm under pressure and verbally eviscerate foes. And bring the drama and scheme in their own way. Phaedra was perfect for this role as she is highly accomplished and educated. Phaedra is a Housewives legend and could teach a masterclass on deception. As stated above, her big fall from grace was the drug and rape rumor. She somehow managed to hide her plotting from the entire cast. Phaedra was one of the shadiest Housewives of all time. But she knew how to play the game, which is what made her so great at her job.
Who could forget that she was pregnant on her first season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta and lied about her due date because the dates of her marriage and conception didn’t align? The Southern Belle wanted to maintain a sense of virginity even though it was apparent she hadn’t been chaste. Her husband, Apollo Nida, went to prison for wire fraud, and she managed to keep her hands clean despite there one of her husband’s coconspirators, Angela Stanton, who even wrote a book about Phaedra and her alleged involvement with the case. So again, Phaedra knows how to come out on top.
Phaedra Parks is a fan favorite – right?
The mother of two’s likability factor soars because of her syrupy-smooth voice and silly soundbites. It is hard not to want to see Phaedra in her element. The seasons with Phaedra were some of the most popular, and Bravo needs good reviews after a rough news cycle this past year. Phaedra was fun until her last season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. She was great at cracking jokes and wearing some ostentatious outfits. To many, she was the second coming of NeNe Leakes: funny, country, and full of wit.
Phaedra Parks could give a read
The lawyer could also read any of her coworkers like the back of her hand. Phaedra was often considered a wordsmith during her time. The way she told the ladies they “better drop back in” was historic. Even though not all her reads were very nice, Phaedra was the queen of shade on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. The current seasons have become a bit stale, which is why Bravo is currently scrambling to figure out a new game plan.
Phaedra finally has an opening to return only because Kandi has left the series. If she were to return, I think fans would be split down the middle. Some still feel she shouldn’t be rewarded for her cruel plot against Kandi, and others feel she has served her time. All I know is I miss seeing her shenanigans on my small screen every week. Arguably, she might not be the best human being out there, but she was one of the best Real Housewives ever to grace the platform. If Bravo decides to bring her back, I think it will be a smart move on their part, especially if Cynthia Bailey joins her.
TELL US — WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE PHAEDRA PARKS BACK ON THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA?
