The Real Housewives franchise has given us some memorable moments. Some have been over the top, and some have left us hiding behind our hands. Even though the shows are meant purely for entertainment, a few storylines have given pause for concern. Below are the top five most gripping episodes that left fans wondering if everyone was okay or if an adult might be needed.
RHOBH: Kim and Kyle Richards fight in limo during Season 1 finale
Season 1 was the best of the best when it came to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The main reason was that we had the privilege of watching Kim Richards and Kyle Richards duke it out numerous times. However, one fight turned very dark as the child actors started to address some real-life issues. Throughout the season, Kim and Kyle’s sister’s bond was put to the test. As fans watched the first season, it was obvious that Kim was going through some personal struggles with addiction.
The more she ignored her drinking, the more people talked about it. Kyle kept becoming extremely upset because her sister didn’t act rational when she drank alcohol. For almost the entirety of the season, Kyle stayed quiet regarding her sister’s addiction. But one night, in a limo, she was pushed too far. The sisters found themselves screaming at one another after Kyle outed her sister for, in fact, having an alcohol problem. In Kim fashion, she responded with the now infamous line, “You stole my goddamn house.” As viewers quickly learned, Kyle was the one who was given their mother’s house in Palm Springs. The moment was tough because this fight was more than just some seedy rumors; it was family fighting family.
RHOC: Gretchen Rossi is naked wasted via Tamra Judge
Tamra Judge and Gretchen Rossi were never best friends, except for that one season when they teamed up, and it all felt like a fever dream. But Season 4 showed a whole new side to Tammy Sue’s mind, and it wasn’t for the faint of heart. During a cast dinner, Tamra and Vicki Gunvalson were trying to plot a way to embarrass Gretchen, and they decided to do so through a heavy pour. The party seemed like fun until it wasn’t.
The duo tried their best to get Gretchen “naked wasted” as Tamra’s son Ryan Vieth tried his best to make a move on the blonde bombshell. The whole setup felt like a planned sexual assault. It was clear that Gretchen was over the limit, but instead of helping her, they kept filling her glass. The entire scene was filled with malice and showed how mean some people can be. Even though Tamra eventually shared that she regretted her part in the scene, Gretchen recently pointed out she never received a proper apology.
RHOA: Porsha Williams reveals Phaedra Parks was the mastermind regarding Kandi Burruss’ rumors
Perhaps one of the most jaw-dropping moments on Real Housewives of Atlanta had to be when it was revealed that Phaedra Parks was the woman behind the vicious rumors circulating about Kandi Burruss and an alleged sex dungeon. During Season 9 and the reunion, Porsha Wiliams accused the Grammy Award winner of wanting to drug her in hopes of a sexual relationship. Kandi was left upset and confused as to why anyone would want to besmirch her good name.
Kandi was livid that Porsha would divulge something like that on national TV since she had a reputation to uphold. But the turning point was when Porsha pointed the finger at her best friend, Phaedra. The lawyer was left stunned and finally had to admit her part in the gossip train. The mother of two finally admitted she was the one who told Porsha and that the accusations were a lie. The entire scene was a spectacle as Porsha cried and pleaded with Kandi to forgive. The mother of one said at the time, “I swear to God, Kandi — I would never say something like that to you if it wasn’t told to me in truth, in confidence.” The move was career-ending for Phaedra, who wasn’t asked back for Season 10.
RHOP: Gizelle Bryant accuses Chris Bassett of making her uncomfortable in Season 6
Gizelle Bryant had a very friendly relationship with Chris Bassett for multiple seasons. The cameras often caught Gizelle and the chef bantering; for the most part, they seemed to have a true friendship. But Season 6 changed all that changed. Viewers were actually surprised to hear Gizelle allege that Chris made her feel uncomfortable during the reunion taping. The weird feelings carried over into Season 7 when Gizelle told Robyn Dixon about the incident on camera, leaving the rest of the women no other choice but to become involved.
The mother of three explained that after the Season 6 reunion, Chris asked to speak with her in her dressing room. She agreed, but he closed the door when he entered, leaving her feeling “uncomfortable.” Candiace Dillard Bassett did what she did best and defended her man on X. At the time, she wrote, “Where have we landed? How exactly are we here? You are not a victim. What you are is a calculated slab of misery creating the next generation of snipes through the fine example your children have to mirror. We are all in danger.” The entire storyline was dark and triggered everyone who was a part of or watched it.
RHONJ: Joe Giudice and Joe Gorga fighting at a family therapy session
Like Kathy Wakile, I was left with my face in my palm, wondering what the hell I had just watched. The entire Gorga/Giudice clan was up in Lake George to attend a family mediation therapy session, but clearly, an exorcism was needed. Joe Gorga and Joe Giudice never see eye to eye, but it all comes to a literal head during this scene. Melissa Gorga had been the pawn for Teresa Giudice’s jabs, and it reached a boiling point after she fell to her knees, pleading with the OG to “stop hurting us.” The theatrics were a bit much, but the drama was so real.
Season 5 showed Joe Gorga finally losing his cool as he called his sister “scum.” The family has never been one for words, but the father of three was at his wit’s end. Upon being insulted, Tre storms outside to get her husband, Juicy Joe. The father of four was incensed and charged head-on like a bull into his brother-in-law. What followed was a scrap for the ages, which left egos bruised and spray-painted hair on Joe Giudice’s shirt.
TELL US — CAN YOU THINK OF ANY OTHER DARK MOMENTS FROM THE BRAVO VAULT?
