Carole Radziwill is set to make her much-anticipated return to The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) in its upcoming 16th season, following her departure from the Bravo series in 2018. This will mark her first appearance in the franchise after an eight-year hiatus.
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In a recently published interview with The New York Times, the 62-year-old author and former journalist expressed her excitement and apprehension about rejoining a show that played such a significant role in her life. “To return to something that I was such a big part of is a bit of a risk for me,” Radziwill stated. She also shared the terms she set with executive producer Andy Cohen to ensure her comfort during the filming process, having previously had a public falling out with him. “Andy said that I could film as much or as little as I want,” she added, indicating her desire for flexibility in her participation.
Cohen echoed his enthusiasm about Radziwill’s return, stating in an email to the publication that her decision had delighted many fans, including himself. He elaborated, “My pitch was essentially to join us in a way that should be light, fun, and additive to the show, and hopefully, somehow to her life.”
Radziwill first appeared on RHONY during seasons 5 through 10, leaving amid controversy and tension with Cohen. However, the duo reconciled, and their relationship appeared to be positively transformed when Radziwill made an unexpected guest appearance on Cohen’s talk show in August 2025.
In light of her decision to return, Radziwill reflects on the complexities of fame and public scrutiny. She addressed the resurfacing of discussions related to her past, including her relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as the FX series, Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, which draws from her late husband Anthony Radziwill’s family legacy. Radziwill credited her late mother-in-law with helping her learn to navigate the challenges of being in the public eye. “She knew that being very public meant people would misunderstand you, and you had to be okay with that,” Radziwill explained. She admitted that while it took time, she has finally reached a stage where she finds peace in accepting that misunderstanding is part of her experience.
Bravo confirmed Radziwill’s return as a “friend of” the series earlier this month. She will join the existing cast members Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, and Sai De Silva, as well as three new faces: celebrity fitness trainer Erika Hammond, makeup artist Daisy Toye, and PR professional Hailey Glassman. The network celebrated her return on social media, stating, “In the marathon of life, loyalty is everything. And because of Bravo fans’ loyalty, Carole Radziwill is returning to #RHONY as a friend-of for Season 16!”
The role of a “friend” allows Radziwill to make guest appearances throughout the season without being bound to the core cast. This arrangement is seen as an ideal compromise, allowing her to engage with the show while maintaining personal boundaries.
Radziwill has gradually begun to re-emerge within the Bravo universe, having attended BravoCon 2025, where she shared her reflections on returning to RHONY. “I thought when I left eight years ago, I could go quietly into the night,” she said, emphasising the communal ties she feels within the franchise. “There is a sisterhood here,” she noted, acknowledging the unique bonds formed among the women involved, regardless of how much they may differ from one another.
As anticipation builds for the new season, Radziwill’s return is likely to reignite conversations about her past experiences on the series, as well as the dynamics of the new friendships and rivalries within the cast. Fans of the show are eager to see how her presence will influence the overall narrative and what new storyline will unfold as she steps back into the spotlight.
Radziwill’s return signifies not just a personal comeback, but also highlights the ever-evolving nature of reality television, where relationships and guest appearances frequently shift, creating a fluid and dynamic environment for both the cast and its viewers. With her wealth of experience and the lessons learned over the years, many are excited to see how Radziwill will contribute to the rich tapestry of RHONY.