NeNe Leakes, a prominent figure in the Real Housewives franchise, has recently made a notable return with a cameo appearance in the first episode of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” This new series, which celebrates two decades of the Real Housewives tradition, has sparked various reactions, particularly from Andy Cohen, a key producer and personality associated with the franchise.
Cohen addressed Leakes’ reappearance during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the show’s launch celebration in New York City. He expressed that the franchise would not have been able to commemorate its 20-year milestone effectively without her contributions. “We couldn’t have celebrated 20 years without her,” he remarked, highlighting her significant role within the franchise’s history. He also noted the positive reception from fans regarding her return, indicating a warm nostalgia among the show’s audience.
Leakes, aged 58, is no stranger to the spotlight, having left “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2020 after a successful ten-season run. Initially, her departure seemed amicable; however, the situation took a turn when she filed a lawsuit in 2022 against Bravo, Cohen, and others, accusing them of fostering a racist environment and creating a hostile workplace. This legal battle was short-lived, as it was mutually dismissed just four months later.
Reflecting on the past, Cohen remarked in a recent interview with Vulture that he views the lawsuit as a matter “in the past.” He expressed optimism about reuniting with Leakes for the latest series, describing the experience as “very positive.” The producers deemed it fitting to bring her back for this special anniversary season, given her indelible mark on the franchise.
The premise of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” revolves around a cross-country trip featuring seven veteran Housewives, including well-known names such as Vicki Gunvalson, Luann de Lesseps, Porsha Williams, and Teresa Giudice, among others. This journey aims to celebrate iconic locations and moments from the series, while Leakes’ contribution serves as a nod to her lasting influence on the show.
In her recent public statements, Leakes has mentioned that she is open to a more permanent return to the franchise, should the opportunity arise. On “The Tamron Hall Show,” she stated, “If they called, I would answer. I would need to hear what they have to say.” This suggests that while Leakes has experienced challenges in her relationship with Bravo, she is willing to explore a fresh direction.
Moreover, Leakes expressed a sense of reconciliation regarding her past issues with the network. She noted, “We have put a lot of things behind us that some people know, some people don’t know.” This comment points to a broader narrative of moving forward from previous conflicts and fostering a more positive rapport with the franchise.
As the new season unfolds, viewers can tune in to “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” which airs on Bravo every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. For those who prefer to watch episodes on-demand, new installments will be available for streaming on Peacock the day after their television release.
Leakes’ return has not only reignited conversations about her legacy but has also provided a fresh perspective on her role within the broader context of the Real Housewives series. As fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, the interplay between past grievances and future possibilities continues to shape the narrative surrounding one of reality television’s most polarising figures.