Andy Cohen Calls NewRHONYCast 'Very Aspirational' After Bethenny Frankel Said the Show Was a 'Piece of Trash'

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Andy Cohen and Bethenny Frankel.Photo:Jennifer Graylock/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Jennifer Graylock/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

TheWatch What Happens Livehost, 56, toldDeadlineat Bravo Fan Fest that there are “a lot of interesting personal stories with the women in thenewNew York.”

TheHousewivesexecutive producer went on to defend the new cast — which includesBrynn Whitfield,Erin Lichy,Jenna Lyons,Jessel Taank,Ubah Hassan,Sai De SilvaandRacquel Chevremont— following criticism of their friendships.

Ubah Hassan, Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Brynn Whitfield, Jessel Taank, and Jenna Lyons at The Real Housewives of New York Premiere Celebration on July 12, 2023 in New York City.Bryan Bedder/Getty

Bryan Bedder/Getty

“I think the group dynamic is a little bit of a challenge this season,” he explained. “I think the rap on the group in Season 1 was, ‘Oh, there’s not a lot of history there.’ The interesting thing about them this season is they hang out a lot and they are a cohesive group.”

The television personality added that he still has faith in the cast, saying, “I really believe in this group of women. I think they’re very aspirational. I think they’re fun to watch. I think the clothes and the window into a different kind of New York is all what we wanted it to be.”

Cohen also reflected on the success of the original show, which starredBethenny Frankel,Jill Zarin, Alex McCord,Ramona SingerandLuann de Lessepsin season 1 before undergoing several casting shake-ups.

“We had 13 great seasons, plus aGirls Tripwith that group of women, which is an incredible accomplishment,” Cohen shared. “A lot changed, a lot shifted in [their] world and in life — Sonja is now living in Florida, Ramona basically lives in Florida. Things have shifted.”

“So with this group ofRHONY, we’re kind of looking to the future with them,” he added. “I loved the original, but this is a new group.”

From left: Andy Cohen and Bethenny Frankel.Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

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“The new girls — I’m sure they’re lovely,” she shared. “I haven’t seen the show, [but] I’m actually sure that they’re lovely.

“You got like 200,000 viewers watching this piece of trash. So, go get the old girls and dust them off and mix them in. Humble pie is coming in hot,” she claimed.

The Real Housewives of New York Citycan be streamed on Peacock.

source: people.com