Bravo, the only NBCUniversal cable network not being spun off into Versant due to its distinct success, has announced a slate of new shows, many of which will be familiar to long-time fans. Prior to the NBCU upfront on May 12, Bravo confirmed the addition of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” expanding its iconic franchise. The network is also bringing back “Shahs of Sunset” in the form of “The Valley,” featuring returning stars Reza Farahan, Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, and Mercedes “MJ” Javid in a new series titled “The Valley: Persian Style,” produced by Alex Baskin’s company, 32 Flavors. The original “Shahs” series was put on hold in 2022 after nine successful seasons.
Furthermore, Bravo is reviving “Ladies of London,” the docuseries akin to “Real Housewives” that aired on the network for three seasons from 2014 to 2017. This revival is separate from “The Real Housewives of London,” announced last year and set to debut on Hayu, NBCU’s streaming service, this year. Another new project revealed is “Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition,” which will feature different Housewives exchanging families.
The cast of the new “Ladies of London” will consist entirely of new faces, while the cast for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” has yet to be disclosed. Additionally, there were no updates on “The Real Housewives of New York” or “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” both of which have been taking time to regroup after challenging seasons.
Despite facing ongoing challenges in cable television, several Bravo shows have recently recorded their highest viewership seasons ever, according to the company. Peacock, NBCU’s streaming service, releases Bravo shows the day following their linear premieres, which has positively impacted ratings. Shows experiencing peak viewership include Season 5 of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” the current season of “Summer House,” Season 3 of the hit “Southern Hospitality,” and Season 6 of “The Real Housewives of Miami.”
The new series “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is set in the picturesque Ocean State, portraying a close-knit community of Rhode Islanders with deep familial ties and longstanding friendships. Viewers can expect to see aspirational lives, flourishing businesses, and complex family dynamics in this small state where the past and present intertwine.
Also returning with a new lineup of British socialites, “Ladies of London” will showcase ambitious American expats and glamorous international figures navigating the clash of tradition and modernity in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Connections hold significant value as these elite women redefine status in their world.
Additionally, the series “Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition” will see a “Real Housewife” stepping into the shoes of a “real housewife,” resulting in a comedic mashup of two major entertainment franchises, hinting at moments of insight and hilarity. Bravo has also confirmed the return of popular docuseries like “Below Deck Med,” “Southern Charm,” “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” and others, further enriching its programming lineup.