Original RHONY Cast Dismisses Reboot Stars as Ratings Battle Looms

A brewing rivalry between reality television veterans and their successors has escalated as the original stars of The Real Housewives of New York make their return to television on a different network.

Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Kelly Bensimon, Ramona Singer, and Dorinda Medley are currently filming The Golden Life for E!, and sources indicate the group is actively working to avoid any encounters with the cast members who replaced them on the Bravo series. The original cast members believe the new lineup does not measure up to their standard, according to sources familiar with the production.

The tension reflects a stark divide between the two groups. Sources connected to the series told TMZ that the original cast considers the new lineup a joke and believes the replacement cast members are not in the same league. The original stars have made clear they want no guest appearances or crossover episodes between the two programs.

E! expanded production of The Golden Life after being impressed with episodes filmed in Palm Beach, ordering additional filming in the Hamptons and New York City. The network describes the show as light and fun, positioning it as an alternative to the rebooted Real Housewives of New York.

The current Real Housewives of New York cast includes Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, Hailey Glassman, Erika Hammond, and Daisy Toye, along with Carole Radziwill appearing as a friend of the cast and newcomer Devyn Simone.

The original cast members are reportedly eager for a direct ratings competition. Sources close to the show told TMZ that the group would prefer their program to premiere on the same night as the rebooted Real Housewives of New York, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate what Bravo lost when the network replaced them.

The public dismissal of the replacement cast marks an unusual level of animosity in the reality television landscape, where cast changes typically occur with less public friction. The original stars appear determined to prove their continued relevance and drawing power in the competitive reality television market.