What Bravo Got Wrong about RHOA season 16
I have been closely monitoring the ratings reports for season 16 of Atlanta Housewives, not because I am a hater, but because I heard about the lower than expected ratings of the first episode of the season. Apparently the first episode only got approximately 0.79 million views from the 18-49 age group. This was shocking to me because I expected it be watched by more people given that there was drama on episode one. So what did Bravo get wrong about the Real Housewives of Atlanta season 16?
The low ratings trend for RHOA in many ways validated the reasons why I initially did not plan to watch season 16. However, due to the hype surrounding the show, and knowing that there would be drama between Kenya Moore and Brit Eady, I decided to give it a try. Seeing the low ratings leads me to believe that I was not alone in my hesitation to watch season 16. Nonetheless, below are some of the issues I think Bravo needs to address.
The 2 Year Pause
Prior to season 16, the last time the show aired was September 2023. Since then, I think some fans lost interest in the show. The pause was way too long. Many things can happen within 2 years, including finding another favorite show.
As you may recall, the reason the show was on a pause was due to low ratings, but also because fans were not happy about the cast. Some cast members like Marlo Hampton and Sanya were disliked by fans. The dynamic of season 15 was off, and Bravo made the decision to step back and rethink the cast. They came back with the decision to let go of Marlo, Sanya, and Sheree.
In many ways I disagreed with the firing of Marlo and Sheree, especially knowing they were bringing Porsha back for season 16. Sheree and Marlo have always been the only cast willing to confront Porsha and the other women. By letting them go you retain a group of women who are fake and not willing to speak the truth. So Bravo made a mistake right there.
In addition to firing Marlo, Sheree, and Sanya, why did they need to pause the show for so long just to find new cast. In my opinion, Bravo should always have women waiting on the wings in case they need them, to avoid having to pause for so long.
The almost two year pause of Real Housewives of Atlanta after season 15 hurt the show big time!
Porsha Williams returning to RHOA
Listen, bringing Porsha Williams back on the show was a good decision by Bravo. However, Porsha has not been honest and open to discuss her life decisions honestly with the rest of the cast. She almost bit Kelli’s head off for stating that Porsha stole Falynn’s man. Porsha has so far spent most of her time dodging and deflecting any questions about her marriage to Simon Guobadia. All in all, Porsha’s refusal to be real makes her an unnecessary addition to the show.
Drew Sidora’s Return
Of all the women that could have been retained from season15, Drew was the one to be asked back? Don’t get me wrong, she has added a lot so far to the discussion, however, I find Drew to be withdrawn and into her own world of music and movies. Drew comes across as not being interested in engaging in banter with any of the women. She is simply using the show as a platform to promote her music and maintain relevancy as an actress. I am quite disappointed in her to be honest.
Shamea Morton’s addition to the Cast
I like Shamea, however, she is not exciting at all. She’s definitely a friend, but not a main character. I don’t recall that at any point of the franchise, any fans requesting that Shamea be made a full time cast member. So why did Bravo impose her on us like we have been waiting for her to be full time for a long time? Although we have gotten to know her better, was season 16 really the best time to bring her on board? All I am saying is that Shamea was not requested by fans, she is being imposed on the fans.
Angela Oakley, Kelli, and Brittany Eady - The Newcomers
I was honestly looking forward to new girls being brought on the show, especially after hearing that one of them got Kenya Moore suspended. However, what Bravo got wrong with the new cast is that they are too many. I don’t mind one or two new additions, however, four new additions, including Shamea Morton, can make the show feel unrecognizable. The show has definitely veered off from what it initially was in the beginning.
In the beginning of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, the show was about friendships, but now, the show is about self promotion. A great example is Kelli. Even from her intro, Kelli talks about building her Waffle Empire, which is an indication that she is more interested in making money than engaging with the rest of the cast.
Angela Oakley as well seems to be focused on her businesses and less on relationships. The show needs to get back to fundamentals; back to grand parties and soirées, visiting each other’s homes, and being real about one’s personal life.
Atlanta housewives is now super fake and superficial. It’s filled with opportunists who are only interested in milking their 15 minutes of fame. Very sad!
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