Fans of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” are experiencing acute whiplash watching the number of incoming cast members, while simultaneously witnessing the cluster of veterans walking out the door — or being pushed out.
As RHOA prepares to film the 16th season of the popular reality TV series, only two of the full-time members that are confirmed to return are Drew Sidora and Kenya Moore, according to Love B. Scott.
Porsha Williams, who is embroiled in a bitter divorce process with estranged husband Simon Guobadia, is returning to RHOA after a hiatus to begin her marriage. Now Williams’ return will undoubtedly chronicle the marital implosion.
Williams will have an ally close at her flank because Bravo decided to make her friend, Shamea Morton Mwangi, a full-time cast member.
Multi-hyphenate businesswoman and entertainer Kandi Burruss left the show to continue pursuing her theater exploits as well as build on her growing entrepreneurial empire. Gone also are Olympic track legend Sanya Richards-Ross and former full-timer Marlo Hampton.
Sheree Whitfield, who had two stints on RHOA, was not invited back for season 16. All of the original principal players of RHOA are now gone.
In their place are new faces, save for Cynthia Bailey, a former longtime cast member who has agreed to return to the mix as a part-time “friend” of the show.
Out with the old, in with the new at RHOA
The new RHOA cast members include:
Kelli Ferrell: Ferrell is a professional chef, restaurateur, and Food Network alumna
Angela Oakley: She is an entrepreneur, real estate mogul, and wife of NBA legend Charles Oakley.
Brittany Eady: is a motivational speaker, podcast host, and author.
Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen conveyed excitement about the overhaul and lineup makeover.
“We’ve got wonderful casting,” Cohen told People magazine. “We’ve got some amazing new gals, and this is gonna feel, I’m feeling very positive about the new season of [RHOA], so just standby and you will hear more.”
Production on RHOA Season 16 is slated to begin in May 2024 with a season premiere scheduled for 2025. In the interim, fans of RHOA can get caught up by clocking onto Peacock TV.
