How ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Was Born: Inside NBCU’s Strategic Casting and Location Choice

Bravo’s last ‘Real Housewives’ franchise launch was four years ago in Dubai, a show celebrated for its opulent setting and dynamic ensemble cast. For its next installment, NBCUniversal sought a city that could deliver a fresh, unforgettable backdrop and a cast of characters unlike any before. Enter Rhode Island, the Ocean State often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbor, Massachusetts.

Pamela Gimenez, Vice President of Unscripted, Lifestyle, and Docs for Bravo and Peacock, explained that Rhode Island’s community-focused, ocean-centric culture provided the ideal foundation for a new series.

“What is the recipe for a ‘Housewife?’ What are those boxes, right? It’s like affluent women, mothers, wives. But, in 20 years, what that looks like has evolved. So, [while] looking for cities, it’s really about what’s out there. What’s the subculture.”

Gimenez emphasized that a luxurious location alone isn’t enough to guarantee success for a new ‘Real Housewives’ show. She praised Chelsey Stephens of Chelsey Creative for assembling the perfect group of women to headline the series, including Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.

“What I liked about this group, and what Chelsey did really well, was [find] what a ‘Housewife’ is today in 2026 — it’s so different. You can not be married and have a child. You can be working, not working, right? We don’t really tell a lot of different stories often. We try to put ourselves into some of the storytelling. So, we can relate to it in different ways.”

Gimenez added that Rhode Island’s unique appeal, combined with the compelling casting, created “magic” for what could be the next hit show. The series, titled ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’, is set to premiere in 2026.

Why Rhode Island Was Chosen Over Massachusetts

During an interview with TheWrap, Gimenez shared insights into the decision-making process behind selecting Rhode Island as the franchise’s new home. She reflected on her nearly eight years with Bravo and NBC, noting that the network has always been on the lookout for fresh opportunities to expand the franchise.

“Look, I’ve been with Bravo now and NBC for [almost] eight years, which is crazy. But, prior to that, I was showrunning and worked for many Bravo shows before coming on board as an executive. So, I’ve done the field work and post [production]. In my experience, they were always looking, and are always looking. You know, we haven’t had one in [many] years … But the last time we launched something was in Dubai.”

Gimenez explained that the evolving definition of a ‘Housewife’ has driven the search for new locations and casts.

“And then, you know, I was working on Miami, working on New Jersey and thinking about, like, what is the recipe for a housewife? What are those boxes? It’s like affluent women, mothers, wives, but in 20 years, that’s evolved. What that looks like has evolved. So, looking for cities, it’s really about what’s out there, what’s the subculture.”

What to Expect from ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’

Gimenez hinted at the network’s plans for the future of the franchise, emphasizing its commitment to storytelling that resonates with modern audiences. The new cast reflects a diverse range of lifestyles, challenging traditional expectations of what it means to be a ‘Housewife.’

• Unmarried women with children
• Working professionals and stay-at-home individuals
• Women from varied backgrounds and experiences

With Rhode Island’s unique culture and the cast’s fresh perspectives, Gimenez expressed confidence in the show’s potential to captivate viewers.

“For all the insights into the launch of ‘RHORI,’ including Gimenez’s plans for its future, keep reading.”

The interview was edited for length and clarity.