While some would argue that looking back doesn’t assist in moving forward, we here at That Grape Juice somewhat believe otherwise when it comes to the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
With the current installment of the Bravo show at its climax, attention is quickly turning to season 14 – especially amid murmurs of a cast shake-up.
Head below to see who we’d love to see back in the RHOA mix…
Phaedra Parks
We’ve been lobbying for this from the moment she stepped off the show. It’s of course paramount to acknowledge the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her departure. But from where we’re standing, the breather her hiatus allowed for (as well as the explosive continuity that would be her reintroduction) would be a powerful potion for ratings glory.
From having “the” sit-down with Kandi Burruss, to the reunion (or not) with Frick & Frack partner Porsha Williams, there are just too many surefire scenarios that would be ludicrous to pass on.
Beyond the drama, there’s also the fact Ms. Parks brought the funny with her quick-wittedness, adorable Kings (the Prince and the President), and simply got “it” when it came to being a Housewife. The latter of which is proving to be lightning in a bottle rare.
When we spoke with her in 2020, she intimated that she was looking to leave the drama (not the show) in the rearview. But, for us, she’s exactly what’s needed for the show to flourish as it drives forward.
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Sheree Whitfield
No one may be able to “check” Sheree Whitfield, but they’ve certainly been checking for her. Now more than, ever it seems.
A ‘Housewives’ original, she played an essential part in establishing the show’s dynamic DNA.
She uniquely has always had real-time value to the platform, which makes her on-and-off status on the cast slightly grating.
Ms. Whitfield is a nostalgic call back to RHOA’s boom period with her fun shade, authentic connections, and ability to integrate with any concoction of the cast.
Her last run on the show during season 10 admittedly left a lot to be desired. We weren’t feeling the bone-carrier role she took on, her ill-advised team-up with Kim Zolciak, or the vague integration of her relationship with Tyrone.
Still, she possesses ample potential as a Housewife. Particularly if she commits to laying all aspects of her life on the table as opposed to wilfully playing a sideline character to avoid doing so.
Also, call us traditionalists, but it’ll always benefit the show having an OG in the mix. Always.
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Eva Marcielle
Eva the Diva!
On paper, there is no reason why Eva Marcielle‘s tenure on Housewives couldn’t have been a slam dunk. She’s a reality TV veteran with an established fanbase, speaks to the exact demographic producers are courting, and developed genuine relationships off-screen with a key cast such as Cynthia Bailey. And yet, something felt…off.
There were glimmers of potential, but her wings always felt clipped. Sometimes by way of how she was produced (see: unnecessary hazing from Marlo), but other times by her own doing. As pertains to the latter, in a bid to self-brand as the “one to not be played with,” she’d go from zero to one hundred when the scene didn’t call for it (see: her comment about Porsha’s C-section). The result made it feel like she was self-producing rather than giving us the Eva we’ve long known and loved.
All that said, her appearance and interaction with the ladies at Cynthia’s wedding is the exact brand of organic we’d love to see from Eva.
Plus, it’d be great to have a season where she’s not pregnant so as for her to fully participate in all of the shenanigans.
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Claudia Jordan (Wildcard)
We’re torn when it comes to Claudia Jordan.
On the one hand, she (or should we say her recruitment) is literally emblematic of the show’s turning tide. It’s “the” moment it became clear newcomers were well-versed / too-versed in what was expected of them (see: drama) and needn’t have any genuine ties to the group – despite this being the core concept of the show. Indeed, despite trying to not break the 4th wall, Jordan’s on-screen story all but confirmed that she moved to ATL for the gig.
BUT…
There’s is no denying how much of a firecracker she was. Her showdown with Nene Leakes remains one of the most iconic moments in Housewives history. And we feel somewhat cheated out of what could have been a more organic integration into the group had she have been invited back the following year.
She’s booked and busy as a host these days, but it goes without saying that RHOA remains one of the most poppin’ platforms. One rich in opportunity for one’s other ventures.
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Do you agree with our picks?
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Look this needs to be the lineup how many times we got to say this…
NENE
PHADRA
KENYA
PORSHA
KANDI
MARLO
CYNTHIA (Friend)
SHEREE (Friend)
Chiiiile, nene won’t ever be back. She burned that bridge with bravo.
YES YES YES
From this list, Phaedra and only Phaedra. People forget how dull Sheree was in season 10. She had nothing going on, tried to start with Nene and failed. In the end she turned into Kim Zolciak’s side kick and Kim was only a friend. Even at the reunion she did nothing. That reunion was all about the Kenya and Nene double team on Kim.
As for Claudia, she was basic as hell. Added nothing to the show. Once again tried to create drama with Nene. Her read of Nene was basically rehearsed lines from the M** comment section. This is the woman that said she never watched the show in her life, but during her “read” of Nene somehow knew Nene never pronounced bridesmaid correctly. Interesting as the wedding of Nene was at the end of season 5. Claudia stupidly outed herself. As for the rest of the season, the fake drama she tried to bring with Kenya setting her up with Porsha’s ex husband and then chasing Nene around at a charity kitchen SMH. Her whole storyline became about Porsha, and Porsha was demoted that season and still had more screen time and relevance at the reunion.
Eva’s main contribution was her read of Marlo on the bus. Other than that the only memorable thing about her was when Porsha said her titties were social distancing. She adds nothing and is not required.
We must be watching a different show. How was Claudia basic? She was humorous, wasn’t afraid to clown herself and read Nene to pieces. Claudia did everything a friend contract was supposed to and then some.
I have to disagree with Sheree is quick with the tongue and keeps it interesting. She also had personal family drama which is good for content outside of the girls.
Obviously you didn’t watch it. Her whole storyline was Porsha after Nene wouldn’t engage. It was Porsha’s ex, Porsha not being nice to her over at Dish. She was trying so hard to be relevant that season. Go back and re-watch the season to refresh your memory. She had nothing going on in her life and she was basically paid dust at the reunion. If she did say more at the reunion, she was edited out by Bravo like they do with potential wives they film during the season that don’t make the cut.
And her read of Nene coming straight from the M.T.O comment section made what should have been something good something so tragic.
I’ll give it to Eva, her read of Marlo on the bus was much better than what Claudia did and it was all original material.
All 4 pictured can come back. Along with Marlo, Porsha and Kenya with peaches. Cynthia, Drew and Latoya can go. Kandi can swing either way.
I know I said this a millions times but I don’t understand the franchise let Claudia slipped. She killed her camera time. Brought the heat, brought the reads and shades. She fit in the crew organically and she’s beautiful. If they had kept her around she could have been stable for the show and they wouldn’t be the situation they are in now.
F NO to that w**** Claudia Jordan. She doesn’t even live in Atlanta. Production rented her an apartment when she was on the show. No to phadrea because she is too much of a liability for lies she said about Kandi. No to Eva because she was given TOO MANY chances and brought nothing to the table. They need to bring back shereè and my wildcard is Kim Z. They both would bring the drama and know how to do it like they did before!
Dang I must be the only one thinking Shamari did a decent job (minus her obvious alcoholism).
Black women are just Ughhhh same as my account name
NONE! The show has run its course. Time to sit the whole thing down.
NENE
PHAEDRA
KIM AS A FRIEND
SHEREE AS A FRIEND
MARLO WITH A PEACH
DREW AS A FRIEND
SHAMEA
PORSHA
FALYNN
CLAUDIA WAS TERRIBLE SHE NEVA LANDED A STORYLINE ALL SHE DID WAS TRY TO START WITH NENE N PORSHA U CAN ONLY JOKE ABOUT NENES WIGS SO MUCH LIKE GIRL U PRESSED. EVA IS A LIAR N HAS AMNESIA WHEN SHE GETS CALLED OUT N MARLO WAS RITE ABOUT HER. SHEREE IS ONLY FUN WHEN SHE IS A FRIEND NOW. PHAEDRA FROM THIS LIST ONLY. U GUYS HATE ON NENE BUT THE SHOW IS DRY WITHOUT HER.
Marlo needs a peach enough
Nene of course.
Phaedra
Phaedra parks of course foo! I have been saying bring her back for a couple of years back because Phaedra has a storyline & will bring the conversation to the table with the old & new cast. I want to know who Phaedra loving, co-parenting life, Her & Apollo friendship, etc. Phaedra has a cliffhanger storyline to me. So much catching up to do. She still has an unfinished issue with some of the girls. Phaedra’s return will up the rating mos def. Then after Phaedra’s return season, next season the return of NeNe Leakes. Only if Mrs. Leakes has humbled herself the next two season will be a rating, winners
At this point, if we have to ask ourselves who can we pick from past seasons to come back, that means the show has lost its fire.
Bravo needs to change cast every 3 years so the franchises won’t be boring and people will be excited to see new faces, fresh storylines and not recycled ones for a check.
Either Sheree or none of them.
How about all of them?
Give Marlo one already. She had a good season this year.
I AGREE
Big no to trying to hard Eva, YES to Phaedra, Claudia. Porscha is carrying the show, bye to Kandi
This cast had the most chemistry:
NeNe
Sheree
Kandi
Cynthia
Porsha
Phaedra
Kenya
With Marlo as friend of…
U TOLD NO LIES CHILE
I want NeNe Leaks & Sheree Whitfield back!!!!!
I really think all the cast except Ken) should come back,, Nene should be apologized to and come back with out Ken the ladies would create a dynamic show