It appears producers of the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ are looking to uproot the tree of the current franchise in favor of anchoring a new show with fresh peaches.
For, it’s being reported that a reboot of RHOA is officially in motion.
Full story below…
Viewer displeasure with the current 15th season of the Bravo hit has been deafening.
Indeed, complaints have ranged from disjointed storylines to glaringly awkward group dynamics to rehashed beefs that have no spice or seasoning. In the broadest sense, many have deemed it the worst season of Housewives to date.
Interestingly, several of the Housewives themselves have echoed said sentiments in interviews about the season. Indeed, Kenya Moore – for example – has bemoaned axed scenes, omission of key storylines (such as the launch of her Kenya Moore Haircare Spa), and the almost-universally panned casting of Marlo Hampton as a full-time peach-holder.
According to LBS, execs have heard the voluminous unhappiness with the season and are plotting a reboot – similar to the recent ‘Real Housewives of New York’ – for RHOA.
Per the report, the decision to recast the show was allegedly made during the taping of the upcoming season 15 reunion and the wheels are said to be in motion already. For, feelers are actively sent out to the teams of potential peach-holders.
It’s further asserted that no existing Housewives are believed to be desired to anchor the rebooted iteration of RHOA. Rather “one or two” may be drawn upon as Friends of the revitalized cast.
Beyond fan feedback, more allegedly forms execs landing on this decision.
See, word is that the likes of Moore and Kandi Burruss (who is the highest-paid Housewife across all franchises) command a per-episode fee that is on par with what the stars of the rebooted RHONY are making…for their entire season.
With both ladies essentially being anchors of the current RHOA configuration, sunsetting them in a singular capacity would likely disrupt what is already being deemed a shaky lineup.
Add to this claims that execs are said to be very happy with their Housewives reboots as well the upcoming seasons of the ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ and ‘Married to Medicine,’ and it becomes clear how and why a total shake-up appears to be appealing in the grand scheme of things.
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That Grape Juice’s Weigh-In
Hmm.
It goes without saying that RHOA has been in desperate need of…something.
The glory years of it being appointment viewing, its social media dominance, and birthing stories and sayings that are etched in culture feel a little too distant for comfort.
So, as the age-old adage goes: something’s got to give.
At the same time, it’s a wholly risky exercise snatching beloved characters off-screen in one clean swoop.
For instance, say what folk will about Kandi Burruss, she comes with a whole supporting cast in her own right. A supporting cast that is known, loved, and often entertaining. Similarly, the likes of an activated Kenya Moore serve as TV gold in a way that is arguably impossible to duplicate. And though polarizing to some, it can also be argued that few (if any) recent RHOA additions have been as open with their story as Drew Sidora – who is unquestionably the season 15 MVP.
So, while the notion of a reboot makes sense in many ways, there are a number of cautions and considerations that really ought to go into the ultimate decision.
From our vantage point, a gutting and remolding of the existing cast presents as a plausible compromise.
In past seasons, casting has seen no more than one or two Housewives switched up at a time. There have also been countless seasons where an arguably lackluster collective cast is left as is (perhaps to fairly give newcomers a shake at acclimating more).
So, maybe just maybe, the move ought to be to wave goodbye to those who aren’t resonating with audiences and build a revitalized show around those who are with a meaty cast of newbies. For us, that would solely see Kenya, Kandi, and Drew stay. Take from that what you will.
Or…
If a reboot is a must, then exploring the seemingly benched idea of the RHONY “legacy show” for our beloved ATL peach-holders could be the move.
Enough from us, though. What are…