Despite mounting speculation, it appears NeNe Leakes has not yet secured a peachy return to ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
Reports recently suggested the reality television icon had been offered a contract to rejoin the Bravo hit for Season 18.
That may not be the case.
Full story below…
No Contracts Have Gone Out
According to TMZ, sources say Bravo has yet to issue contracts to any cast members or reach a final decision on who will be returning.
In other words, the reporting does not amount to a rejection. Nobody has been signed yet, Leakes included, and the Season 18 line-up remains genuinely undecided.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Andy Cohen, who insists no deals have been finalized:
Andy shuts down the recent rumors about Shamea being fired and Nene returning. #RHOA pic.twitter.com/tvvcMHzIal
— The RHOA Talk (@TheRhoaTalk) August 3, 2026
Where the Speculation Came From
The buzz intensified after confirmation that Leakes will appear on ‘The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,’ her first Bravo project in years.
Fans read the spin-off as a soft launch for a full return to Atlanta, a route the network has used before to test the waters with departed cast members.
The Backdrop
Leakes originated the franchise in 2008 and left after Season 12 in 2020, later pursuing legal action against the network over workplace claims before the two sides settled.
Her potential return also arrives as the show reshapes itself again. Kandi Burruss, who exited in 2024 after 14 seasons, recently confirmed she was asked back and declined.
For now, fans will have to wait. Season 18’s cast is very much up in the air.
![TV Trailer: 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' [Season 17 / Episode 5]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rhoa-season-17-episode-5-tgj-464x260.jpg)
It’s a good group. I do think that Pinky should be replaced by a new girl next season though to shake it up a lil. She can be a friend lol