Ranking Every Real Housewives Franchise from Worst to Best

#12: “The Real Housewives of D.C.” (2010)

Marred by real-life scandal, the Housewives of the nation’s capital couldn’t live up to the drama occurring off-screen. Cast member Michaele Salahi and her husband, Tareq, became embroiled in a national scandal when they were accused of gate-crashing a White House state dinner. Producer Andy Cohen expressed interest in bringing the show back sans the Salahis, but a second season never materialized. Other than the obvious, its biggest legacy was proving that the “Real Housewives” brand wasn’t too big to fail. “The Real Housewives of D.C.” was the first of the cities to get the axe.

#11: “The Real Housewives of Dallas” (2016-21)

While the Dallas edition didn’t skimp on fabulousness and money, controversial statements and behavior by its cast might have proved to be its undoing. Cast members like LeeAnne Locken and Brandi Redmond brought the show a reputation for drama and inappropriate comments in equal measure. However, once Locken left in its fourth season, the show failed to regain any footing it had. Declining ratings, a bizarre tone, and continued accusations of racism saw the show end after its fifth season. The show has yet to return, and fans don’t seem to be clamoring for a reboot.

#10: “The Real Housewives of Dubai” (2022-24)

Opulence and wealth were abundant in Dubai. The fashions and the settings were absolutely stunning. But every “Real Housewives” series lives and dies by the chemistry of its cast. Chanel Ayan and Caroline Stanbury were both standouts, but even they couldn’t dodge accusations from viewers and critics that the show's drama was coming across as forced. Though the idea of Bravo producing international versions of the show was tantalizing, Dubai didn’t make the case very well. It was an experiment, and unfortunately, it didn’t please everyone. “The Real Housewives of Dubai” has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2024.

#9: “The Real Housewives of New York City” Reboot (2023-)

After a disastrous thirteenth season, Bravo went back to the drawing board for its New York edition. They may have overcorrected. Casting an entirely new group of women, the ensemble became younger, with a heavier focus on social media influencers than the old money crowd. Reviews were immediately mixed. There were always going to be comparisons, but one thing the original cast had was camaraderie. The main issue many fans have identified is that the reboot cast just doesn’t seem to be that into each other. Their polished, highly curated personalities were a far cry from the messiness and realness of their predecessors.

#8: “The Real Housewives of Miami” (2011-13; 2021-25)

Never say never when it comes to the Housewives. The Miami series was put on hiatus for almost ten years before it came roaring back to Peacock in 2021 and Bravo in 2023. The show introduced us to Larsa Pippen, Lisa Hochstein, and Marysol Patton and their struggles in life and love. Miami is certainly distinctive. With its flashy fashions and chaotic vibes, it’s often called the most underrated of all the “Real Housewives” cities. Despite being one of the cult hits in the franchise, the reboot never had great ratings. In 2026, it was announced that the show was once again going on hiatus.

#7: “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (2006-)

The inaugural series married the exclusivity of a gated Orange County community with the drama and intrigue of a soap opera. Obviously, it deserves a few points for inventing the format. Without the outspoken Vicki Gunvalson and the drama-stirring Tamra Judge, the “Real Housewives” might not even exist. “The Real Housewives of Orange County” has seen more than its fair share of lean times, too. Recent seasons have seen a decline in ratings and even a few calls for the flagship franchise’s cancellation. But since its 2006 premiere, it’s generated more than its fair share of memes and iconic fights.

#6: “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (2016-)

Set among a group of African-American women living in the DMV region outside of Washington D.C., “The Real Housewives of Potomac” once ranked among the best. It diversified the brand and introduced a completely different social dynamic, energy, and overall vibe. Karen Huger’s etiquette lessons, the antics of the “Green-Eyed Bandits,” and bitter rivalries led to some truly stunning moments. However, recent seasons have left us wanting. A constantly shifting cast dynamic, repetitive drama involving certain husbands, and legal scandals have us wishing for the old days.

#5: “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (2009-)

Between the Manzos, the Gorgas, and the Giudices, family drama has been the secret sauce that made fans tune into “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” But New Jersey could be among the most polarizing. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. The fights are among the most vicious and physical in the entire Bravoverse. Over the years, though, the endless Giudice-Gorga feud has begun to wear on some viewers. In 2024, the show went “on pause,” to borrow an Andy Cohen phrase, after a particularly exhausting 14th season. Here’s hoping it comes back refreshed.

#4: “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (2008-)

The Atlanta breakout star NeNe Leakes was tailor-made for TV. She generates one-liners, memes, and legendary quotes like a machine. There was a time when all of Atlanta felt like that. It didn’t hurt that, like Leakes, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Phaedra Parks, and Kim Zolciak-Biermann took to reality TV like fish to water. For a good decade, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” was must-see unscripted TV. Unfortunately, Atlanta isn’t the franchise’s crown jewel anymore. Losing beloved cast members and increasingly nasty behavior have made it more of a chore to watch in recent years.

#3: “The Real Housewives of New York City” Classic (2008-21)

Before its lambasted 13th season, New York was a phenomenal series. Its chic, East Coast setting and fast-paced wisecracks were like a complete 180 from the sensibility of Orange County. Bethenny Frankel became a breakout star. Countess LuAnn dazzled us with her continental airs. Ramona Singer created drama without even having to break a sweat. The show picked up steam as it went along, introducing new and exciting cast members like Sonja Morgan, Dorinda Medley, and two-season wonder Aviva Drescher. Insults, wine glasses, and prosthetic legs flew with ease. In 2026, it was announced that several classic era New York “Housewives” would return for a separate series produced by E! We’ll see if it lives up to the RHONY legacy.

#2: “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (2010-)

From actresses to restaurateurs to millionaires, Beverly Hills is all about glitz, glamor, and polish. That’s why it’s so delicious when they try to pull down the curtain between what they want us to see and what they actually are. This is a cast that doesn’t let anyone get away with anything. It made a reality star of Lisa Vanderpump and showed us new sides to actresses Kim and Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, Garcelle Beauvais, and Denise Richards. To try to list everyone would be to leave out someone essential. Unlike other cities, Beverly Hills has managed to be more consistent even in its later seasons. It also has to be said, no other ensemble can throw a dinner party like these ladies can.

#1: “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” (2020-)

The Salt Lake City edition found a way to reinvent the formula. What sets this cast apart is their willingness to be messy and authentic. They’re also different in their various intersections of religion and wealth. This particular cross-section is unlike anything we’ve seen in another franchise. Even more, this cast doesn't seem like they’re just hanging out for TV. They know where the bodies are buried, so to speak. Fallout over Jen Shah’s arrest and Season 4’s Monica Garcia saga only pushed the show further into new territory. Premiering in 2020, Salt Lake City is still a young entry, and it has the same potential to experience a decline like its sister franchises have. After six seasons, it’s still hitting all the right notes.

Where do you think the new “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” will land on this list? Tell us in the comments.