The Real Housewives of Rhode Island officially arrived on Nov. 16 with its first trailer reveal at BravoCon 2025. Andy Cohen unveiled the 7-woman cast during an Ask Andy panel in Las Vegas. The franchise’s newest chapter combines New England luxury with serious Rhode Island attitude. The show launches in 2026.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Bachelor Nation’s Ashley Iaconetti joins as first-ever crossover Housewife.
- The cast includes 7 women with deep Rhode Island roots and family connections.
- Dolores Catania from RHONJ appears as a friend of the cast.
- Tagline: Smallest state with the biggest attitude.
- Premiere date confirmed for 2026 on Bravo.
What Happened at BravoCon
Andy Cohen shocked fans by announcing the full cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island during the final day of BravoCon 2025. The 7-woman premiere cast includes Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi. The reveal featured a dramatic teaser trailer showing stunning coastal mansions and the women discussing their tight-knit community.
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In the trailer, the ladies explain Rhode Island’s unique culture with wit and charm. One cast member says, “Smallest state with the biggest attitude, what are you gonna do?” Another notes that “everyone knows everyone,” with roots running so deep that missing kindergarten is practically a scandal. Iaconetti serves as the viewer’s guide, narrating early footage as someone new to the state.
“They are very Italian. Rhode Island is such a small state, and they all kind of know each other and overlap, and it’s an incredible group of women who have really interesting connections.”
Who’s on the Cast?
The 7-woman cast represents diverse Rhode Island power players with strong community ties. Here’s the official breakdown:
| Cast Member | Background |
|---|---|
| Alicia Carmody | Restaurant co-owner, engaged for 8 years, daughter Celina |
| Rosie DiMare | Former TV news anchor, DJ, lifestyle host, married 1 year |
| Ashley Iaconetti | Bachelor/BIP alumna, married to Jared Haibon, two sons |
| Liz McGraw | Cannabis dispensary owner, stepmom to three children |
| Rulla Pontarelli | Certified financial planner, wealth manager, mother of two |
| Kelsey Swanson | Former Miss Rhode Island, top makeup artist |
| Jo-Ellen Tiberi | Self-proclaimed town gossip, aesthetic practice manager |
Iaconetti‘s casting marks a historic moment for the franchise. She becomes the first Bachelor Nation star to transition directly to Real Housewives as a main cast member. She previously appeared on Chris Soules’ season of The Bachelor in 2015 and found love with Jared Haibon on Bachelor in Paradise. The couple now lives in Warwick, Rhode Island with their sons Dawson and Hayden.
Why This Matters for Bravo
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island marks the franchise’s 20th anniversary expansion next year with major implications for Bravo’s reality TV empire. Andy Cohen compared the vibe to “early Real Housewives of New Jersey vibes,” with strong Italian heritage and genuine community connections setting it apart from other franchises.
The 7-woman cast represents a deliberate strategy to capture younger audiences while maintaining the franchise’s prestige. By casting Iaconetti, Bravo taps into Bachelor Nation’s massive fanbase—one of television’s most dedicated demographics. This crossover move could reshape how the franchise recruits talent. The show also adds Dolores Catania from New Jersey as a “friend,” bridging two regional franchises.
What to Expect from the Premiere
The trailer promises high stakes drama wrapped in New England luxury. Key themes emerging from early footage include:
- Everyone knows everyone—no secrets survive Rhode Island.
- Deep family roots span generations in this tiny state.
- Italian culture and traditions define the social landscape.
- Wealth and business ownership among main cast members.
- Fresh personalities colliding with established Rhode Island society.
Cohen promises viewers will be surprised by this cast’s chemistry and conflict potential. The intimate community setting means tensions have nowhere to hide and alliances shift constantly. Unlike larger cities, Rhode Island’s tight-knit circles create both loyalty and explosive fights when relationships fracture.
When Can You Watch It?
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island doesn’t premiere until 2026. Bravo hasn’t announced a specific date, but early 2026 seems likely based on franchise patterns. Fans will catch the show on Bravo and day-after episodes on Peacock, following standard Real Housewives rollout strategy.
The trailer reveal at BravoCon 2025 signals Bravo’s confidence in this cast. This isn’t just another franchise entry—it’s a calculated bet on fresh talent meeting established prestige. Will Rhode Island’s smallest state deliver the biggest Housewives drama of the franchise’s 20-year history?
Sources
- People Magazine – Official BravoCon announcement and cast details
- Variety – Full cast bios and Andy Cohen commentary
- Bravo TV – Official franchise information
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.