The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back! RHOA, arguably Bravo’s most popular show, returns with Season 15 tonight and if the first episode is any indication, the Housewives are coming for The Kandi Factory, erm — worldwide icon Kandi Burruss, I mean.
In addition to Kandi, Marlo Hampton, Shereé Whitfield, Drew Sidora, Kenya Moore, and Season 14 newbie Sanya Richards-Ross are all back for RHOA Season 15 as is Monyetta Shaw-Carter, who appeared as a part-time cast member last year. Courtney Rhodes is also joining the season as an official Friend of the Housewives and makes quite the first impression — more on that later.
In short, this appears to be a strong season ahead for Atlanta after somewhat mixed reviews to Season 14. Production has upped its game (hello, slo-mo entrances, new intro!), and all of the Housewives seem present and engaged, with new feuds on the horizon.
RHOA Season 15 Review: Coming For The Kandi Factory
Below, a look at what to expect from each of the Housewives.
Sanya is back for her second season as a full-time Housewife and it is expected that we will get a closer look at the complicated dynamic with her family. Understanding the assignment, she throws a glamorous 40th birthday party for her husband Ross which serves as the centre of the drama in the last half of the episode. Seemingly in an effort to show that she has earned her peach, Sanya is right in the middle of a heated confrontation between Kandi and Courtney.
Team Twirl will be over the moon with Kenya’s performance during the episode, as she has a new boo and seems lighter, happier, and even shadier. After Kandi brings up rumours that Shereé’s boyfriend (and Love & Marriage Huntsville star) Martell Holt is cheating on her, Kenya wastes no time bringing her own receipts to the table.
Chateau Shereé is finished and looking better than ever — and so is Shereé! While some fans may want to see the OG Housewife dating someone serious, Martell has a lot in common with the She by Shereé founder but after their appearance at Sanya’s 40th birthday for her husband Ross, the two have an uphill battle ahead when it comes to getting the group to trust and accept their relationship.
Marlo is settling into her full-time role this season, continuing to open up about being a parent to her teenage nephews. She seems to have learned from last year’s mistake when she said she needed a 30 day break from the boys, consulting a life coach for help on next steps. Although she doesn’t play a big role in the premiere’s drama, Marlo gives us one of the episode’s funniest moments when she is caught eavesdropping on Sanya and Kandi’s conversation.
Tonight’s episode includes a scene early on in an iconic RHOA filming location: The Kandi Factory. Kandi’s manager DonJuan is back as is former assistant Carmon and the group gives us what we want, shading one Housewife in particular. Kandi is at the centre of the drama this season, with her conversation with Sanya in the last few minutes of the premiere kicking off an explosive confrontation, with newbie Courtney jumping into the mix. But in the words of Kandi Burruss herself: “Don’t start none, won’t be none.”
Drew left fans shocked when she confirmed her impending divorce from husband Ralph Pittman just a few months ago — and reportedly after initial filming on the season had wrapped — and viewers may have even more questions after tonight’s episode. While we know where Drew’s story seems to be headed, the premiere indicates she will play a big role in the season.
The premiere re-introduces us to Monyetta, the once-longtime partner of singer Neyo and a close friend to many in the group, back for her second season. Somewhat resetting her image from Season 14, Monyetta is ready to mix and mingle like a Housewife this time around and provides a much-needed balance amongst the group. She won’t be the only Friend of the Housewives this season, however, as Courtney Rhodes has also joined the group and after watching the premiere, you’ll understand why producers were keen to add her to the cast.
RHOA Season 15 serves as a confident return to form for the franchise and Bravo seems to feel the same way, using the show as a lead-in to new series Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres Sunday, May 7 at 8|7c on Bravo.
