RHONJ fans are eagerly awaiting the news regarding Season 15 of the hit Bravo reality series. Moreover, they want to know if and when it will even return, and who will be coming back with it. Unfortunately, it seems that one core OG is needed for The Real Housewives of New Jersey to move forward. Keep reading to find out what has to occur to get the series up and running.
RHONJ Struggling Without Core OG
When Season 14 of RHONJ premiered, it was made clear that a lot had to change. The cast was extremely divided and could not even film together. Producer and Bravo face Andy Cohen stated that the hit series would have to undergo a serious overhaul if it were to return. They did not even have a traditional reunion, throwing fans off and leaving them feeling empty inside. Moreover, viewers did not even know how much they cared about the show coming back if it would be so lackluster.
Season 14 ended in August 2024, and it appears Bravo has attempted to make the correct changes. Rumors have flown about what fans can expect, and Andy Cohen is always shutting them down. Now, it appears one OG could make all the difference. Kim DePaola, aka Kim D, was a “friend of” from Seasons 2 through 5. She then returned for Seasons 7 and 8, and it is believed that she is a force that could help finalize an incredible cast. As of now, Jennifer Aydin and Rachel Fuda are both done.
However, there is some good news for viewers who did not want to have to pick between Melissa Gorga and Teresa Giudice. They could not co-exist despite being family, yet their fanbase was heavily divided. Fortunately, they have reconciled, and that bodes well for the show. Joining them would allegedly be Dolores Catania, Margaret Josephs, and maybe Danielle Cabral. Yet, it is Kim D that is vital to RHONJ’s success, but why? Per an insider, they need one unifying force:
“Even though Melissa and Teresa made up, there’s obviously stillpotential for dramaas thereconciliationis new. And Margaret and Teresa don’t have a relationship… and Danielle also had issues with Teresa. So who could come in to save the day?”
Would Kim D Return?
Although it seems that Kim D allegedly could be the best bet to nail Season 15 down, would she want to come back? She is still close to some of the RHONJ cast and has popped up at their promotional events. In early December 2025, she shared a quick clip on social media of herself and Joey Gorga. Therefore, she is still in the mix, which is exactly what Bravo would want. Moreover, the insider claimed that Kim has already spoken to Andy Cohen about coming back:
“She’s toldAndy Cohen she’s willing and able. Think about it — she’s friends with Melissa now. She’s friends with Margaret. And she’s always managed to navigate drama with Teresa and still come out alive.”
The way that she has been able to firmly handle Teresa Giudice is an asset and could bode well for this uncertain season ahead. Whether or not Bravo wants to officially bring Kim D into the fold as a friend or a full-time cast member is yet to be seen. Fans do want her back, and they have made that clear:
- Ohhhh I’d love to see you back on the show
- Bring Kim back to RHONJ immediately
- You are needed on the show
Do you think that this makes sense when it comes to casting, or is it time to let RHONJ go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.