ET can confirm that a reboot with a diverse recast is in the works.
The Real Housewives of New York City is getting the reboot treatment. Andy Cohen, longtime executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise, spoke about the reboot and diverse recasting planned for RHONY in a new interview with Variety.
Cohen told the outlet that the long-running franchise is at a crossroads after a low-rated 13th season of the show, which ended in September with no reunion -- a first for the franchise.
"You know that we’re at a crossroads for RHONY," Cohen said. "We’ve spent a lot of time figuring out where to go. And the plan that we’ve come up with, I think, is a real gift to the fans."
The plan is to recast RHONY with a group of women more representative of the diversity that exists in New York City and launch a second series that will feature ex-cast members from the original show over the years.
"There are thousands of stories to tell here," he explained. "This is the most multicultural, diverse, and energetic and exciting city in America: We are searching for a multicultural group of friends who really best reflect the most exciting city in the country. We’re looking for a group of women who are real friends, and who are of diverse backgrounds, races and religions."
Adding, "I think it will be the rainbow that is New York City. That’s the goal."
The alumni show currently has no official title and official casting has not yet begun. In the meantime, a working title used behind the scenes is RHONY: Throwback.
"Our loyal fans have spoken as to what they want to see and what they don’t want to see — and we’ve taken that all into account," he said. "And this is a series where you’re going to expect to see fan-favorites from the show’s great history."
"It’s organic, you know?" Cohen continued. "They were in each other’s lives, and they are in each other’s lives. ... We’re looking at people who are beloved by fans."
While Bravo is taking its time to get casting just right, Cohen said he's excited about the reboot, calling it a "tremendous opportunity for a rebirth of the show."
"I’ve got to tell you that in my almost 20 years working with Bravo, to me, this is the most exciting casting proposition that I’ve been involved with," Cohen shared. "We are quite literally looking for who will be the new Real Housewives of New York City! And I think this represents a tremendous opportunity for a rebirth of the show. What we’re looking for is everything that makes a great Housewife: fun, opinionated, successful, aspirational women who represent a side of New York that we want to see more of."
For now, fans can rewatch past seasons of The Real Housewives of New York City on Peacock.
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