For the first time in its 14-season history, 'RHONJ' will not have a traditional reunion special, leaving fans wondering how the explosive season will come to a close.
- Jun 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - Season 14 of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" has been marked by intense feuding among the cast, particularly between longtime stars Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga. Insider sources indicate that the cast has been feuding more than ever, making a traditional reunion impossible.
"There's no way we can do a traditional reunion show," a network source told Deadline. "It will be a different format, and the production team is now looking at different concepts."
While Bravo personality Andy Cohen downplayed reports of cast tension, he confirmed the cancellation of the reunion. He explained that the season finale will incorporate elements of a reunion, showcasing a dramatic "Last Supper"-esque encounter between the cast.
"It feels like the Last Supper and is just so Jersey. It's shocking, and it's dramatic, and it's amazing TV," Cohen said.
Despite the cast's current conflicts, sources suggest that "RHONJ" will undergo a major cast overhaul next season. "It's very obvious they can't go on like this," said a Deadline source.
In lieu of a traditional reunion, Bravo is exploring alternative ways to wrap up the season. "A reunion is meant to have resolution and it's clear in the season final that there is no path forward in that type of setting," said an insider.
The fractured season has seen longstanding rifts widen between Teresa, Melissa, Dolores Catania, Margaret Josephs, Jennifer Aydin, Danielle Cabral, Rachel Fuda, Jackie Goldschneider and Jenn Fessler. At the center of the conflict is the feud between Teresa and Melissa, who have reportedly not spoken since an explosive finale event.
Margaret has also distanced herself from Teresa after alleging that Teresa's husband threatened her son. Teresa and Luis have denied the claims, but Margaret has doubled down on her allegations.
The season has also been marred by accusations of Teresa and Luis sharing secrets to damage others. Rachel has had issues with Teresa and Luis, while Jennifer and Danielle have been suspended from filming for alleged physical altercations.
The cast's drama has spilled over onto social media, with the "MelissasOldNose" troll account claiming that Teresa and Jennifer sought dirt on their castmates. Teresa has denied involvement, while Jennifer has not commented on the allegations.
The cancellation of the reunion is a significant departure from the norm for the Real Housewives franchise. Only once before, in season 13 of "[The Real Housewives of New York City]", has a reunion been canceled. In that case, the network rebooted the series with a new cast the following season.
Bravo has not made any official announcements regarding the future of "RHONJ", but all options are reportedly on the table, including a potential cast overhaul.
