Carole Radziwill is returning to "The Real Housewives of New York City" as a "friend" for season 16, with filming beginning this week in New York City. The author and journalist, who appeared on the Bravo series from seasons 5 through 10, will interact with continuing cast members Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, and Jessel Taank. This marks a reconciliation after years of tension with the network and former co-stars.
Carole Radziwill, known for her dry wit during her original stint on "The Real Housewives of New York City" from season 5 to 10, is rejoining the show in a limited role as a "friend" for season 16. Filming starts this week in New York City, as confirmed by TMZ and Variety.
During her earlier years, Radziwill was involved in notable conflicts with castmates including Bethenny Frankel, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, and Luann de Lesseps. She departed in July 2018 after a heated season, stating, “My original curiosity about reality television has waned over the years and I am focusing on TV and writing projects that better suit my more steady temperament.” Tensions extended to executive producer Andy Cohen; at the season 10 reunion, Radziwill accused him of fearing Frankel, prompting Cohen's sarcastic response, “Yeah, I’m afraid of her.” Subsequent exchanges included social media jabs, with Cohen accusing Radziwill of being an anonymous critical source in a New York magazine profile.
Relations improved recently. Cohen noted they had been in touch by fall 2024, and Radziwill appeared on his "Watch What Happens Live" in August 2025, surprising guests Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. She attended BravoCon in November 2025, where she expressed surprise but enjoyment, citing welcoming fans.
The season 16 cast retains Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, and Jessel Taank from the reboot era starting in season 14. Departures include Brynn Whitfield, Ubah Hassan, Racquel Chevremont, Jenna Lyons, and Rebecca Minkoff. Gossip site DeuxMoi reported new additions: Daisy Toye, who works with Martha Stewart; Hailey Glassman, known from past tabloid coverage with Jon Gosselin; and trainer Erika Hammond. It also mentioned Lori Gordon, former showrunner of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," taking over at RHONY. Bravo declined to comment on the leak but confirmed the cast on social media.
Earlier rumors in May suggested cancellation, but Cohen dismissed them at BravoCon, affirming production would begin soon. Bravo executive Frances Berwick discussed cast challenges, comparing it to Olympic skating: “We don’t always nail a cast — sometimes you get a cast like ‘Salt Lake City’ that has this magical alchemy. But we don’t always get it right.” Radziwill will not appear on the upcoming E! series "The Golden Life," reuniting legacy castmates in Palm Beach, Florida.
