PopScopeNow — Real Housewives of Rhode Island is officially setting sail, and the latest BravoCon reveal has sparked a tidal wave of excitement across the entertainment world. The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is the newest entry in Bravo’s powerhouse franchise, and with its first trailer dropping just days ago, it’s clear this small‑state drama is anything but modest.
A Bold BravoCon Debut
At BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Andy Cohen unveiled the very first trailer for Real Housewives of Rhode Island, revealing a cast of seven women whose deep Rhode Island roots and intertwined lives are poised to deliver the signature Bravo-level of glamour, tension, and heart. The cast includes Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi. Notably, Real Housewives of New Jersey fan-favorite Dolores Catania will make appearances in the series as a “friend of” Liz McGraw, helping bridge different corners of the Housewives universe.
In the teaser, the ladies lean into the irony of Rhode Island’s size: “Rhode Island is a blip on the map … but to us, it’s the center of the universe,” one cast member quips. Another quips, “Smallest state with the biggest attitude — what are you gonna do?” These lines set the tone for a show that promises both familiar Housewives-style conflict and the unique dynamics of a tight-knit New England community.
Inside the Cast: Personalities & Backgrounds
The newly announced women bring diverse backgrounds and rich personal stories to the table:
- Alicia Carmody is described as “Rhode Island to the core.” She’s in a long-term engagement and helps run a family restaurant, but her relationship journey remains complicated.
- Rosie DiMare, a former local news anchor turned DJ and lifestyle host, injects media energy into the group.
- Ashley Iaconetti, known from the Bachelor Nation, transitions into this franchise with her social-media savvy and family life in tow.
- Liz McGraw, dubbed Rhode Island’s “cannabis queen,” co-owns a major dispensary and balances that business with her role as a stepmom.
- Rulla Nehme Pontarelli brings corporate acumen as a financial planner and wealth manager, along with her role as a mother.
- Kelsey Swanson, a former Miss Rhode Island, represents the glamorous side of the state with her career in beauty and elite social circles.
- Jo-Ellen Tiberi, self-proclaimed “town gossip,” is an aesthetic-practice development expert and mother of three, married to her high-school sweetheart.
This cast lineup underscores Bravo’s strategy for Real Housewives of Rhode Island: a mix of entrepreneurial ambition, long-standing relationships, and generational ties — all wrapped in the picturesque but close-quarters backdrop of Rhode Island.
Why Rhode Island Now?
The launch of Real Housewives of Rhode Island marks an important moment for Bravo. While the network has teased spin-offs and special event shows, this marks a full franchise expansion into a state that, by geographic size, might seem unlikely. But that’s part of the charm: Rhode Island’s compact geography brings a heightened sense of community, and perhaps more importantly, history.
Production for the series began earlier this year and wrapped up filming across iconic Rhode Island locations — from Providence to Block Island, East Greenwich to Newport. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, bringing coastal beauty, long community ties, and an undercurrent of history to the show.
Early Buzz & Stakes for Bravo
Since the BravoCon drop, the buzz has been intense. Early reactions suggest fans are already drawing comparisons to Real Housewives of New Jersey, especially given the shared cultural thread: many of the new Rhode Island cast members have strong Italian-American roots. The real question now: Can Real Housewives of Rhode Island capture the same dramatic energy that made earlier franchises iconic?
For Bravo, this is more than just a new show — it’s a test case. If RHORI resonates, it could open the door for more regionally focused, character-driven entries in the Real Housewives universe. From a business standpoint, the production also highlights the economic potential of Rhode Island itself: the state has welcomed the spotlight, and local officials have expressed enthusiasm about the national attention and investment.
What’s Next on the Horizon
While Bravo has confirmed a 2026 premiere for Real Housewives of Rhode Island, details remain tight around the exact launch date. Here’s what to look out for as fans and critics alike await the show’s arrival:
- Full Episode Teasers – Beyond the BravoCon trailer, look for more in-depth promos as Bravo leans into the show’s unique setting and interpersonal drama.
- Social Media Narrative – Expect the cast to amplify their stories via social media, shaping public perception and building anticipation.
- Audience Reaction – Bravo will likely gauge early fan sentiment via streaming numbers, previews, and engagement to guide potential spin-offs or expansions.
- Local Impact – With filming done, the spotlight may turn to how the show affects Rhode Island’s tourism, local businesses, and public image.
Bottom Line
Real Housewives of Rhode Island is shaping up to be one of Bravo’s most intriguing franchise expansions yet. With deep community roots, strong personalities, and a setting that offers both charm and conflict, the show has all the makings of a breakout hit — proving that even the smallest state can deliver the biggest drama.
Credit: PopScopeNow.com
November 17, 2025
