The Real Housewives of New York City is set to make a comeback with an entirely fresh lineup, and the show's prominent figures are eager to infuse the long-standing franchise with a breath of fresh air.
Speaking exclusively to We magazine, Jessel Taank expressed her thoughts on her fellow cast members, stating, "Everyone has strong opinions on just about everything. 'Wait, you actually enjoy watermelon gum? Ew, why? That's disgusting.' It's just bubble gum... The fact that we all possess such differing characteristics is what makes this all so captivating."
Ubah Hassan and her fellow castmates quickly formed a sibling-like bond, blending well but also engaging in occasional conflicts. Ubah, 39, specifically recalls a seven-day trip that involved a lot of yelling and screaming, as well as a lot of fun.
Similarly, Erin Lichy shares Jessel's assessment, expressing that her new friends are always open and honest in their communication. When they go out together, they take pride in each other's abilities to improvise jokes and create a comedic atmosphere. They spend a lot of time together, engaging in continuous banter and laughter. The common ground among them is their shared passion for comedy. Furthermore, they bond over their strength as women and their fearlessness in expressing their opinions.
Brynn Whitfield, Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank and Ubah Hassan Gavin Bond/Bravo
Joining Ubah, Erin, and Jessel, the new additions to the cast are Brynn Whitfield, Jenna Lyons, and Sai De Silva. Jenna, 55, is known to fashion enthusiasts for her previous role as the creative director and president of J. Crew, which she held until 2017.
Expressing her motivation to be part of the show, Jenna disclosed her desire to enhance LGBTQ+ visibility in television. "There is a dearth of gay representation on TV, apart from Ellen [DeGeneres] and Rachel Maddow," she elaborated. "I aimed to form connections with people, make them care about who I am, and my business."
Jenna acknowledged that although fashion is a challenging industry, she underestimated the intensity of reality TV. She admitted her surprise at how much it affected her emotionally, revealing that she experienced moments of anger and tears.
Erin, on the other hand, believed that some of the women initially hesitated to establish a close relationship with Jenna due to her status as a fashion influencer. However, Erin shared that she and Jenna quickly formed a strong friendship.
Erin expressed her immediate affection for her, remarking how their bond grew stronger and they became close. They both owned properties in the eastern region, with only a 10-minute distance between their homes. They enjoyed dinners together during the fall and Erin introduced her to her friends during the winter, who all instantly adored her. Erin greatly appreciates her unwavering support and availability whenever she needs her.
The fourteenth season of The Real Housewives of New York City will premiere on Bravo on Sunday, July 16, at 9 p.m. ET. Viewers can stream the episodes on Peacock the following day. To learn more about the cast, watch the video above and grab the latest edition of We magazine, currently available.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi