The Ocean State just joined the Real Housewives universe, and it did not come to play nice.
“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” premiered April 2 and moved to its regular time slot at 9/8c on April 5. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock. RHORI marks the first new American Housewives series since the 2019 debut of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and arrived just in time for the franchise’s 20th anniversary, according to Parade.
Bravo‘s official description sets the scene: “Welcome to the Ocean State. It may be America’s smallest, but don’t be fooled — the drama is wicked wild. In a place where everyone knows everyone and family names carry serious weight, nothing is ever truly forgotten.”
Here’s what you need to know.
Ashley Iaconetti
The most recognizable face on the cast, Ashley is a former “Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” star who famously found her husband Jared Haibon on TV. Haibon is a Rhode Island native, which is why the two moved there in 2021 when they started a family together, per TV Insider.
According to Bravo, between raising two young children, adjusting to life in Rhode Island, and co-owning a struggling café with Jared, Ashley quickly learns that life after “I do” is not quite as blissful as she imagined.
Rosie DiMare
A former local television news anchor at 34, Rosie now hosts her own lifestyle program and works as a sought-after DJ. She is in her first year of marriage to Rich DiMare, a Frank Sinatra-esque jazz singer, according to Parade.
Bravo reports that, as she focuses on growing her local lifestyle program, she faces challenges within her inner circle that force her to reassess where she truly fits with this evolving, close-knit group.
A sneak-peek for the April 5 episode shows her clearing up a “big rumor” about her love life.
Kelsey Swanson
According to TV Insider, Swanson is a former Miss Rhode Island 2017. She is already making headlines for a trailer line that has the internet talking: “I don’t refer to myself as a sugar baby. My boyfriend is, like, actually attractive. The money’s just a plus.”
Her boyfriend’s identity is not publicly known, but her bio notes she has been in a “10-year relationship with one of Rhode Island’s most notable figures.” She was 19 when they met.
Liz McGraw
Known as the “cannabis queen” of Rhode Island, Liz owns and operates the Slater Center. It is the largest cannabis dispensary in the state, alongside her husband Gerry, per Parade.
According to Bravo, when she and Gerry learn they are about to become grandparents, Liz makes one thing clear: she will not be trading couture for a rocking chair.
She is already stirring the pot. A sneak peek shows her bringing up an alleged affair involving a castmate’s husband.
Alicia Carmody
Rhode Island to the core, Alicia hails from a large Italian family in Cranston. According to Parade, she is a former makeup artist of 20 years and is now helping run Pizza Mamma, the restaurant owned by her fiancé Billy Kitsilis. Despite eight years of engagement and a daughter together, she is apparently in no rush to get married.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli
A certified financial planner and wealth manager to some of the East Coast’s most distinguished families, Rulla is grounded in tradition and guided by faith. She and her husband Brian, a prominent Rhode Island podiatrist, live in Lincoln with their two children. Her husband’s alleged affair is already surfacing as a storyline this season, per Parade.
Jo-Ellen Tiberi
A Rhode Island native rounding out the full-time cast, Jo-Ellen brings her own long-standing community ties and family history to the group dynamic.
Dolores Catania — Friend of the Housewives
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” veteran Dolores Catania joins the cast as a “friend of the Housewives,” Bravo reports, providing a familiar face for longtime franchise fans making their first trip to the Ocean State.
Andy Cohen told the cast at an advance screening ahead of the premiere: “The governor of Rhode Island is going to be kissing your a** soon.” Based on what has already surfaced — alleged affairs, mystery boyfriends, and drama “wicked wild” by the show’s own admission — that might be an understatement.
“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.
Image credit: Ashley Iaconetti/Instagram
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