UPDATE:
Filming for season 12 of RHONY had already begun when production was blindsided by the notification from her agent she would not be returning. They were filming background shots for the past couple of weeks. All six women had asked back and Bethenny gave no indication she would not be returning. Production isn’t sure about casting either of the two women who have been testing for the friend role. It’s possible they will go with a returning housewife.
Well this sucks. Bethenny Frankel has decided not to film for RHONY for the twelfth season. The news came as a shock to her fellow castmates. The news also came as a shock to me. Bethenny and the entire cast (except for Barbara) were set to begin filming any day now. It’s very late in the game for Bethenny to jump ship.
“I have decided to leave the Housewives franchise to explore my next chapter,” Frankel, 48, said in a statement to Variety on Wednesday.
Bethenny Wants To Focus On Powerful Women
“It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women.”
“With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power that women have. Bethenny Frankel continues, “My experience at Bravo has been an incredibly magical ride. I am so grateful to them for highlighting my entrepreneurialism and allowing me to pave the way for many women to achieve their goals. I am excited for my future. The best is yet to come.”
I immediately checked in with Tamara Tattles exclusive sources who confirm the accuracy of Bethenny’s statement. Tamara Tattles source exclusively revealed that Bethenny has better opportunities on the horizon.
Bethenny Frankel Moves On To Bigger Things
Mark Burnett has an unscripted show for her in development. She will be a true executive producer with control over the narrative. Her statement makes it clear that she is tired of the screaming and misogyny on the RHONY. Her deal with Mark Burnett and MGM production allows for multiple shows across a variety of networks and streaming companies.
In addition, Tamara Tattles exclusive source report that ABC is also courting her as a permanent shark on Shark Tank.
Tamara Tattles exclusive sources also report that the are currently two women on deck for roles on RHONY. One of the two will likely take Bethenny’s spot. The other will take Barbara’s.
I am not happy with this news at all.
No!!!!!!!!!! I can’t even ????
It was the last watchable franchise. Wish her well.
I am SO bummed to hear this news! Thank you for jumping on it and posting. Dont have many people around me who will watch bravo, so I was screaming “Noooo!” In my own mind!
I wish her well, but man, I’m going to miss her snark and charm on rhony
I was waiting for your report on this. I’ve had my up’s and down’s watching Bethenny on RHONY, but we can never deny that she kept it very real on this show.
We’ve already seen RHONY power on without Bethenny before, so we know the show can go on without her. Still, it just won’t be the same. (Hopefully, someone else on the cast won’t hesitate to call out Ramona and Luann on their shit whenever necessary!)
Also, they cut Barbara? Dammit, I like her. Just when I was warming up to her storyline last season, that’s the end of that.
So dare I ask… When’s Jill Zarin signing a contract?
According to my updated conversations with my best source, this could be the chance Jill has been waiting for. Does she even live in NYC anymore? She seems to be in Boca a lot.
Oh, good lord no! Her time as a HW ran it’s course, she’d be a fool…! (Pitty the fool!) Sorry, couldn’t resist.
She moved from her home she shared with Bobby to a new apartment. Penthouse. She also had an insta story of her going to a business meeting but she couldn’t give details and said we would find out soon. I assumed she was signing on to rhony.
If you are talking about Jill she is already in a new relationship.
I NEED TO READ THE COMMENTING RULES!
You also haven’t heard this site mention her at all. There is a reason for that.
TT, sorry for the brain fart. I know better. Just wasn’t thinking.
The franchise will be better without the others living up B’s ass.
You know what? Me, as I am, would live up Bethenny’s ass until I gleaned her success factor and then I would just kiss her ass forever and ever!
Yes!!
Yes Kipper Im right there with you. She seems if you treat her politely (like we treat others), are not lazy and loyal she would be a great friend. I will miss her, wishing her a fantastic life.
Shaunna, You do have a very good point there!
I can see her point.
I would watch some of these fights, and let’s be honest, Bethenny has come unglued before, and wonder how they got through it.
While I’m not happy, I don’t blame her one bit.
Some of these housewives are horrible.
Well this makes a bad day worse
So it looks like I’ll be jumping ship on RHNYC too. The only Bravo shows I’m watching now are Below Deck, Southern Charm, and Potomac.
One more than me!! I have even given up on RHOP!!! End of an era!!
I’ve taken up sewing and painting again. I can’t Stan the arguing. I’m done. I check out southern Charm sometimes.
I’ll give NY a chance, but I won’t be happy about it ? I’m down to BH and undecided on ATL. It’s not looking good for me and Bravo these days.
LBD,
Oh no! Sucks to hear this about Potomac. I literally just posted in that forum because I’m thinking of giving Potomac a chance since I’ll be jumping ship with NY after this news. I don’t think I’m strong enough to completely quit watching HWs yet! Although, I did quit NJ, ATL, & Dallas. Quitting NY is going to sting & I was hoping Potomac could fill the void. Sigh.
I have been refreshing your site since I saw the news earlier today to get the real scoop. I think it totally makes sense for Bethenny – she doesn’t need RHONY at this point in her career. I hope her decision has nothing to do with her ex-husband, as I don’t like how many things in her life are dictated by Jason. I wish her the best, but she is the reason RHONY is my favorite housewives show, so I’m definitely sad about her departure. I really need her slightly snarky confessionals in my life………
Ugghhh, NY is the only one that is really good. This sucks!!
She is one of my favorites! I’m not sure anyone can fill her shoes!
I thought the same thing, I stopped watching when she left and only started up again when she was back. I can’t imagine I’ll keep watching now that’s she leaving again.
No one can fill her shoes 🙁
Bethenny has a lot going on personally plus it sounded like her boyfriend didn’t want to be part of the show and she can’t film with a Bryn, so that’s leaving a big part of her life out. I don’t blame her for leaving, but I’ll sure miss her.
OMG! I’m having difficulty forming sentences. This is shocking! While it sucks for viewers, I wish her the best. And I hope Andy literally shit his pants. While she continues to evolve, the others seem to devolve. I wonder if the show can recover this time without her. Just wow.
TT, she did NOT think Bravo or Andy. Andy nor Bravo have posted anything… I don’t think she left on good terms. Also, RHONY is dead now. When she left, it was never the same. When she came back she was the spark that revitalized RHONY. I’ll miss her!
She did not*THANK* Bravo. Sorry for sounding like a tard.
In her Instagram post, the only two tags are Andy and Bravo. I was assuming she was including them in those she thanked.
Do you think Jill will come back?
Nobody knows. But typically they want a returning HW when the queen bee leaves.
I would like Heather and Kristen to come back! Possibly even Carol with Bethenny leaving.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought they were friends in real life and I enjoyed their interaction.
Any of those 3 would be the final nail for me, I didn’t find any of them interesting at all. I’d take scary island over them!
Same.
When she left last time, it always seemed like there was a void in the show. I think it will feel like this again. She’s a big part as to why I love the NY franchise. I will miss her sharp wit on the show. Now we’re stuck with Luann’s cabaret storyline. What the hell !! I hope they find someone interesting to fill her shoes.
:'( My heart is breaking
She was the reason I still watched.
I’m speechless. But whatever happens, viva la Bethenny!
I will miss her so much….Bravo to her for doing what’s best for her, her daughter and whatever is out there waiting for her.
Hmmm .. been watching Bethanny since she was selling her homemade muffins inside a store and living with her beloved dog Cookie in a teenie tiny apartment….. Big sigh ,, I will miss her and applaud her desire to move forward in a healthy way after the death of Dennis … too many memories and not all good on the HW show. Let’s see what she does next. NOT going to watch Ramona and “Family Crest” Ramona show … ugh .. Bethanny carried the show in more ways than one.
Hells bells! Yay for Beth, boo for us. Just think how good it will feel not to have to put up with Ramona — or the CounTESS — anymore!
There are so many fabulous women in NYC; I hope Bravo can find two. Real-life women like the fictional moms in Gossip Girl. Perhaps Ramona can snag two of her “high-class” new friends. BWAHAHAHA. Perhaps Ramona can get Tom’s galpal Missy to come aboard. DOUBLE BWAHAHAHA.
Maybe the Gerry O’ Show will take off and Becca Romijn can be an NYHW.
As much as I wish her well, if Wendy Williams is in, I am O-U-T!
Sorry, side question…has anyone been watching Jerry O? I didn’t think to set my DVR for this, should I?
It isn’t showing on my cable service, but I watched it online for the Tanra and Shannon visit. I like Jerry O’ but the show seems like it’s trying too hard. I think it is a fill in for WW on vacation. Maybe the option to go real if it gets viewers. It’s worth a look. Just to check it out.
I suspected it’d basically be an up WW and AC *’s knock off type show (he loves them both so much)…and I do like Jerry, I think he’s sweet and still a bit star struck in his life…why? IDK. I slept through the am today, I set up dvr for one time visit tomorrow in case I sleep in again. Thx Nanette!
I didn’t even know that he had a new Bravo show, but I remember a few years back he had one. It was him and a panel of a few other guys and they all sat at a table and talked about the housewives shows. It was really bad, and same thing… they tried way too hard. I like him, but I was kind embarrassed for him. Lol
Is there any hope that they could lure her with more money to get her back, or has that ship totally sailed?
It sounds like she has finally had enough of the constant negativity and wants to take on new projects that her daughter can be proud of.
Mention it ALL!
I will miss her sharp wit.
POST UPDATED!
I am happy for her, because it sounds like she is going in a good direction but I am so bummed for us, even now she has been a breath of fresh air, even with all of the crap she has gone through, I am always hoping for good things with her, and if that means stopping the petty fights with Ramona so be it. I will still love her, and hope Burnett utilizes her talents.
After reading the update, I was thinking it was unprofessional not to give notice. But then I thought about what I just reread today about how Bravo treated Vickie — no pickup notice, her agent had to contact Bravo… Last minute, no notice… Payback is a MF Bravo. Boo f’ing hoo to you!
Unpopular opinion: go on girl!! She always seemed so OVER everyone and everything upon her return like an “angsty” teenager. That and constant product placement was too much. I will miss some podcast’s portrayal of her though.
Am I the only one who was sick of Bethany being so bossy and annoying. She talked over everyone at the Reunion and even though she pretended to be concerned about everyone, it was really always about Bethany. She had so many breakdowns, especially during vacations, it was laughable.
Yes you are the only one. You are also the only one who doesn’t know how to spell her name.
Belly laugh! Or, quoting Nanette here “BwaHaHaHaHa” because it works so well. An affirmative, decisive comment, just like Bethenny always has, “Yes you are the only one.” I haven’t told you lately how very much I love you and adore your site so… I love and adore you, your site and the glittering array of commenters that bring the very best of reading on any subject.
Damn, Bethenny made the show for me! I’m hopeful for any future projects Bethenny has in mind. I’m not very good with SM, I rely on everyone here but I do follow her so I guess I’ll pay more attention so I can stay caught up on what she’s doing.
I’m with you, that’s okay we are on an island alone.
Make room on that island. IMHO, some of the ‘screaming and misogyny’ came from BF herself.
Yes, her talking heads were often hilarious but she was also venomous and duplicitous.
I don’t like her either and I always misspell her name as well. I admire her charity work and business acumen but I find her abrasive and hypocritical (like almost of the women). SHe can dish it out but goes bananas when she has to take it. I loved her the first few years.
Most sad that the idiot Ramona is returning.
This.
RHONY is unwatchable without Bethenny. New York was the last one I still watched. I’m happy for my girl B, though, and I will tune in for anything she’s doing.
And I’ll still read here every day, TT, that will NEVER change!
Good luck to her, she was at breaking point last season, considering selling her business, something had to give and with not being able to film with Bryn and her boyfriend not wanting to film maybe she thought about what she’d said around Tinsley withholding parts of her life and how that’s not what the show is about. There’s a cynical part of me wonders about the timing, it’s made public that all of the HWs are returning, then this. Is there anyone she just wouldn’t film with anymore? Maybe she’d just had enough cabaret…
I am certainly sad. Of all these Charms, and HW NY was my very favorite. I will miss seeing her but damn, I am more than proud of her. She is finally stepping out and doing something positive for women. None of these shows on Bravo do that at all. Look what they have done to Barbara…not even given her a chance because she was a true Boss Lady I wish B all the very best and I am thankful that she has stated she is doing something to show a positive side of women with power, brains and ambition. I hope this is a new day for other intelligent, hardworking, women to step away and do us proud. I am sure Bravo will find another willing soul to stir, scream and sell their souls. Good for her
Well said
Well, occasionally Bravo does bring in great new cast members. She will be tough to replace, but I don’t think it’s impossible, it’s New York City afterall. They might need to let someone else go and bring in more new people so the show takes a different shape. I miss the early days when Ramona, Alex, and Bethenny all worked. It would be nice to have more career women with families. It would also be nice if they knew each other.
This is wonderful news for Bethenny and her daughter! She’s been through a lot the past couple of years and needs to focus on her daughter and new man. I wil miss her on the show, but sometimes a break is necessary.
She’s been friendly with Mark Burnett since she was on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart Edition.
No! ?
Sorry but I don’t want her on Shark Tank.
Me either. I like her again lately. I just don’t like her there. I also hope that whatever she does she’s better suited for than that disastrous talk show. That was painful as hell.
Good for her! I wish her the best.
Good for her. But boy, will we miss her. End of an era!
Damn! I loved NY because of her. I’m totally ? bummed out!
Well this sucks, no more housewives shows for me!
It makes sense. She is probably sick of the network and the people they keep around who don’t bother to film.
She also has a daughter and now a boyfriend who can’t/won’t film and she did buy a place outside of NYC and is the only honest person who wouldn’t just live in NYC when she needs to film.
Go Beth! No more crying and screaming to make “interesting” TV. I am glad that she is on to other exciting things. My favorite franchise, but I am very happy for her.
I am shocked and REALLY bummed. RHONY is/was my favorite, the only RH show I looked forward to watching. I love Bethenny. I wish her well, but she is part of why the show is so good. Please……Don’t bring back Jill!
I really wonder if leaving, besides the reasons she listed, if part of the reason is so that her ex can no longer bring up the produced crap of the show against her. I know he has tried and maybe succeeded in bringing up her behavior and the other women’s behavior in their court cases. I have never liked her ex, too much of a controlling ass for my tastes. While I don’t agree with trying to cut either parent out of their kids lives, I’d love for her ex to have less say in how Bethenny lives her life with Bryn.
I’m really shocked by the way Bethenny left. Wasn’t there a contract in place? I get why she did it, but still shocking she quit on the day filming started.
it makes sense. she doesn’t need the money or exposure for her brand anymore and seems like she is in a good place with her boston bf.
Say it ain’t true! ! Will be missed for sure. But whatever her plans are she will Shine! What a Bummer!
WHOA! I will miss her, but I am happy for her….Hello Jill Zarin!
While she could give as crazy as she got from the others…… there was never any doubt that B was being herself. A rarity on a “reality” show. Hmmn, guess next season will be about the rest fighting it out to be the new Queen.
I hope they add at least one brand new HW and keep Barbara.
Never has the saying that cream rises to the top been truer. Bethenny is cream. I would also point out to Carol Radzwill that she didn’t burn up the bridges behind her as she left. See, Carol, you never know when you’ll meet them again on your rise back up. Bethenny gave credit to Bravo for opening so many doors for her.
She’s always been my favorite since the first season. Godspeed Bethenny, I’m wishing you love and light.
Shocking, but the best decision for her and Brinn. I absolutely wish her the best. She is definitely the true essence of a “boss” woman. Shows hat empower women is what we need. Standing ovation for her.
Damn. What are the odds Ramona doesn’t go full on Ramona again to try and take over the RHONY HBIC position on that show. Oh shit; or worse Luann.
It’s shame really. RHONY is the one housewives show I really like watching. It’s got the least amount of BS filler of all of the shows.
The battle for Queen Bee will be fun to watch! This is why I would love to see Zarin come back and overshadow them both. That scenario could make Bethenny’s departure less painful.
He did give us Survivor first so I’ll give it a chance. If I decide my viewing habits based on politics I’d probably have to throw out my TVs cuz I’m sure someone on everything would piss me off.
Lord knows I will miss you BF. I always loved your quick-fire, whip-smart snarky mouth. I may be done with the Hs now. I barely watch or care about OC. BH has lost it’s pink sparkle. Jersey is a bunch of real NJ Housewife wannabes. Potomac bores me to death. I have hope for Dallas. Give me some more Sweet Home or eff off.
Oh, and Atlanta is too ratchet
I don’t blame Bethenny…she has done all she can with that show. I wasn’t always a fan but I think the show will suffer. Jill can’t carry it. The big story for Jill would need Bethenny’s presence something fans wanted. I thought filming outside the funeral home for Bobby was tacky. The whole show needs a shake up or hang it up.
Well that was a punch in the gut I didn’t need today!
Honestly sad she will no longer be on RHNY but I understand the desire to move on to bigger and better things.
Bye Bye RHONY, I will not be watching! I have 3 shows left RHOP and Southern Charms NOLA. Million Dollar Listing NY.
Crap, crap, and double crap!! She was THE BEST. But I totally get it. That was my old grocery store in Greenwich CT she was selling muffins (“You could hear a muffin drop in here!”)!! Jill was correct, she is the Queen of the one-liners. I will miss her but respect her enough to want the best for her. Saw this come across my phone while at work and thought, I’ll find out from TT when I get home!!
I, for one, was over Bethenny long ago. Tired of seeing others so far up her arse and accepting any treatment from her. Tired of her running the reunion. Tired of her tears of the custody battle. While I don’t think Jason is a Saint, I do think he’s a man who loves his child, and wants to be a part of his life. That doesn’t sit well with Bethenny. Her bemoaning no matter I do on the show it cannot be used in the custody case. I’ve read she has other irons in the fire and ready to move on. Well, everything she does outside of RHONY television wise tanks. Her talk show, her show with Fredrick, and she was a dud on Shark Tank. Now the rumors are floating she got married.
The only thing I hope is that Jill Zarrin does NOT come back.
No, he was an asshole who harassed her!! Carole heard firsthand his abusiveness.
I had come back for some of the RHONY shows solely for Bethenny, who I’ve watched since her run on Martha Stewart, even through that dreadful ice skating show, where she showed herself to be a real trouper & athlete. It’s past time for Shark Tank to bring in permanent new blood & Bethenny has shown herself to be an excellent fit there. Million Dollar Listing is the only Bravo show left for me. Southern Charm has fizzled into nothingness & the rest of the Housewives screaming lost me years ago. I will continue to follow Bethenny, wherever her destiny takes her. I wish her continued success, & future happiness.
I apologize for the late posting, I have been away from my computer this week. Wednesday was the day final court filings from the attorneys in the Frankel/Hoppy custody case were due, now they wait for the judge to make a ruling. I don’t believe the timing of Bethenny’s announcement was coincidental, she was waiting until after the filing date. Why? I have no idea.
Team B all the way and will greatly miss her on RHONYC!!!! Love her humor, her honesty, and her compassion ?
With her gone, how will anyone know when to GO TO SLEEP?!?
Sorry – Not sure why my comment appeared as a reply. ?
Agreed – Mark Burnett is a turd
Did Bethany really get married?