PROVIDENCE — Move over, Beverly Hills.
The Ocean State will be the new setting for the hit “Real Housewives” franchise, Bravo confirmed Wednesday.
“Set against the shores of the Ocean State, ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise expands into the world of a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations,” Bravo’s announcement said.
The network has not said who has been cast on the show, which towns or cities the production will focus on, or when the season is slated to be released.
“With aspirational lives, thriving businesses and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there’s no escaping your past … or each other,” the Bravo announcement continued.
“Real Housewives” has been on the air for nearly two decades, with 10 other locations including Orange County, Atlanta, New York, Beverly Hills, New Jersey, and Miami.
Social media chatter was circulating back in December that Rhode Island was in consideration, with fans chiming in on which towns or cities deserved the spotlight.
Steve Feinberg, executive director of Rhode Island’s Film and TV Office, said he couldn’t give any details on the cast or where the show is being filmed. But he said months ago that Rhode Island was in consideration against several other states.
Feinberg said Wednesday he didn’t ask which states Rhode Island beat out. “Nobody compares to Rhode Island,” he said.
Feinberg said by law, reality shows are not eligible for tax credits that other movie and TV productions receive in Rhode Island. Recent productions filmed in the state include “Ella McCay,” an upcoming film directed by James L. Brooks, and HBO’s “The Gilded Age.”
“‘The Real Housewives’ franchise sparked an avalanche of enthusiasm when word spread that this entertaining series just might land in the Ocean State,” Feinberg said in a press release celebrating the announcement. “Well, good news, folks. ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ is ready to roll and take the world by storm!”
Governor Dan McKee said he welcomed the franchise’s “millions of viewers” to Rhode Island’s “vibrant communities, amazing food, rich history and stunning coastal beauty.”
“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is produced by Evolution Media, according to the announcement. Lucilla D’Agostino, Joseph Ferraro, Jen McClure-Metz, and Andy Cohen are executive producers.
Bravo announced three other new shows on Wednesday: “Ladies of London,” “The Valley Persian Style,” and “Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition.”
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