Atlanta Housewives Return to Glamour and Good Times in Season 16
The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back, bringing a potent mix of familiar faces and fresh perspectives to Bravo screens. Season 16 promises a return to the series’ roots, emphasizing the glitz, glamour, and authentic connections that made Atlanta a flagship franchise. Premiering Sunday, March 9th at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with episodes streaming on Peacock the following day, this season sees the return of OGs Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, and Phaedra Parks, alongside returning cast member Drew Sidora and a group of new women ready to claim their peaches: Shamea Morton Mwangi, Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley.
For Phaedra Parks, returning after a six-season hiatus, this season is all about recapturing the lighthearted spirit that defined early Atlanta. "We’re trying to basically get back to what made Atlanta the flashiest of the franchise," she explains. "Just good, old-fashioned, fun sisterhood. Drama, but also, laughs and crying. I think that’s what became missing in those past two seasons."
Parks credits her return to two significant factors: the opportunity to reunite with Porsha Williams, and the return of Cynthia Bailey. The beloved "Frick and Frack" duo, Porsha and Phaedra, are back together after years of navigating their own separate journeys. "I love her," Parks says of Williams, emphasizing the depth of their bond. The reunion with Cynthia Bailey also played a pivotal role. "We came into the show together as newbies," Parks recalls. "I love Cynthia, and our children have grown up together. So that was a definite plus."
Cynthia Bailey is back as an official "friend of the Housewives," balancing her reality TV appearances with a burgeoning acting career. Despite her reduced role, Bailey assures viewers that she is "very involved" this season. "I ended up shooting a lot more than I even thought I would even be shooting, to be honest," she reveals.
Both Parks and Bailey express excitement for audiences to meet the new cast members. Shamea Morton Mwangi, a longtime friend of Porsha Williams, finally gets her chance to shine in the spotlight. Bailey describes Shamea as someone who "lives a fabulous life" and anticipates viewers will enjoy getting to know her on a deeper level.
The new additions bring unique personalities and dynamics to the group. Parks describes Brit Eady as a "ball of light" and a "beautiful girl inside and out," while Bailey labels her a "wild card" and a "fun time." Angela Oakley, married to former NBA player Charles Oakley, promises to deliver a compelling dynamic with her husband. Bailey suggests that viewers will enjoy her humor and her willingness to take on the role of resident pot-stirrer.
Kelli Ferrell, standing at just 5 feet tall, has already caught Phaedra Parks’ eye. Parks considers Ferrell her "little mini-me" and a "firecracker" in her own right. "She’s an entrepreneur, so I think that she’s going to be a great role model for women, but also she’s definitely very entertaining. She’s a very loud little woman," Parks says, laughing.
Porsha Williams acknowledges that she wasn’t well-acquainted with the new cast members, aside from Shamea Morton Mwangi, before filming began. She admits that some of these relationships had "a little rocky" start. However, the authentic connections developed naturally on screen. "Because I can relate to people who are real, and I will have to say that a few of these girls are real," Williams explains. "Some of them, we’re going through the same situation, and so they’re very relatable."
The returning Housewives also offer support and guidance to their fellow cast members. Cynthia Bailey emphasizes her role as a "voice of reason and a support system" for the women, particularly Drew Sidora, who is navigating a divorce. "Drew Sidora, I actually brought on show when she entered," Bailey says. "And she’s going through a divorce (from Ralph Pittman). Obviously we were able to connect on that, going through my own divorces in 2017 and 2022. I had some advice for her, in terms of that."
While Bailey continues to pursue her acting ambitions, with credits including "The Cosby Show" and "Star," Phaedra Parks has been busy juggling reality TV appearances on "Married to Medicine," "The Traitors," and "Dancing With the Stars," while also focusing on her family and career.
Parks reflects on the unique journey of raising her sons in the public eye. "Her two sons actually were born on the show, and I never took the day off, and people watched them grow up," she says. "Now them being young men, it’s a different type of supervision. They are entrepreneurs themselves, and so from watching how I work and my strong work ethic, I’m hoping that they will be more successful than I am."
Season 16 arrives after the departures of Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, and Sanya Richards-Ross. The season was further complicated by the exit of Kenya Moore following allegations of displaying "revenge porn." Moore was suspended from filming after an altercation with Brit Eady.
Despite these challenges, the cast remains optimistic about the impact of the "new blood" on the show. Cynthia Bailey believes that the fresh energy will revitalize the franchise. "A lot of people often talk about Season 6 being the sweet spot for Atlanta. It was something about that specific group of women, which I was a part of, that just worked. It just was good TV," Bailey recalls. "I’m excited to come back as a friend this season, to just help get the show back in that space where people really are excited to watch it again."
Bailey acknowledges that some viewers may have "dropped off" in recent seasons, making the addition of new faces all the more crucial. "The show ultimately has to be able to keep bringing a couple of new people in every season," she explains. "Otherwise, you end up with a cast where we’re just still having the same conversations and the same arguments."
Phaedra Parks echoes Bailey’s sentiments, promising a season that balances drama with lightheartedness. "We always have a splash of drama, but it won’t be dark, and so we’re trying to lighten it up and just enjoy each other," she says. "Right now, I think we’re in a moment where people come to television to escape. And so we’ll be offering an escape from everyone’s normal life with a lot of fun, a lot of fabulousness, a lot of fashion (and) a lot of very powerful stories, because everyone’s got a different story."
Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta promises to deliver a compelling blend of the familiar and the new, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with beloved personalities while embracing the fresh perspectives of the newest peaches in Atlanta. With drama, laughter, and plenty of fabulousness on the horizon, this season is set to be a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
