There seems to be nothing Bravo loves more than a pre-season casting rumor. It sets the drama in motion before cameras even start rolling. Currently in the spotlight is Real Housewives of New York!
While last season was shaky, ratings increased each week and fans started to really relate (or hate) the new additions. And despite the success, apparently Bravo execs didn't feel the reaction was good enough and they want more than luke-warm viewing.
“It's very simple: Shows like 'Housewives' are about ratings,” a network executive reveals to The Huffington Post. RHONY is "not a high-class show like 'Mad Men' that wins awards and appeals to top-notch advertisers. That’s why such a dramatic ratings drop is so devastating.”
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Ratings for season 5 were not stellar. It was the lowest rated season of the NY franchise with a 26% drop from season 4, however Andy Cohen insisted they were prepared for that and expecting fan fallout. “The show still gets a decent audience, plus, as the audience got to know the new ladies, ratings grew as the season progressed," an insider revealed.
Despite Andy's claims, Bravo is considering their options and deciding what to do for season 6 to ensure a higher return. “At the moment, it looks like all the ladies will be invited back, but alternatives are being discussed," an insider shares.
"Taping has been pushed back from January to the end of February until decisions have been finalized; at the moment, no cast members have been told they will be coming back."
According to the insider the biggest concern is money! "The biggest question now is, will the three new ladies get a pay raise from the $40,000 per season they currently earn and will Ramona Singer and LuAnn De Lesseps be asked to take a pay cut from the $400,000 they get?”
No wonder Bravo has started hiring already rich bitches, because if they're only making $40,000k a season they better walking the walk of the wealthy New Yorker!
Moving on, The Countess has sent her Christmas cards, dahling! Below is a copy of LuAnn's 2012 card featuring Jacques, her children, and her nephew… interesting.
[Photo Credit: Bravo]
TELL US – SHOULD BRAVO CHANGE THE RHONY CAST? WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE RETURN? GO?
