Real Housewives of New Jersey has been on ice since the Season 14 finale viewing. The cast was split into two groups and watched the finale in separate rooms. Viewers didn’t even get a RHONJ reunion because Teresa Giudice couldn’t be in the same room as Melissa Gorga. Plus, Margaret Josephs and Teresa continued their fiery feud. The negativity and anger were palpable, so there was no way that this cast could continue to film together.
So, while Bravo mulled over their options for RHONJ Season 15, fans and the cast waited for word. After all, the finale viewing party aired in August 2024. And there was still no word on what was happening with the show. Then, a glimmer of hope. Andy Cohen stated that there was some casting news to report. Kind of. “We’re close,” Andy said. Welp, we’ll take it!
So, with rumors flying about who made the cut, could RHONJ powerhouse Margaret be front and center for Season 15? It’s possible that with her reality experience and fearless pot-stirring, Margaret could lead a new era of RHONJ.
Could Real Housewives of New Jersey return with Margaret Josephs at the center?
During Season 8, Margaret joined the Jersey cast. She wasn’t afraid to start drama, and she lived for calling out her fellow cast members. Plus, Margaret delivers great TV. She has created, or been involved with, some of the most iconic moments in RHONJ history.
When Danielle Staub’s then-husband, Marty Caffrey, insulted her, Margaret and her hubby, Joe Benigno, sprang into action. They helped a fully dressed Marty into the pool. “Your husband is in the pool,” Margaret coolly told Danielle, who proceeded to freak out.
However, some moments were memorable, and not in a good way. During the Nashville trip in Season 12, Teresa accused Margaret of leaking unflattering stories about her beloved fiancé, and now husband, Luis Ruelas. When Margaret called Teresa “a sick disgusting liar,” the RHONJ “OG” emptied the table onto Margaret. Somehow, she managed to stay put and relatively calm while other members of the cast removed Teresa.
In addition, during Season 14, Margaret discovered that Teresa summoned the RHONJ cast and her attorney to her home. The reason? To dish some secrets about Margaret. Since she was missing the event, Margaret sent a tasteful floral arrangement.
It was, in fact, a large funeral wreath. The card read, “With deepest sympathy. Sorry for the loss of your dignity. Love, love, love, Margaret.” Once again, Margaret proved that she wasn’t afraid to confront anyone in the cast – even table-flipping Teresa.
Is Bravo setting up Margaret to lead the RHONJ reboot?
Margaret has made no secret of the fact that she would be more than willing to be part of RHONJ Season 15. And she previously suggested that she could helm the cast. Margaret told US Weekly, “Do I feel sad we’re not filming? It’s a welcome break, I’m not going to lie,” she stated, before adding, “Of course, I’d love to go back.”
As for the perfect cast to back her up? Margaret suggested “my friends and some new people thrown in” could join her for the upcoming season. Just like during Season 14, Margaret is still close to Melissa, Rachel Fuda, and Danielle Cabral. She also has a tight bond with Dolores Catania and Jennifer Fessler.
Of course, that leaves out Team Teresa, which consists of Jennifer Aydin and Jackie Goldschneider. Plus, in many ways, Margaret could be the glue that holds the franchise together.
Viewers are familiar with how Margaret stirs up drama. Sometimes, she went low, like when she revealed Jennifer’s husband, Bill Aydin’s, cheating scandal. Of course, Margaret’s emotional and raw response to her husband Joe Benigno’s prostate cancer diagnosis resonated with fans. She also showed her grief at the sudden death of her ex-husband, and best friend, Jan Josephs, in 2022. Margaret shared a vulnerability that RHONJ viewers hadn’t seen before.
Who else could join Margaret on RHONJ Season 15 from the former cast?
The Jersey casting rumors have been circulating, and of course, RHONJ alum Kim DePaola is part of the action. “The people … being considered are Margaret [Josephs], because she is going to BravoCon, Joe Gorga, he brings the fun, and Dolores [Catania],” Kim D predicted. Normally, Kim’s record is pretty spotty, but she occasionally has the tea. She also predicted that Teresa and Luis could nab their own spin-off.
Meanwhile, Dolores tried to refute the casting rumors about her, Melissa, and Margaret. “Cannot confirm,” Dolores replied. “This is what they say, ‘No decisions have been made yet.’”
Well, someone should tell Melissa’s husband Joe that information. At a charity softball game that Dolores organized, a fan asked Joe about his role in the upcoming season. “We’re back,” Joe stated, and held his finger to his lips. Worst secret-keeper ever!
Fans also thought that Margaret dropped a clue when she shared a post via Instagram. The fashion designer posed in front of an illustration of the Wicked Witch of the West. She did her best impression and captioned her pose, “Current Mood. ? #thewitchisback.”
If Margaret does return, it seems likely that Melissa and Dolores would join her. It remains to be seen if Danielle, Rachel, or Jenn Fessler would snag friend of the housewives roles. Of course, that means that new housewives, who are probably acquainted with Margaret, would be added to the Season 15 RHONJ roster.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is available to stream on Peacock and on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – COULD MARGARET JOSEPHS LEAD A NEW ERA OF RHONJ?
