When Bravo announced that Gretchen Rossi would be returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19, fans were divided. Some were thrilled to see one of the series’ most controversial blondes make a comeback. Others weren’t sure if the glam-loving, handbag-hawking, Slade Smiley-devoted Gretchen still had a place in the post-pandemic OC. But now that the sneak peeks have dropped, and we’re two episodes in, one thing is crystal clear: bringing Gretchen back was the smartest move RHOC has made in years.
She’s bringing old-school drama, new shade, and the kind of chaotic energy that made this franchise iconic in the first place. Love her or love to hate her, Gretchen is the jolt of citrus this show desperately needed.
Gretchen’s return to the Real Housewives of Orange County isn’t just a blast from the past. It’s a blast of energy the franchise desperately needed. She’s dramatic, she’s polarizing, and she will be carrying half the season on her rhinestone-encrusted shoulders.
Having Gretchen Rossi back in RHOC Season 19 is great
Seriously, folks, Real Housewives of Orange County had been in a bit of a slump. The cast was fragmented, the storylines felt forced, and the drama lacked the sparkle of seasons past. Enter: Gretchen.
From the moment she walked back onto our screens (in full glam, obviously), it was like the show remembered what it was supposed to be. Gretchen didn’t come to play nice. She came to reclaim her orange. In her first scene of Episode 2, she is already buddying up to Jenn Pedranti and Katie Ginella – enemies of her enemy, Tamra Judge. Whether she’s throwing shade during hot pot or sipping wine while casually dragging Tammy Sue, she’s doing it with the kind of Bravo polish that only a seasoned housewife can deliver.
What makes her return work so well is that Gretchen doesn’t feel like a relic from the past. She feels like a reboot that actually understands the assignment. Best of all? She knows her history with this group. And she’s not pretending any of it didn’t happen. Gretchen’s scenes with Heather Dubrow and Emily Simpson? Delightfully awkward. Her tension with Tamra? Simmering. And her constant ability to remember every detail of a specific feud? Iconic. She’s not just fitting in. She’s standing out. And RHOC is better for it.
Why the clashes between Tamra Judge and Gretchen Rossi are a highlight of the season
Since the dawn of time, The Real Housewives of Orange County has always thrived on frenemies. And few rivalries have kept us more entertained than Tamra versus Gretchen. Their feud has spanned over a decade, complete with accusations of staged proposals, clashing over Slade, and that unforgettable moment when Tamra asked about Bass Lake. So when Gretchen walked back in this season, you could feel the tension before either of them said a word. And they are going to deliver. Viewers can look forward to seeing passive-aggressive brunches to not-so-subtle digs about who really built their career off the show.
Every interaction between Tamra and Gretchen for this season will be Bravo gold. There’s history. There’s resentment. And there’s zero chance these two will ever be besties, which is exactly why it works. Their dynamic adds stakes to every group scene. When they’re at the same table, everyone else braces for impact. And unlike some cast feuds that feel forced, this one is rooted in years of real animosity. It’s messy, it’s petty, and it’s everything we tune in for.
Personally, I’m Team Gretchen Rossi
Even the smaller moments — like Tamra pretending nothing ever happened in hopes of avoiding war — feel authentic. These women don’t need to fabricate drama. Their personalities do it naturally. It helps that Gretchen enjoys going toe-to-toe with Tamra, as it’s the power balance this cast needed. For too long, Tamra’s been able to dominate the group dynamic. But Gretchen? She’s not intimidated, and she’s not backing down.
Whether you’re Team Gretchen, Team Tamra, or Team Just Here for the Mess, there’s no denying that Gretchen’s presence has reignited the spark that made RHOC a Bravo cornerstone. She knows the game, she plays it well, and she looks fabulous doing it. So, if you were skeptical about her return? Consider this your official reminder: Never doubt a housewife who’s been through the reunion wringer and still comes back smiling.
Real Housewives of Orange County is available to stream on Peacock. The show streams on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – ARE YOU HAPPY GRETCHEN IS BACK ON RHOC?
