The New Housewives Report Card: Ranking the 2025 Standouts and Flops
A yearly tradition at the Housewives Institute has returned, offering a critical assessment of the newest cast members across the Real Housewives franchise. This year’s crop, largely drawn from revamped iterations of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac, has yielded a mixed bag of compelling personalities and underwhelming additions.
The Institute’s annual ranking of new Housewives has become a cornerstone of reality television analysis, previously awarding top marks to Monica Garcia in 2023 and Bronwyn Newport in 2024. However, the path to success isn’t always smooth, as evidenced by the controversy surrounding Garcia’s “receipts, proof, timeline, screenshots” rant shortly after her win. Despite this, Newport has continued to thrive in her second season, demonstrating the potential for growth within the franchise.
Notably, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw no new additions this year, a decision deemed justifiable given the show’s current “perfection.” However, the revamps of Atlanta and Potomac provided ample opportunity for fresh faces, though “friends of” the Housewives were explicitly excluded from consideration. Amanda Frances, the newest addition to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was disqualified due to the “Eileen Davidson Accords,” as she only appeared in a recent episode.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Housewives Who Didn’t Deliver
Some newcomers simply failed to resonate with audiences. According to one observer, if you were to look up “flop” in the dictionary, “there is a picture of Angel.” The new Housewife is categorized as a “low-energy downer” who struggles to articulate her grievances and lacks the spark needed to thrive in the demanding world of reality television. A midseason trailer for The Real Housewives of Potomac suggests her struggles will continue during the cast trip to Colorado.
Another newcomer, Brit, is described as being “not fit for purpose.” She allegedly spent her time complaining about a lack of connection with her fellow Housewives, yet failed to proactively build those relationships. As Porsha Williams pointed out, building rapport requires effort. Brit’s tenure was marked by threats of violence towards Kenya Moore, a poorly executed business launch, and a skipped reunion, leading to accusations of blaming others for her shortcomings. However, she did manage to achieve what many others have failed to do: temporarily remove Kenya Moore from the spotlight.
Promising, But Imperfect: Housewives with Potential
Kelli, described as a “pint-size princess,” possesses a valuable, yet often overlooked, quality: humor. However, her authenticity is questioned, with many perceiving her extravagant lifestyle – including a multicolored dog and a branded Sprinter van – as a carefully constructed facade. While she brings levity and fits in well with the group, she needs to “stop playing a Housewife and start being herself” to fully realize her potential.
Rising Stars: The Standout Newcomers
Several new Housewives have already made a significant impact. Shamea, a longtime background player on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has emerged as a central connector, bridging the gap between veteran and new cast members. Her willingness to challenge established friendships, particularly with Porsha Williams, and her fiery confrontations, such as yelling at Angela Oakley about her “’90s nose,” demonstrate a newfound readiness for the spotlight. Her momentum continued at BravoCon, where she openly clashed with Drew Sidora.
The revamp of The Real Housewives of London has been hailed as the best first season of a Housewives franchise in recent memory. Breakout star Amanda Cronin brought “extraordinary delusion,” while Juliet Angus delivered “pettiness” and Panthea Parker displayed a “dogged interest in gossip.” Karen Loderick-Peace brought “obscene wealth” and Nessie Welschinger simply brought herself, creating a compelling dynamic. The show’s success is encapsulated in the phrase, “back to Paddington, back to Paddington, back to Paddington.”
Tia, also from The Real Housewives of London, initially presented as reserved but quickly proved her willingness to engage in drama when provoked. She took a measured approach to forming alliances, ultimately siding against Stacey Rusch and her alleged lies. Her calm demeanor and unexpected assertiveness have made her a fan favorite.
Stephanie, on The Real Housewives of Miami, made an “indelible impact” despite joining only one season ago. She challenged Lisa Hochstein’s tardiness, confronted Alexia Echevarria and Marysol Patton, and ultimately reconciled with them by the reunion. Despite her occasionally frustrating behavior, she undeniably elevated the show’s entertainment value.
The Season’s MVP: Angela’s Unfiltered Reign
Angela, the newest addition to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has quickly become a standout. She arrived with a willingness to discuss deeply personal issues – including her mother-daughter dynamic, her husband’s infidelity, and her business failures – with remarkable honesty. She fearlessly challenged established cast members, bringing Drew Sidora on Porsha Williams’s trip against her wishes and confronting Phaedra Parks over leaked information. Her iconic moments, such as arriving at the reunion with a blinged-out fan and telling Brit Eady she had “miles on her mouth,” have solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with. After an amazing season, this NBA wife proved that she is ready to play in the big leagues.
For dedicated students of the Reality Television Arts and Sciences, the Housewives Institute Bulletin offers a comprehensive breakdown of all the gossip and drama, both on- and off-screen. Sign up here to be the first to read the next edition.
