Real Housewives: 5 Storylines Fans Would Cut If They Could (& 5 They Wish Had More Space)
From a new housewife being introduced to one major storyline being the focal point, each season of the Real Housewives franchise follows some kind of formula. Fans count down the days until the season premieres as there's no better guilty pleasure.
While this is a reality franchise, the episodes are structured in a super entertaining way, and the storylines can be just as intense and easy to invest in as a TV drama. From a big moment in Vicki's relationship history to a fight that took over this season of RHONJ, there are some plotlines that fans enjoyed watching, and others that seemed unnecessary.
10 Would Cut: Meghan Looking For Her Family In Ireland
The cast went to Ireland in season 11, and Meghan King Edmonds felt that she could find some family members there. She made this a goal of the trip and she asked people if their name was O'Toole.
This was confusing, as Ireland is a big place and this isn't the best way to meet relatives, especially when there is no other information. Cast trips are always enjoyable to tune into, so this didn't seem necessary to include.
9 More Space: Brooks Pretending To Have Cancer
In season 10 of RHOC, Vicki Gunvalson's partner Brooks Ayers lied that he had cancer, and this led to a debate for the entire season. Meghan didn't believe him at all, and the others had their own ideas about what was happening.
Of all the greatest storylines on RHOC, this one really sticks out. It's hard to believe that someone would pretend to have such a serious illness, and fans were on the edge of their seats watching these episodes, wondering if Vicki was aware of what her partner was doing. Viewers would have tuned in if this storyline had lasted even longer.
8 Would Cut: Lisa Rinna Mentioned The Word "Munchausen"
The sixth season of RHOBH was focused on Yolanda Hadid and her Lyme disease. Lisa Rinna shared that she had heard the term "Munchausen" being used, and since that refers to someone who isn't really sick, Yolanda was understandably offended.
This is a storyline that many viewers would likely want to cut, as it caused lots of hurt feelings and unnecessary drama. Lisa felt badly later on and knew that it was wrong to bring this word up, and no one was on her side here. It was difficult watching this season, as Yolanda needed support and compassion from her friends, not a debate about whether she was sick. This was a moment when fans didn't agree with Lisa.
7 More Space: Garcelle's Dating Life
In one recent episode of RHOBH, Garcelle Beauvais met with a dating coach, as she feels ready to meet someone.
Fans would love if this storyline becomes a bigger part of season 11, as it's an inspiring, positive storyline. There has been so much fighting on recent seasons of RHOBH in particular, and it's really nice to see a cast member focusing on themselves and making a change in their life.
6 Would Cut: Teresa And Jackie's Argument
On the most recent season of RHONJ, Teresa Giudice told everyone that Jackie Goldschneider's husband Evan was having an affair. She said she heard it around town and that it was fine to repeat the rumor.
This ended up being a huge storyline spanning many episodes, and the others got involved, too, trying their best to support both Teresa and Jackie. It became a little dull to watch after a while as it seemed like the cast members were rehashing the same fight over and over again.
5 More Space: The Pajama Party On RHOA
In the season 6 episode of RHOA called "Pillow Talk or Pillow Fight," the cast members attended a pajama party, and drama ensued.
This was a super memorable episode, as NeNe Leakes planned the event and she had servers there. She also wanted them to have "pillow talk" and the couples who attended answered questions to see who had a better understanding of their partner. The Real Housewives often has some incredible parties and this was one of them. When Kenya Moore was late, NeNe was mad, and once she came to the party, a huge fight followed.
4 Would Cut: Dorit's Swimwear Line
In season 8 of RHOBH, Dorit Kemsley worked on a swimwear line, and this was brought up at various points during the season. The last episode, "The Runaway Runway," featured a fashion show that everyone attended.
While fans love Dorit for her memorable quotes and she's one of the most stylish cast members from the entire franchise, this wasn't the most popular storyline. Many viewers wanted a more in-depth look at how she was creating this line, but it didn't feel like the show focused enough on the day-to-day of being part of this industry.
3 More Space: Tinsley And Scott's Relationship And Future Plans
During her years on RHONY, Tinsley Mortimer dated Scott Kluth, and their relationship wasn't often stable, as they broke up a few times. The other cast members asked Tinsley about wedding and baby plans, and she sometimes got emotional about it.
It would have been great for more space to be devoted to Tinsley and Scott's romance, as fans were curious about how much they really did plan for the future, and if they wanted the same things. There wasn't much closure here, as Tinsley left RHONY halfway through season 12, and now she and Scott are over.
2 Would Cut: The Puppygate Storyline
Season 9 of RHOBH brought an awkward storyline that people call "Puppygate." Dorit and her family adopted a dog from Lisa Vanderpump's Vanderpump Dogs, and Dorit found a new home for the pet as they didn't have a great experience. The issue? The person who Dorit gave the dog to gave it to a shelter, which was understandably upsetting for Lisa. Things got even more complicated when Teddi Mellencamp shared that she had been told about it as her friend worked there.
This was an upsetting storyline as Dorit had the best of intentions and it seemed like things got blown out of proportion. Fans would have been fine if this situation got less airtime.
1 More Space: Learning More About Erika's Divorce
Season 11 of RHOBH isn't over yet, and many episodes so far have been devoted to Erika Girardi's divorce from Tom.
This is something that fans are really interested in, as they have known Erika to be a tough and fashionable person, and this season she is showing a side of her that talks about and processes emotions. It's been powerful to see her open up and fans hope to learn even more in the next few episodes. Erika's outfits are incredible and it's also nice to get to know her on a more personal level. Her particular situation might not be relatable as it's very complex, but the painful end of a relationship is something that many have gone through.