RHONJ: Why Bravo Needs To Give Dolores Catania A Spin-Off
The new season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey proves that star Dolores Catania deserves a spin-off series on Bravo. The old-school Italian has been in the tight-knit RHONJ fold since the very beginning, receiving an offer to join the original RHONJ cast in season 1. Though she turned it down for personal reasons, Dolores became a memorable presence as a "friend" of the housewives. Her fandom reached new heights when she officially joined the main cast in season 7, opening the world up to her dating life, her journey of self-discovery, and family. Audiences everywhere connected with the housewife, voting her as Miss Congeniality out of every Real Housewives franchise on Bravotv.com in 2018.
The frosting on Dolores' charming storyline is her unconventionally strong relationship with her ex-husband Frank Catania. Dolores worked hard to rebuild a bond with Frank after discovering he had been unfaithful while she was nine months pregnant with their second child Frankie. Putting her love for her two children (which also includes Dolores' eldest, daughter Gabby) over any tension with Frank, Dolores displayed that it's possible to move on from infidelity. Over the seasons, fans witnessed their enviable dynamic and rooted for them to rekindle their flame. Though they aren't getting back together, their relationship reached new heights in season 12, when it was revealed that they'd all be moving in together for the first time.
The Catania family under one roof is reality TV gold. Though RHONJ season 12 has given fans glimpses of family meetings and the move-in process, the situation has all the ingredients of a delicious limited-series spin-off. With fan-favorite and powerhouse matriarch Dolores at the top, it practically sells itself. Add in bumbling softy Frank and their two outspoken children, and there's sure to be hours of entertainment to add to the Bravo-verse. Centered on both Dolores and Frank trying to balance their respective dating lives as their older kids navigate their own lives, the show could give RHONJ fans just what they want: more Dolores.
Bravo could call the show Dolores' House or Casa Catania, capturing the ups and downs of the milestone moment in the family's life. Of course, another draw would be the golden nuggets of wisdom that Dolores drops whenever she lights up the screen. In a similar fashion to Caroline Manzo's three-season spin-off series Manzo's with Children, this series would show Dolores ruling the roost. Not to mention that having Dolores' extended family and RHONJ co-stars, such as Teresa Giudice, make appearances would certainly amp up the entertainment factor.
When done right, spin-offs have proven to be viable properties for Bravo, with shows like Don't Be Tardy and Vanderpump Rules bringing in major ratings. The possibility of a RHONJ spin-off is very likely as it will have the most successful ingredient: a popular housewife as the centerpiece. In the end, it would come down to whether or not the Catania clan is ready to have the focus all on them. After shooting the dramatic season 12 reunion, which Dolores herself called the "worst" she's ever been a part, the family might not jump at the chance for more time in the spotlight.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.