Rhony cast
Bravo has unveiled the cast for Season 16 of "The Real Housewives of New York City," marking a significant shakeup for the long-running reality series. The announcement, made on March 2, 2026, includes three returning full-time Housewives from the recent reboot, three new additions bringing diverse backgrounds, and the surprise return of a legacy cast member in a friend role. Filming is set to begin this week in New York City, promising a blend of familiar dynamics and new drama.
This reveal comes more than a year after the Season 15 finale, following speculation about the show's direction after its 2023 reboot. The updated lineup aims to refresh the series while honoring its roots, potentially addressing viewer feedback on previous seasons.
Returning Cast Members
Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, and Jessel Taank are the sole holdovers from the rebooted cast introduced in Season 14. De Silva, a content creator and influencer known for her fashion-forward style and candid social media presence, has been a staple since the reboot. Lichy, a real estate agent and mother of three, brings her entrepreneurial spirit and family-focused storylines back to the screen. Taank, a fashion publicist and mother of twins, gained attention for her unfiltered commentary and cultural insights in recent seasons.
These three were selected to continue amid departures from other reboot-era stars, providing continuity for fans who connected with their interpersonal conflicts and personal growth arcs.
Introducing the New Housewives
Season 16 introduces three new full-time Housewives: Erika Hammond, Daisy Toye, and Hailey Glassman, each adding unique professional expertise and personal histories to the mix.
Erika Hammond, 34, is a celebrity fitness trainer and co-founder of Rumble Boxing, a popular group fitness studio. She previously worked as a WWE Diva and developed fitness programs at Equinox. Hammond married billionaire Ankur Jain, founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, in a high-profile ceremony in Egypt in April 2024. Her connections to the fitness world and elite social circles are expected to bring high-energy dynamics to the group.
Daisy Toye is a renowned celebrity makeup artist with a clientele including lifestyle icon Martha Stewart. Toye frequently shares her work on Instagram, highlighting glamorous transformations and behind-the-scenes moments. Married to hairstylist Eugene Toye since 2016, she is also a mother to son Quinton, born in 2017. Her ties to celebrity culture and creative industry could introduce fresh storylines centered on beauty, family, and high-society events.
Hailey Glassman brings over a decade of experience as a public relations professional. She previously made headlines in 2009 for her brief relationship with Jon Gosselin from the reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," following his divorce from Kate Gosselin. Glassman has described that chapter as her "first love" but emphasized she is not seeking fame. Her PR background and past in the spotlight may fuel discussions on media, relationships, and personal reinvention.
These newcomers were chosen for their existing friendships with returning cast members, ensuring organic interactions from the start.
Carole Radziwill's Anticipated Return
In a move that has excited longtime fans, Carole Radziwill is returning to "RHONY" as a friend of the cast—her first appearance since Season 10 in 2018. Radziwill, an Emmy-winning journalist and author, was a mainstay from Seasons 5 to 10, known for her sharp wit, literary pursuits, and memorable feuds, including with Bethenny Frankel and Luann de Lesseps.
She exited the series to focus on her career, stating in 2018 that she wanted to return to journalism and avoid contrived drama. Her return follows a reconciliation with executive producer Andy Cohen after a public feud stemming from Season 10 tensions. Bravo credited fan loyalty for her comeback, quoting her iconic tagline: "In the marathon of life, loyalty is everything."
Radziwill's recent social media interactions with Erin Lichy suggest she will integrate seamlessly, bridging the legacy era with the reboot.
Notable Departures from Season 15
Several faces from recent seasons will not return. Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan, who were involved in heated controversies during Season 15's finale, have exited. Racquel Chevremont, a mid-season addition, is also out. Designer Jenna Lyons confirmed her departure in November 2025, citing a desire to step away after two seasons. Rebecca Minkoff, who appeared as a friend in Season 15, will not continue, having struggled to connect with the group.
These changes follow viewer critiques of the reboot's dynamics, with Bravo aiming to refine the ensemble for better engagement.
Production and Filming Details
Filming for Season 16 kicks off this week in New York City, with no premiere date announced yet. The series is produced by Shed Media for Bravo. In a notable behind-the-scenes shift, Lori Gordon, former showrunner of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," takes over leadership duties.
Andy Cohen, the franchise's executive producer, teased in May 2025 that casting involved meetings with numerous women, emphasizing natural group connections. The season is expected to highlight real friendships, personal milestones, and the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
Why This Cast Shakeup Matters
The "Real Housewives of New York City" has been a Bravo cornerstone since 2008, evolving from its original lineup to a full reboot in Season 14 amid declining ratings. The inclusion of Radziwill as the first legacy star to cross over signals an effort to blend nostalgia with modernity, potentially reigniting interest among veteran viewers who missed the original cast's charisma.
This matters in the broader reality TV landscape, where franchises like "Real Housewives" face competition from streaming docuseries and social media influencers. By incorporating diverse professions—from fitness and beauty to PR—and high-profile personal lives, Season 16 could deliver relatable yet aspirational content. Fan reactions on social platforms have been mixed, with excitement over Radziwill's return tempered by questions about the newbies' ability to generate compelling drama.
What Happens Next
With cameras rolling imminently, viewers can anticipate episodes focusing on the cast's careers, relationships, and inevitable conflicts in the Big Apple. Bravo has not specified an air date, but seasons typically premiere several months after filming wraps. In the meantime, related projects like the E! series "The Golden Life," featuring original "RHONY" stars such as Ramona Singer and Luann de Lesseps, offer additional content for fans.
This evolution underscores Bravo's commitment to refreshing the franchise while respecting its history, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal season in "RHONY's" legacy.
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