NEW YORK – October 20, 2014 – Back by popular demand…Bravo Media announced today Bethenny Frankel will return to her roots for season seven of “The Real Housewives of New York City.” First premiering in 2008, Frankel became an instant fan favorite appearing as a main cast member in seasons one through three of “The Real Housewives of New York City” as well as two spin-off series on the network, “Bethenny Getting Married?” and “Bethenny Ever After…” The new season will follow Bethenny and returning cast Carole Radziwill, Heather Thomson, Kristen Taekman, LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan.
“I'm genuinely excited, with a side of slightly nervous, for my return to ‘The Real Housewives of New York City,” said Frankel. “Bravo has always been the place on television where I have the freedom to be unfiltered, honest and inappropriate, with an audience who has been with me from the beginning. I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings for all of us. Watch what happens!”
"Bethenny is one of the most popular Housewives in the history of the franchise, and I couldn't be more excited she is coming home to Bravo!,” said Andy Cohen, Host & Executive Producer, “Watch What Happens Live” and Executive Producer, “The Real Housewives” Franchise.
From a natural foods chef to best-selling author, reality TV star and self-made businesswoman and mom, Frankel's wit, wisdom and humor first came to national attention when she was named first runner-up on NBC's "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart." Her success on the series led her to star in Bravo's hit series, "The Real Housewives of New York" for three seasons, as well as two spin-off series on the network, "Bethenny Getting Married?" and "Bethenny Ever After..."
Bethenny serves as the committed brand collaborator, developer and marketer for Skinnygirl Cocktails, one of the fastest growing spirits brands in the U.S. Frankel’s Skinnygirl brand has grown to include food, wellness, and lifestyle products that provide women with practical solutions to everyday problems. In 2013, Frankel brought her distinct voice and candid point-of-view to daytime television on "Bethenny," her nationally syndicated daytime talk program and she has been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes magazine.
She is the four-time bestselling author of “Skinnydipping”, “A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out Of Life”, “Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinnygirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting”, “The Skinnygirl™ Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life”. She has also authored “Skinnygirl Solutions: Simple Ideas, Extraordinary Results”, the recently released children's book, "Cookie Meets Peanut," and her upcoming cocktail book, "Skinnygirl Cocktails."
“The Real Housewives of New York City” is produced by Shed Media U.S with Pam Healey, Lisa Shannon and Andrew Hoegl serving as Executive Producers.
Bravo is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been an NBCUniversal cable network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.
A New Chapter
Well, there has been a lot of speculation about my return to television and to Bravo in particular.
Bravo and I have maintained an incredible partnership and relationship over the years, which is something I am very proud of and grateful for. It really is where it all began for me, and you can’t forget where you came from.
After my talk show ended, I really had doubts about ever going back to television. I’ve been through a lot personally, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to expose myself to any more public scrutiny. That said, I’ve been so fortunate to be able to connect with the audience and inspire them to fulfill their wildest dreams. I learned a lot about myself through that experience. I really need to be able to express myself freely and creatively; I like when no two days are the same, and I don’t thrive when being filtered or edited.
I also love the ability to be able to focus on all the many aspects of my life and my business, which a talk show didn’t allow for. Most importantly, I missed being on the journey with you all, who were there with me from the beginning.
When I joined The Real Housewives (originally named Manhattan Moms), I was financially, personally, and professionally insecure. Embarking on that adventure with you and with Bravo changed my life forever.
After many years of hesitation, I have decided to return to my roots on The Real Housewives of New York City. I have been through a long and arduous road since my departure, and I’m finally coming out on the other side. It finally feels right to go home again.
The idea of doing the show feels exciting and refreshing, like it did at the beginning all those years ago. New faces, new circumstances, and in many ways, a new me and a new life.
I am truly coming from “a place of yes,” which is the only way to approach anything in life. This feels like the Eagles “Hell Freezes Over tour,” but never say never.
Thank you for your honesty, for standing by me, laughing and crying with me, supporting me and motivating me.
I can’t wait to see what the road ahead has in store for us.
Watch what happens.
Re-live some of Bethenny's best moments from
BravoTV.com.
