Does the cast ofThe Real Housewives of AtlantaSeason 16 actually suck? Depends on who you ask. But we’re entering the season with some very high-stakes, so the pressure is on.The new cast for the long-running Bravo series is easily one of the biggest wildcards.There’s a lot of change that’s been happening all over Bravo, but this new shift in the lineup onRHOAhas caused many fans to believe that it’s just not going to be the best season it could be.
Thanks to the promo photo drop, our cast will feature seven peach-holders and one “Friend of.” Of course, one legendary star was very much missing in the black, gold, and leopard print themed:Kenya Moore. As much as she’d love to take credit for the make or break ofThe Real Housewives of Atlanta, we simply cannot give her that. At least not right now. But with her absence, it means that there is no defined villain. Instead, there is one returning cast member from Season 15, two former peach-holders making their Frick and Frack reunion a reality, a long-time “Friend of” finally getting her flowers, three newbies who have yet to pop preseason, and long-time cast member returning in “Friend of” capacity who doesn’t seem to want to be there. Season 16 is a wild card season. We have immense hope, but after being perhaps the dominating franchise in the Bravo universe,there is reason to have trepidation.
‘RHOA’ Features a Lot of Changes
The Real Housewives of Atlantahas been a tried and true example of high drama and expected entertainment. There has always been a link that’s grounded the season, no matter who was present in the title sequence. For Season 16, it’s a bit different.Kandi Burrussis no longer the staple. The woman holding down the fort. Despite familiar faces, this new cast is essentially a reboot. Thanks to the handy-dandyconnection chart Bravo shared on their Instagram,Shamea Morton Mwangiis the cast member to which the entire cast is connected.Which is crazy since this is Shamea’s first season as a full-time peach holder.With Shamea as the link of the season, there’s a lot of unknowns involved. The chemistry is uncertain. So, now’s the time to trust that the cast shakeup will maintain the integrity of the show.
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Starting with our three new Housewives,Brit EadyandKelli Ferrellare close friends who are friends with Shamea, whileAngela Oakleyis an acquaintance to Shamea, but with a stronger link toDrew Sidora. While we don’t know too much about them yet, they are essentially filling a massive void with very high expectations. Their mission, if they choose it, is to forge their own paths and share their own stories. As full-time peach holders, they must be able to hold their own and not just be supplementary characters to the others. From what we’ve been teased, there is great potential, but they haven’t quite popped in the way the big stars of the show have. Perhaps Bravo is saving those moments for later.
Season 16 Has Villain Upside
The entire future of Season 16 was completely changed by one of the franchise’s biggest villains, Kenya Moore. As we will soon learn how it all plays out,when Kenya Moore launched her attack on Brit Eady, the entire trajectory of the season changed.Kenya was no longer filming the series.Phaedra Parkswas asked to make her long-awaited return. And now, we’re here. How many episodes will it take to get to the culmination of Kenya’s story? We don’t know. But when she officially departs, who will take on the villain status? Will we just have antagonists?
Based on what we’re seeing from the new trio, they all have attributes that may lead to some diabolical blood coursing through their veins. Could one of them take the ball and run with it? While Brit Eady’s narrative thanks to Kenya may not warrant, it doesn’t mean she isn’t a pot stirrer. A victim of such an attack may create enemies in other places. We just don’t know quite yet. There may be some tension between Shamea and Porsha Williams,whose friendship has been a rocky road since they both appeared togetheron the show.Cynthia Bailey, in her “Friend of” status is very unlikely to be anything but a positive force. Phaedra? Based on her antics in the Married to Medicine friend group, she’s just going to be here for a good time.Without an antagonist in the group, the season could easily go downhill in the mundane.
Who Is the Central Star of ‘RHOA’ Now?
Before Kandi Burruss became the voice of reason and biggest name on the series,The Real Housewives of AtlantawasNene Leakes' show. Had Kenya Moore not been dismissed from filming this season, it’s in all likelihood she would have finally had her time in the center spotlight. That reality is gone. That honor has now gone to Porsha Williams and, based on their explosive and uneven past, it’s destroying every fiber of Kenya’s being to see Porsha becoming the face of the franchise.Does Porsha have the ability to carry the series?Her divisive past may prove difficult.
Based on all trailers and pre-season discussion, previous relationships will be the central focus of the season. Whether it’s the Frick and Frack reunion between Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora using Dennis McKinley, Porsha’s ex, as her music producer, or the rollercoaster ride of Shamea and Porsha’s friendship, how these stories play out will determine the fate of the season. Is it possible these stories have already run dry? It’s certainly a fear. It’s crazy to think that there is uncertainty about this season. The cast rundown has fan favorites. But it’s the dynamic of this specific group that has yet to go untested. A television show requires the right amount of chemistry.That’s what Season 16 will be up against.
