'Real Housewives' Executive Producer Talks About NeNe Leakes' Potential Return To The Franchise
A former executive producer of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has weighed in on NeNe Leakes' potential return to Bravo and the "Real Housewives" franchise. In a new interview with The Shade Room, Carlos King, a former "RHONJ" and "RHOA" producer and creator of the OWN reality series "Love & Marriage: Huntsville," addressed the rumors suggesting Leakes is on her way back to the network after a five-year hiatus. King expressed excitement for the OG's grand return, saying she "deserves" it.
Is NeNe Leakes Coming Back To Bravo?
As previously reported by The Blast, sources close to the production of Bravo's spin-off, "Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip," revealed that Leakes has been negotiating her contract to appear on the series.
"Real Housewives" godfather Andy Cohen discussed the series at BravoCon 2025, calling it an epic celebration of the show's 20th anniversary. Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock Unscripted, also spoke about the new series, saying, "For two decades, the Real Housewives has amplified women’s voices, spotlighted their ambition, humor, and strength, inspiring millions with their unapologetic authenticity."
Berwick continued, "The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip' is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon — and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn."
Does King Think NeNe Leakes Will Fit In On The Series After Five Years Away?
When asked whether he believed Leakes would be a strong fit to return to the "Real Housewives" franchise, King wasn't shy about praising the legendary reality star.
"NeNe fits in whatever room she enters," he said. "We're talking about [NeNe Leakes], who is the queen of reality television. She's the greatest Housewife of all time, and I'm hearing the rumors as well, and I think this is a step in the right direction for all of us NayNays [NeNe's fanbase]."
Furthermore, King advocated for Leakes' permanent return to her staple franchise, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." King praised Leakes as the leader of "RHOA" before saying he hopes her potential return is as bold as she is.
NeNe Leakes Sued Bravo, Alleged Racism On Set
If Leakes does return to Bravo, her return will certainly make headlines, as she sued the network in 2022. In a bombshell lawsuit, Leakes claimed Bravo and "RHOA" production companies fostered "a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not, encouraged."
Elsewhere in the lawsuit, Leakes cited specific examples of where she believed she was the victim of racism. She also asserted that Bravo didn't protect her from the alleged harmful instances. "As the Black Lives Matter movement swept our nation, Mrs. Leakes — Bravo's historically most successful Black female talent — should have been embraced by NBC, Bravo, and True," the suit read. "Instead, NBC, Bravo, and True forced her out of the 'house she built,' denying her a regular role."
Leakes Seemingly Called Cohen 'Racist' In An Explosive Social Media Post
I will ALWAYS eat and eat good! Believe that. I have ALWAYS believed in multiple streams of income so the leakes are good you ole cocaine head and you ole racist. No one knew you until YOU knew me. Remember I’m ICON. Don’t forget
— NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes) September 28, 2020
Her lawsuit against the network is just part of the story. After her "RHOA" exit in 2020, Cohen spoke with former talk show host Wendy Williams about her departure, during which Williams made shady statements about the "Glee" actress.
In a series of posts on X, Leakes fired back at Williams, calling her "ole cocaine head" while later appearing to refer to Cohen as "ole racist."
"I have ALWAYS believed in multiple streams of income so the Leakes are good you ole cocaine head and you ole racist. No one knew you until YOU knew me. Remember I’m ICON. Don’t forget," she shared.
While the pair haven't been seen together publicly in years, Leakes stated that she was ready to move forward with the network and lay their problems behind them.
Cohen Shared An Emotional Post About Leakes' Exit In September 2020
Cohen reacted to Leakes' exit with an emotional post on Instagram. In his caption, the father of two called the "New Normal" star an "icon of the genre" before praising her for her contributions to the series. "Through her whole run, she has always had a serious concern and drive to maintain the success and well-being of #RHOA," he wrote. Concluding his message, he remained hopeful that he and Leakes would not only stay in each other's lives, but that they'd work together again. Now, it appears that moment may finally be happening.
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