Andy Cohen unveiled the newest franchise at BravoCon as Dolores Catania makes a surprise crossover appearance
The Real Housewives universe just expanded to the smallest state in America. Andy Cohen dropped the first trailer for The Real Housewives of Rhode Island during an Ask Andy panel at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on Sunday, giving fans their first glimpse at the franchise’s latest addition.
The announcement came months after Bravo first revealed plans to bring the beloved reality series to New England. When the network initially shared the news in May, they described the cast as a tight-knit circle with deep community roots and families stretching back generations. Now, viewers know exactly who will be bringing the drama to Ocean State screens.
Meet the seven women making Rhode Island reality
The premiere season introduces a fresh group whose lives intersect across New England’s luxury coastline. Alicia Carmody leads the pack as Rhode Island born and bred, though her relationship status remains complicated. After eight years engaged to fiancé Billy Kitsilis, she still hasn’t walked down the aisle, even with their daughter Celina in the picture. When not dodging wedding bells, Carmody helps Billy run his restaurant, Pizza Mamma.
Rosie DiMare brings entertainment industry experience as a former local television news anchor who transitioned into DJing and hosting her own lifestyle program. She’s been married for one year to Rich DiMare, a well-known Frank Sinatra style singer who keeps the couple connected to Rhode Island’s performance scene.
Bachelor Nation fans will recognize Ashley Iaconetti, who found love with Rhode Island native Jared Haibon on Bachelor in Paradise. Now a mom to sons Dawson and Hayden, she’s building her career as a social media powerhouse while adjusting to life in her husband‘s home state and its unique social dynamics.
Liz McGraw claims the title of Rhode Island’s cannabis queen. She owns and operates The Slater Center, the state’s largest and most successful dispensary, alongside her husband. Beyond business, McGraw devotes herself to stepmom duties for Miranda, Briana and Skyla, bringing a blended family perspective to the cast.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli combines financial expertise with motherhood as a certified financial planner and wealth manager. She’s raising two young children, Luca and Laila, with her husband Brian, a prominent Rhode Island podiatrist whose professional reputation adds another layer to their social standing.
Kelsey Swanson parlayed her Miss Rhode Island crown into becoming one of the state’s top makeup artists. She’s maintained a 10-year relationship with one of Rhode Island’s most notable figures, though the network is keeping that identity under wraps for now.
Jo-Ellen Tiberi rounds out the main cast as the self-proclaimed town gossip. One of the country’s top aesthetic practice development managers, she married her high school sweetheart Gary and they share three children: Gian, Jolie and Gia. Her insider knowledge of local affairs positions her as the cast member who knows everyone’s business.
A familiar face joins the mix
The show will also feature appearances from Dolores Catania of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, who joins as a friend of McGraw. The crossover brings established Housewives energy to the new franchise while creating potential connections between the two geographically close series.
What to expect from Ocean State drama
The teaser trailer reveals the cast’s awareness of their state’s peculiar position. They acknowledge Rhode Island is barely visible on maps, yet to them, it represents the center of the universe. One cast member explains that in Rhode Island, nobody tells the truth and everyone lies to each other’s faces, adding that it’s the smallest state with the biggest attitude.
The deep-rooted nature of Rhode Island society becomes a recurring theme. Cast members note that everyone knows everyone else’s extended families, and newcomers face suspicion. As Carmody puts it, if locals didn’t see you in kindergarten, it becomes a problem.
Cohen previously teased the series would deliver an incredible cast with strong Italian heritage. He told reporters the women all know each other and overlap in fascinating ways, predicting the connections would surprise viewers. He later described the show’s vibe as Italian with a capital I, promising it would give fans early Jersey vibes reminiscent of The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s inaugural seasons.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will premiere in 2026 on Bravo. BravoCon 2025 continues through Sunday at Las Vegas’ Caesars Forum, where more franchise announcements and special programming previews are expected throughout the weekend.
Source: People.com